2017 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

[Rick Carroll]

Can the merchandise be purchased after registration? I want a pin!

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Can the merchandise be purchased after registration? I want a pin!

Log in to Active and go to the My Events page. Under the race there are a few tabs to edit and such. There is a tab there to purchase additional merchandise. You can order the pins in there.

That is also how you get in to add POT if you didn't do it during registration.

 

[ryansstitch]

During training for my first PHM I was also diagnosed with asthma after thinking I was just too old and out of shape to be doing a half marathon. A couple of puffs of albuterol 15 min before my runs helped out and then every hour during the race (per my Dr. Instructions so your Dr. may tell you differently).

I was not the fastest gal then or for that fact now but you can make it through the race. You will need a running belt or something else to hold your inhaler but that didn't impede my running either. Hope this helps!

Thanks, I didn't ask my doctor, but I do use my ventolin while running! I do need a running belt though. Any suggestions for a good one?

 

[ryansstitch]

So I'm reposting this from elsewhere, as I had a memory lapse and forgot this thread..
so I'm very excited and a little anxious about the race, and have developed a ton of questions that I'm hoping you all can help with.
1) what is the actual duration of the race? I understand that a 16 minute mile is the minimum, but does that mean the race is 3:30 minutes long and that is the time that you must meet in order to avoid the dreaded "sweep"?
2) is there a set number of character stops or does it seem to vary? ive seen that some people in earlier corrals seem to get shorter lines, but for those in the middle or end, is it unrealistic to think you could stop for any or all of the characters?
3) are there any characters that seem to always show up on the course?
4) is there anyplace decent aside from ChEAR squad seating that families can wait to meet us?
5)is the finish line inside or just outside of Epcot? I'm wondering about the hassle to get back into the park, as we want to go to akershus after the race.
6) how early do people start getting into corrals?
7) what's the current status on whether you get medals if you are swept? I've read mixed experiences on the boards.

I have a friend joining me whose fastest pace so far for a half is a bit slower than a 16 minute mile, and I wonder if she will have to miss the fun (and have to hold her bladder for hours)in order to just get past the finish line. I'm a bit nervous she won't make it, but she has decided she wants to do the GSC as well.

Thank you for any and all help!

 

[Ariel484]

So I'm reposting this from elsewhere, as I had a memory lapse and forgot this thread..
so I'm very excited and a little anxious about the race, and have developed a ton of questions that I'm hoping you all can help with.
1) what is the actual duration of the race? I understand that a 16 minute mile is the minimum, but does that mean the race is 3:30 minutes long and that is the time that you must meet in order to avoid the dreaded "sweep"?

The answer: "it depends." The sweep clock starts when the very last runner in the race crosses the starting line. So you'll see some finish times that are higher than 3:30. It all depends on where you start the race.

2) is there a set number of character stops or does it seem to vary? ive seen that some people in earlier corrals seem to get shorter lines, but for those in the middle or end, is it unrealistic to think you could stop for any or all of the characters?

It varies, and yes - earlier corrals will likely have shorter lines. It's not unrealistic to think that those in the middle/back could stop for characters, you just need to keep an eye on your time to do so.

3) are there any characters that seem to always show up on the course?

Not sure about this. They seem to switch it up, but they have had a "heroes" (princes, etc.) stop for the past few years.

4) is there anyplace decent aside from ChEAR squad seating that families can wait to meet us?

Yes. I spectated the half in 2014 and saw my BFF (the runner) 3 times - on Main street in the Magic Kingdom (no ticket required) and twice in Epcot near SSE (did need a ticket for this).

5)is the finish line inside or just outside of Epcot? I'm wondering about the hassle to get back into the park, as we want to go to akershus after the race.

Just outside. You'd need to go through the finisher chute, bag check and the staging area before heading to bag check at the entrance of the park. And you'll need a park ticket of course.

6) how early do people start getting into corrals?

I can't remember when they open the corrals, but I'd think people wouldn't show up much earlier than 3:45AM?

7) what's the current status on whether you get medals if you are swept? I've read mixed experiences on the boards.

As I understand it, you get the race medal if you get swept. Whether you get a challenge medal is a little murkier - mostly I've heard no but then I've read yes a few places, too.

I have a friend joining me whose fastest pace so far for a half is a bit slower than a 16 minute mile, and I wonder if she will have to miss the fun (and have to hold her bladder for hours)in order to just get past the finish line. I'm a bit nervous she won't make it, but she has decided she wants to do the GSC as well.

Thank you for any and all help!

It IS only July. That is a ton of time for her to improve. If she sticks to a good training plan I am sure she will be fine.

Biggest tip (besides train, train train!) - if she has a Gamin make sure she turns off the auto-pause feature, which would stop her watch during the race if she was standing in a character line or whatever. That way she knows exactly what her time is.

 

[ryansstitch]

The answer: "it depends." The sweep clock starts when the very last runner in the race crosses the starting line. So you'll see some finish times that are higher than 3:30. It all depends on where you start the race.

It varies, and yes - earlier corrals will likely have shorter lines. It's not unrealistic to think that those in the middle/back could stop for characters, you just need to keep an eye on your time to do so.

Not sure about this. They seem to switch it up, but they have had a "heroes" (princes, etc.) stop for the past few years.

Yes. I spectated the half in 2014 and saw my BFF (the runner) 3 times - on Main street in the Magic Kingdom (no ticket required) and twice in Epcot near SSE (did need a ticket for this).

Just outside. You'd need to go through the finisher chute, bag check and the staging area before heading to bag check at the entrance of the park. And you'll need a park ticket of course.

I can't remember when they open the corrals, but I'd think people wouldn't show up much earlier than 3:45AM?

As I understand it, you get the race medal if you get swept. Whether you get a challenge medal is a little murkier - mostly I've heard no but then I've read yes a few places, too.

It IS only July. That is a ton of time for her to improve. If she sticks to a good training plan I am sure she will be fine.

Biggest tip (besides train, train train!) - if she has a Gamin make sure she turns off the auto-pause feature, which would stop her watch during the race if she was standing in a character line or whatever. That way she knows exactly what her time is.

Thanks for the detailed reply! I never thought of there being places inside the parks for a spectator. Did you have to go through any special process to get to those areas? Or are they obviously open and accessible in a way that most people can get there? Yes, I'm hoping her time will get at least to 16 min/mile and she finds a training plan that works for her. I'm a bit nervous about the rest of us finishing and her left feeling disappointed or otherwise upset.

 

[ryansstitch]

Actually, how long of a gap is there between the first runner starting and the last runner starting? This is my first Disney race, and I know it's crowded, but in my head there would only be a short gap between them? Seems like it must be longer...

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks for the detailed reply! I never thought of there being places inside the parks for a spectator. Did you have to go through any special process to get to those areas? Or are they obviously open and accessible in a way that most people can get there? Yes, I'm hoping her time will get at least to 16 min/mile and she finds a training plan that works for her. I'm a bit nervous about the rest of us finishing and her left feeling disappointed or otherwise upset.

Magic Kingdom was a little difficult in that we missed the cut-off time for the bus - we were hoping to take the race transportation to Epcot and then monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Buses are cut off at 5AM and we were there at 4:50 and the transportation person said we were out of luck. We ended up splitting a cab with some other people who were also going to MK. They didn't take tickets or anything, I'm sure we went through bag check but I can't remember for sure. Then we just set up camp and waited on Main Street. We bought snacks the night before and had those with us, but they were also selling some stuff (coffee, etc.). Bathrooms were open, too.

Then we took the monorail to Epcot, went through bag check there and used our passes to get in. That was super easy.

On word of advice with your friend - make sure you all know ahead of time exactly what your plan is. Are all of you staying together the entire time no matter what, or is it okay to split up at one point if needed? Make sure this is all very clear ahead of time (I ran Wine & Dine with my friends and we didn't discuss this ahead of time, and ended up splitting up on the course...there was some annoyance about it because we didn't all agree to that ahead of time. Now we know!).

Actually, how long of a gap is there between the first runner starting and the last runner starting? This is my first Disney race, and I know it's crowded, but in my head there would only be a short gap between them? Seems like it must be longer...

Corral A will start 5:30ish. If there are P corrals like last year, it'll be another hour before corral P starts.

 

[Gryhndmom]

Thanks, I didn't ask my doctor, but I do use my ventolin while running! I do need a running belt though. Any suggestions for a good one?

I have had one so long the name wore off ! I know I got it at my local running store and it has stretchy expandable pouches on the front with loops on the side for a small bottle of liquids (a really small bottle came with it). You might want to try a couple on and run in place to see how it feels(sounds goofy I know but if it bugs you for a few seconds you will throw it off by mile 2 in the race!)

 

[Scootypuffjr]

Been looking at hydration belts and was wondering if any of you had feedback on one you love or hate.

 

[Ariel484]

Been looking at hydration belts and was wondering if any of you had feedback on one you love or hate.

I don't like wearing stuff on my waist. I have an Orange Mud HydraQuiver that I like - it's worn high up on the back.

 

[joan4mickey]

Been looking at hydration belts and was wondering if any of you had feedback on one you love or hate.

Really like a hand held much better. Belts with water bounce too much for me.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

I'm also a hand held bottle person. Although I skipped carrying my bottle at the Disney runs. There are plenty of water stops on the runs so I didn't really feel the need.

 

[tinkstoes]

So as fate would have it, the deployment I got wind of is a go and I found out I am going on it leaving mid August. Sadly no half for me this time around. I have a couple questions on transferring to the 2018 Princess Half but every time I call the number at the bottom of the form it rings a few times then makes a noise like a fax machine. Anyone by chance know an alternate way to actually speak to someone? I prefer phone calls simply because it gets my answer quickly (ideally). That way maybe while I'm deployed I can start running....you know assuming the high temps actually fall below the project 110s !

 

[JulieODC]

For anyone flying from BOS to MCO Princess weekend, I've been watching airfare and it's been around $425+. Today Delta has a couple direct flights for $328.

Oof! Pricey - we need to get on this now that I am registered....

 

[courtneybeth]

Been looking at hydration belts and was wondering if any of you had feedback on one you love or hate.

I have been using the FlipBelt for the last 2-3 half marathons and I LOVE it. They come in every color of the rainbow and are great because it's flat against you with slots to hold things, like your ID, phone, energy gels and their water bottle. If you go to FlipBelt.com they sell the belt and the water bottles that are designed to fit inside. I usually align it so that the water bottle is in the back and the energy gels are in the front since I tend to refuel faster than I need water (but it's easy enough to reach because of the way the pockets are designed.

I don't like things in my hands because it throws off my gait/stride. This helps immensely.

 

[Allison]

Will there be a bus at the Beach Club to transport runners to the front of Epcot? I am assuming we won't be walking through the park.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

Thanks for posting about this- I have been eyeing this, but it's nice to hear from someone that actually uses it.

 

[Ariel484]

So as fate would have it, the deployment I got wind of is a go and I found out I am going on it leaving mid August. Sadly no half for me this time around. I have a couple questions on transferring to the 2018 Princess Half but every time I call the number at the bottom of the form it rings a few times then makes a noise like a fax machine. Anyone by chance know an alternate way to actually speak to someone? I prefer phone calls simply because it gets my answer quickly (ideally). That way maybe while I'm deployed I can start running....you know assuming the high temps actually fall below the project 110s !

I'm sorry that you won't get to run in 2017!

You're not going to want to hear this, but I think runDisney is AWFUL on the phone. That's odd that you haven't been able to speak to anyone - is the number you're using 407-939-IRUN? I've used that one in the past and have been able to talk to people, but I'm thinking that it's a call center and is not actually staffed with runDisney employees. They aren't always the most helpful. If you don't get adequate answers, definitely ask to speak to a supervisor.

In the meantime, start stalking the registration page for the Princess Half weekend at the beginning on 2017 to look for a deferral link, assuming they still offer them next year. I think I did my deferral (deferring 2016 GSC to 2017) in mid-January. It'll be a $55 fee (unless they raise the price this year) + the difference between whatever the race cost you this year and the cost for next year. Good luck and thank you for your service!!

Will there be a bus at the Beach Club to transport runners to the front of Epcot? I am assuming we won't be walking through the park.

I assume you are talking about the start of the race? Epcot won't be open that early and they strongly discourage anyone from walking to the start, so you'll need to take a (short) bus ride, yes. You can walk back to the Beach Club by going through the park after the race is over but you'll need a park ticket.

 

[tinkstoes]

I'm sorry that you won't get to run in 2017!

You're not going to want to hear this, but I think runDisney is AWFUL on the phone. That's odd that you haven't been able to speak to anyone - is the number you're using 407-939-IRUN? I've used that one in the past and have been able to talk to people, but I'm thinking that it's a call center and is not actually staffed with runDisney employees. They aren't always the most helpful. If you don't get adequate answers, definitely ask to speak to a supervisor.

In the meantime, start stalking the registration page for the Princess Half weekend at the beginning on 2017 to look for a deferral link, assuming they still offer them next year. I think I did my deferral (deferring 2016 GSC to 2017) in mid-January. It'll be a $55 fee (unless they raise the price this year) + the difference between whatever the race cost you this year and the cost for next year. Good luck and thank you for your service!!

Crap. I won't have reliable internet for I'm not sure how long. Guess I'll have to get a family member to be checking for me too! Thanks for answering and for your support!