2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

[Davidg83]

Got my email notification that my magic bands have shipped! Getting super excited to head to Florida!

 

[run.minnie.miles]

@Ariel484 You are my go-to rundisney expert ... Does the PHM course map look similar to the marathon course where you did run through the castle?

 

[Ariel484]

@Ariel484 You are my go-to rundisney expert ... Does the PHM course map look similar to the marathon course where you did run through the castle?

...not exactly the same, but again, could be artistic license.

Marathon:

Princess:

 

[run.minnie.miles]

...not exactly the same, but again, could be artistic license.

Marathon:

Princess:

Hmm... It's not really looking like we'll run through the castle, does it? It's interesting (frustrating) how unclear the princess map is...

 

[AbbyJaws2003]

Hmm... It's not really looking like we'll run through the castle, does it? It's interesting (frustrating) how unclear the princess map is...

This is the same question we had for the WDW Half, the maps are the same but when the USATF course came out (after the race was supposed to happen) someone said that it did in fact go through the castle. Obviously we weren't able to confirm it, but if all things are the same hopefully we can assume that we do actually run through it. I am hoping at least, it is one of the parts I love so much on the course!

 

[run.minnie.miles]

This is the same question we had for the WDW Half, the maps are the same but when the USATF course came out (after the race was supposed to happen) someone said that it did in fact go through the castle. Obviously we weren't able to confirm it, but if all things are the same hopefully we can assume that we do actually run through it. I am hoping at least, it is one of the parts I love so much on the course!

I am rethinking it and think you're right... they are so close, it seems silly to not run through... especially during a princess themed race. I guess we'll just wait and see!

 

[Ariel484]

I heard the same thing as @AbbyJaws2003...here is the certification for the WDW Half, FWIW (traditionally same course as Princess). This DOES make it look like we go through the castle:

I think the reasoning behind potentially taking it out is that it is a MAJOR choke point on the course. Funneling all of those people through a narrow, tight space where people want to stop and take selfies is tough. When the Marathon Weekend event guide came out, the "welcome letter" DID say that the half course included a run around, not through, Cinderella Castle. Not sure if that was a typo or they later changed the course or what (since, as everyone knows, we didn't get to run it).

In my opinion...I do enjoy the castle run, but the true highlight of the course, to me, is coming into MK, taking the right turn onto Main Street and seeing the castle at the hub. That's the sort of "holy **** I'm here!" moment to me.

 

[The Expert]

Tested all the costume bits today and I think I've figure out which one for which race.

For the 5K, Merida, as it's the only one I can really wear a wig while doing. I've got several family members with me and we'll be walking. It's just a rT tank and SS skirt.

For the 10K, Giselle from Enchanted! Custom top & sleeves by iGlowRunning on Etsy, and custom SS skirt in same fabric.

And finally, Darth Elsa for the Half! Custom top from iGlowRunning on Etsy, SS skirt, headband from Etsy.

 

[courtneybeth]

Those costumes are awesome!

 

[Ariel484]

Anyone else refreshing runDisney.com over and over looking for waivers? Just me?

 

[ChiTownZee]

I was looking through the Event Guide and saw about them saying to please not check a gEAR bag. Are they just talking about regular bags or something else besides you MUST use the "clear gEAR bag provided at packet pick-up"? And please do not check gold or gel packs? Are they talking about energy gel packs? I was planning on bringing pouch thing for my waist with my gels and electrolyte salts, and phone, and possibly one of my small waist water bottles in case I'm dying for a drink between stations. How what's up with verifying your gEAR bag after you finish?

 

[Ariel484]

I was looking through the Event Guide and saw about them saying to please not check a gEAR bag. Are they just talking about regular bags or something else besides you MUST use the "clear gEAR bag provided at packet pick-up"? And please do not check gold or gel packs? Are they talking about energy gel packs? I was planning on bringing pouch thing for my waist with my gels and electrolyte salts, and phone, and possibly one of my small waist water bottles in case I'm dying for a drink between stations. How what's up with verifying your gEAR bag after you finish?

Gear check is if you want to check a bag at the start and then pick it up at the finish - not the stuff you have "on" you during the race.

 

[ChiTownZee]

Gear check is if you want to check a bag at the start and then pick it up at the finish - not the stuff you have "on" you during the race.

Thank you!!! I'm suddenly feeling very unprepared with all the info in the event guide and these being my first races.
So you can bring energy gels, just not 'check' them?

 

[courtneybeth]

Merch is listed in two buildings -- which is the preferred merch building to get the best selection?

Having only done Disneyland races this layout is very perplexing.

 

[joan4mickey]

As for the event guide, there has always been hard copies at then expo. And for the course, if I remember correctly, it appeared like that last year and we ran through the castle. It just makes sense as the way the spectators are set up at the MK

 

[NewRunner]

Anyone else refreshing runDisney.com over and over looking for waivers? Just me?

Not just you! I was really hoping that event guide today would mean Waivers too....although I have found it looks like the last two races waivers came out 3 weeks before race, so I'm guessing next week.

 

[joan4mickey]

Merch is listed in two buildings -- which is the preferred merch building to get the best selection?

Having only done Disneyland races this layout is very perplexing.

In the past the merch in packet pick up building has been Disney stuff. So a Disney both in both buildings. Hope that helps

 

[courtneybeth]

In the past the merch in packet pick up building has been Disney stuff. So a Disney both in both buildings. Hope that helps

As I have a pre-order jacket and Dooney Bag to pick up in addition to bib, I think i'm going for the merch cage in the bib building then.

Thanks for the tip!



I looked at the corral set up for the half and am panicking. What if I don't get a "good" letter? Was all of my hard work towards a 1:13 10K worth it to get a better letter? How far forward will I be? I am not worried about sweeping. I'm more worried about course congestion.

 

[Ariel484]

Thank you!!! I'm suddenly feeling very unprepared with all the info in the event guide and these being my first races.
So you can bring energy gels, just not 'check' them?

Yep, you can bring them! Definitely bring what you trained with.

When we get to Epcot, there is a "bag check" similar to what is at the parks. If you have a waist pack or whatever with you, it's subject to search by a security CM/dog.

Merch is listed in two buildings -- which is the preferred merch building to get the best selection?

Having only done Disneyland races this layout is very perplexing.

There will be a bigger selection in the main expo building - for example, at marathon weekend the merchandise area that was in the bib pick-up building didn't have I Did It shirts, but the other building had them.

As for the event guide, there has always been hard copies at then expo. And for the course, if I remember correctly, it appeared like that last year and we ran through the castle. It just makes sense as the way the spectators are set up at the MK

I wasn't given a hard copy at WDW weekend this month...not expecting to get one at Princess either.

I looked at the corral set up for the half and am panicking. What if I don't get a "good" letter? Was all of my hard work towards a 1:13 10K worth it to get a better letter? How far forward will I be? I am not worried about sweeping. I'm more worried about course congestion.

The course is going to be crowded for pretty much everyone that is not in the first few corrals - it's just part of these races. The worst spots, crowding-wise, will be on Main Street, coming through the castle and right when we leave the Magic Kingdom.

Whatever corral you get, it's not going to erase the work that you have put in. You will still be running at Disney World, which is pretty great.

 

[courtneybeth]

You will still be running at Disney World, which is pretty great.

I agree! Really excited to run through my second castle*

*if the course map is fixed.