3:00 AM 1/2 Marathon Question...

[PCFriar80]

First off this forum has been very helpful for my Wife and I planning to run our first 1/2 marathon on 1/7. I have a picky question concerning getting to the
starting line and apologize if it doesn't belong here. Can you walk from CBR to the start? I have friends who have done it from OKW but don't know if it's doable from CBR. Not being a morning person, it would be better for me (and my wife) to walk a couple of miles pre-race versus getting on a bus and having our nervous energy and adreniline wear off waiting for the start. I'm open to suggestions!! Thanks.

 

[chimera]

PCFriar!

Here's a link to the course map so you can see where the half starts. I'm thinkin' CBR is too far away to walk, but come join us on the training thread and ask. I'm a first-timer, but there's plenty of people on the thread that have done it before and will know the answer. I think most of them are staying in OKW, POR or POFQ.

http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0220/en_US/pdf/06HalfCourseMap.pdf

 

[wiskband]

Hi, not sure how far it is to walk the map would be a good start to see. But, just so you know, it s a big wide open space at the epcot lot ( this is before you go into the coral) they had a stage there last year and plenty of room and time to move around. Its once you get into the coral thats a drag........
that is the waiting that really stinks. This coming marathon, I will be sure NOT to be so eager getting to my coral. And I will take advantage of the activities at the EPCOT lot.
good luck,
renee

 

[NCRedding]

I agree with wiskband (hey Renee ); I will not be in such a hurry to get into the corral. Also, the traffic is extremely heavy during this time as they are moving thousands of people, and it is dark. Given the fact that you would be using the highway to get there, and there are no sidewalks, I think it would be very dangerous.

Also, they have moved the start line from last year; it is probably 1/2 mile+ further than it was last year.

 

[TiffJ]

I have a similar question. I am trying to figure out where to stay. I dont mind getting up early for the bus because I am a morning person & am sure to be full of nervous energy & not able to sleep. I am more worried about my DH & 2 DS getting to see me at some point. I can't afford a monorail resort. Was thinking about renting points for OKW because I would love to have a separate bedroom & kitchen. But I may settle with POFQ.

Any suggestions would be helpful. We have never stayed onsite. Always in a condo nearby. I thought since we wont be at the parks much and not there for as long as usual it would be a good time to stay onsite.

What to do, what to do??

 

[princessmomma]

I have temporarily booked the Swan. I used the RUN code for the $159 Swan and Dophin deal. I should be able to walk from the Swan correct?

Also, so if race time is at 6:00, what time is too early to head to the corrals? NCRedding and Renee, what time will you head there this year?

 

[TiffJ]

I was thinking of staying at the Swan also. It looks beautiful! Since it isnt a true Disney hotel, will it still have the bus service? If it isnt too far walking might also be a good option.

 

[NCRedding]

They'll have buses from the Swan?Dolphin, especially since they have the special rate. I don't see how you could walk from the Swan/Dolphin to the start. The start is on the far side highway from the Dolphin, and you won't be able to walk thru Epcot to get there, so how would you go?

I am staying at OKW, but plan to take the buses. I would be afraid that I would be messed up walking--like they block the road for just bus traffic, etc and miss out on the 1/2.

 

[princessmomma]

The start is on the far side highway from the Dolphin, and you won't be able to walk thru Epcot to get there, so how would you go?

Oh, I didn't know that. I guess the buses would be the best bet.

Tiff, I picked the Swan because it has two queen "Heavenly Beds". The beds are really great. I am a bed snob and I wanted to be able to try and get some sleep that night before.

Colleen

 

[TiffJ]

Yes-I read about those beds-would probably feel great after the race!!!!!
Also the resort looks beautiful. Since we may not be going to the parks I want somewhere my kids would like to hang around.

Colleen-When are you coming down? I haven't decided Tue or Wed. Are you bringing family. It will be me, DH, DS4, DS8.

 

[NCRedding]

I pulled out my event guide from this year. Buses started running at 3 am. The guide indicated that the buses stop running at 4 am, but I think I they continued for a little bit after this. Under security measures: If you are driving to the starting area:EXPECT DELAYS. If you are staying at a WDW resort: RIDE THE BUS OR MONORAIL.

This year, I was so excited, I got to the bus at 3:15 at ASMusic. There were 3 buses waiting for particpants. OUr bus was driven by a non-disney driver, and she took the LONG (wrong) way to get there--we went to DTD, turned into POFQ, etc, before finally getting to Epcot. We were dropped off in the parking lot, and walked a fairly long way to the staging area where there were booths and port-a-potties (more than you can ever imagine seeing). They had refreshment booths (I have no idea what was in them.) There were a mass of people who were waiting to go get to the corrals, when the gates to the corrals opened, we all followed along like cattle. There are few if any port-a-potties in the corral areas, most are located in the staging area. These are my ramblings.

I know alot of people are talking about walking to the start, but I am too fearful to do this. The start has been moved from 2005, so we don't know what will be blocked off from the road. It is dark, crowded with traffic and a highway you will be walking on. I would be afraid that I would wait too late, then discover that I couldn't walk there, and miss it.

This is my plan for 2006: Stay at OKW. Take the 4 am bus. Visit the booths to see what is being offered. Participate in the church service (if offered this year). Don't immediately head toward the corral. Wait until the last possible moment to use the port-o-pottie. Don't carry a water bottle this time. Start walking at a slightly faster pace (difficult to do at first with all the traffic). Be mindful of my pacing.

Princessmoma: Sorry if my question about walking seemed rude--after I read my quote, I cringed--I'm just a scaredy cat about walking.
Sorry for the long post.

 

[princessmomma]

Thanks for the info NCRedding,

Wow, that seems like a long day even before the race begins. Does it seem like a long time between 4 and 6 a.m.? No apology necessary, I certainly wasn't offended.

Tiff, yes my family (DH, DD6, DS8) will probably come, but we are already taking the kids out of school for 3 days the end of December to go on a Disney Magic cruise. So we will just head down Thursday at noon and they will just miss school Friday. My race isn't until Sunday (doing the full), so I should be alright.

Colleen

 

[NCRedding]

It doesn't seem nearly as long as it sounds. I was busy looking around, taking in everything, and chatting with everyone else in the corral.

I didn't realize you were doing the full--I don;t know where it starts, so my advice may be no good for you.

 

[PCFriar80]

I have temporarily booked the Swan. I used the RUN code for the $159 Swan and Dophin deal. I should be able to walk from the Swan correct?

Also, so if race time is at 6:00, what time is too early to head to the corrals? NCRedding and Renee, what time will you head there this year?

Princessmomma -
Can you let me know more about the RUN code? Is it still available? We booked at CBR for $99 (++) with the AP rate, but would enjoy the Swan more
even for a little extra. Thanks!

 

[princessmomma]

Princessmomma -
Can you let me know more about the RUN code? Is it still available? We booked at CBR for $99 (++) with the AP rate, but would enjoy the Swan more
even for a little extra. Thanks!

Yes, most definitely. I just called 888-828-8850 reservation number. Ask for the RUN rate of $159 (with taxes came to $177.29). I only booked for Jan. 6 and 7th but I think the rate is good for Jan. 6-8, 2006. Inquire about that because I am not certain.

My husband is a Starwood Perferred Gold member so we get a free upgrade, early check-in and 4:00 pm. check out. Sometimes you can get this benefit if you have a regular SPG card. May be worth signing up for if you don't already have one.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You could--but more advised for OKW and POFQ and POR.

You'd have to cross an additional street--and the trek could add some distance.

ALL resorts have a bus or monorail transport. No resort is "left out".

I liked early start in the corral--b/c for me..that meant i was in the front of the corral. Had I been well--a good place to be.

I hopped on that first bus at 3am and the time went by pretty fast--between the coached advised "line up, pee, repeat" mantra at the porto-potties. 3 times minimum! Also a med tent to take care of the "whoopsies" be it indigestion, headaches, start of the woman friend--et cetera. I think there was a party going--but our team focuses on getting to that corral to not have that "rushed" feeling when you get into panick mode b/c you aren't at the starting line.

The speakers at the corrals--VERY VERY loud!