Attention Fort Runners: The 2016 WDW Marathon Weekend Sign Up is April 28, 2015

[bama_ed]

Just a friendly reminder for Fort folks who have a destination run event on their Disney bucket list.

The sign-up for the 2016 WDW Marathon Weekend in January opens next week, Tuesday April 28 at noon Eastern time. It is sure to fill up fast (I ran the Half last year and it filled within 24 hours of opening). So start planning now and be ready to register on-line as soon as you can at noon Eastern.

Here is the website (click the Registration tab): http://www.rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon/

Last year I signed up in April and sat around till September 1 before I started training. I followed the Jeff Galloway plan listed at the website and what do you know - it worked. I finished at my goal time and had a good time doing it.

Of course, runDisney has other events at WDW during the calendar year but this is the granddaddy. Last year 20,000+ finished the Full Marathon on Sunday of that weekend and 22,000+ finished the Half Marathon with me on Saturday. They also have a 10k (6.2 mile) on Friday and a 5k (3.1 mile) on Thursday. Also there are kid runs. So there is something for everybody.

After you get registered, of course you can get a reservation at Fort Wilderness on the books and you are set. We had a Preferred site in loop 200 and it was very easy for family on race morning to boat over to the MK at 5am and pick out a place on Main Street to cheer me on as I went through (I did stop and say hi to them).

We had several Fort runners last year who were there at the same time I was and although I won't be doing it in 2016, I encourage any of you who have thought about it to get off the couch like I did and register. That's the first step.

And it comes next Tuesday so be ready!

Bama Ed

 

[KristinU]

If the Wine and Dine half marathon is any sort of indicator of speed of sellout for Marathon Weekend, I'd be on right when registration opens to be sure you get in. W&D sold out in less than 10 minutes for 2015, much faster than for 2014.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1 All you marathoners get ready.
2) As for me, the only things that should run are
. . . noses
. . . refrigerators
. . . broadway shows
. . . john deere tractors

 

[John VN]

I made our FW reservations a long time ago contemplating another Dopey. Knowing that my Palindrome this January was a one and done event, I have been eagerly awaiting the day to register; however, there will be no more WDW events as I'm am not thrilled with the new parking situation for the motorhome the morning of the races and I was diagnosed with cancer 4 weeks ago.

Will still be going to the Fort and walking a half marathon around the Fort starting at 3AM one or more mornings while there, but will have more down time to just chill.

M&M McFlurry John

p.s.-not allowed M&Ms or ice cream so stopping at McD's at mile 15 of the Marathon would not happed and THAT I WILL MISS.

Good luck to all!

 

[bama_ed]

John,

Sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. Hopefully the treatment plan won't keep you from your walking and training.

Still can't believe you did all 4 races last year. I'm in awe.

I'll pick up training and racing locally in the fall. You put me onto that Celebration Marathon event which has a "virtual" category and I'm planning to do that in January 2016 for its Half. Would like to couple that event in person with a 2-week Fort visit someday with DW.

Bama Ed

 

[KristinU]

Hugs for the diagnosis, John. Please keep us posted and allow us to support you as you walk through this thing.

 

[garneska]

McFlurry John,

That sucks about the cancer diagnosis. Your are fit and strong, i know you can kick it in the butt. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. I am glad you will still be at the fort in January. For the marathon did they make you park way out in the lot that was far away from the start. I saw on the bus a sign that said RV parking and i saw a few campers but i thought wow it is far away from where you need to be.

I am planning on signing up for the Marathon. I have been running 3 days a week and that seems to work for the moment. I think DH will do the Half Marathon. It still means two days up early but I just can't do the back to back. To many injuries last year. Will just try for a good Marathon. I am hoping to stay two weeks at the Fort again, that was fantastic, just not sure the work schedule will let that happen. Will see.

Good Luck Fort Runners.

Good Luck to you McFlurry John, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[John VN]

ALL, times a bazillion!!!!!

Kris-YUP, the parking was way far away on grass and dirt with a walk that was not expected. NOT COOL.

KristinU-I will most definitely walk and bicycle and swim through this.

BamaEd-Decided on a unique multiple course of action, two of which have already been taken to deal with this, so it's one foot in front of the other. OH, great to read about your virtual Celebration!

McFlurry John

 

[North of Mouse]

Sorry about your cancer diagnosis, but remember there are many new treatments developed all the time to beat a lot of cancer types.

Just keep your chin up - sounds like you are the 'fit' type, and that will be in your favor!

 

[bama_ed]

Update: The 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon are all showing sold out this morning (less than 24 hours after opening). Full Marathon is at 53%. Hope Fort folks that wanted to got in.

Bama Ed

 

[FortWildernessCamper]

A rundisney has been on my bucket list for a few years now but never could get registered cause the 10k fills up so fast. I got in this time! Got online at noon at my lunch half hour and was able to clock back in by 12:40. No one seemed to notice I was a little late!

Also happy to be running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My daughter runs half marathons for the organization in Baltimore. Even though I will be running as an individual , I have friends making donations.

And the best part, I Have a full hookup site reserved at the Fort January 7 thru 10!

McFlurry John you are in my prayers.

 

[bama_ed]

Glad you got in FortWildernessCamper. And a Fort reservation to boot.

Seriously, if you have an inclination, go to the MK in the early morning darkness on Saturday or Sunday and watch the runners go up Main Street. It's an inspiring scene. And the sun comes up while you are there. Boats run from the Fort dock EARLY.

Bama Ed

 

[garneska]

I don't have my fort ressie yet but I am signEd up for the marathon. No goofy for me next year, too many injuries and did not want to wake up early two days, but DH signed up for the half so I am up two days early anyways.

Bama Ed, the boats are running that early in the morning that I can catch DH on Saturday at MK? I would not know am usually running.

 

[FortWildernessCamper]

Thanks Bama Ed for that info. Definitely want to check that out!

 

[bama_ed]

I don't have my fort ressie yet but I am signEd up for the marathon. No goofy for me next year, too many injuries and did not want to wake up early two days, but DH signed up for the half so I am up two days early anyways.

Bama Ed, the boats are running that early in the morning that I can catch DH on Saturday at MK? I would not know am usually running.

Kris, yes the big boat comes over to the Fort dock about 530am for its first run and gets you to the MK a little before 6am.

You will need to know what starting corral DH will be in. They start 4-5 minutes apart as you know and Main Street is about mile 5.6 so you can do the math.

Main Street encounters are hearwarming. Quick hugs, kisses, and pictures then the runners keep on runnin'.

Bama Ed

PS - we rode that first boat on Sunday and got to Main Street abt 10 minutes before the first runners came thru.

 

[garneska]

Thanks Bama Ed exactly what I needed to know. Was wondering how we could get away from the fort without taking the bus over to the start with the runners.