Corrals for WDW Half

[crashbb]

Hi,
This seemed like a good place to ask my question (sorry if it isn't). I'm looking into registering for the 2008 Half, but am a little confused at proof of finishing time and corrals.

The Race Info state:

Corral placement is based on proof of time. If you believe you will finish the Half Marathon sub 2:15 hours, proof of time is required.

Acceptable forms of proof of time are either a photocopy of finisher's certificate or a print out of race results. All forms of proof of time must be from a marathon, half marathon or any race 10 miles or longer, after July 1, 2005. If you do not provide of time you will be plae in the last start corral.

Does this mean that everyone with a time of more than 2:15 goes into the last carrol? Or only that the corrals between 2:15 and the last one don't need proof? Are there carrols between 2:15 and the last one? Given that the closing time is 3:30, that is a wide group. My time (since July 1, 2005) is between 2:16 and 2:20.

Thanks

 

[Dennyha]

I'll take a shot at an answer here, and someone, please, correct me if I'm wrong.

This past year, they had three corrals; A, B, and C. The better times, those with proof of time, go into A and B. The A runners have the best times, and the goal here is to take those runners that could potentially contend for a placement, and get them out in front of the crowd. The B runners have provided a proof of time that indicates that they, most likely, are not contending for a placement, but are still "serious runners ". Their times might be indicative of a continuous run through the 1/2M or Full marathon, and again, my guess is that the intent is to push them through the course before most of the walkers or run/walkers. Group C is composed of first time runners, run/walkers, race/walkers, etc. Within Group C, there is more dodging going on between those running and those walking at any given point.

I've only done the Donald once, and I was in Corral C. If you are concerned about being swept, I would try to get to the front of the Corral C group. The sweep is "supposed" to be based off of the last person to cross the START line, but that was an issue this past year. If you're not concerned about being swept, I wouldn't worry about where you start in Corral C. Your time is based on "chip time", starting when your "chip" crosses the START line, and then when it crosses the FINISH line. Unfortunately, the corral system creates a "corral envy", with everyone wishing they were up a corral. The advantage of the corral system is that, after pushing 20,000 runners across a common starting line, it does tend to "spread" the participants out even more. (It would sure help if the roads were wider too.)

My feeling is that this is a poor race to try for a personal record. This is a great race to go and enjoy the environment. Those trying to win the race need to be in front of Corral A, those worried about being swept have the best shot being in the front of Corral C, and for everyone else...

Don't Worry, Enjoy the run. It'll be a year before you get a chance to do it again .

 

[angietuck2]

Hello,

We did the Disney 1/2 this year an put down our estimated finish time as 2:30

we were never required to show proof of time and we were put in Wave B-3.

Waves A and B were divided up into A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1 etc.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Angie

 

[crashbb]

Hello,

We did the Disney 1/2 this year an put down our estimated finish time as 2:30

we were never required to show proof of time and we were put in Wave B-3.

Waves A and B were divided up into A-1, A-2, A-3, B-1 etc.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Angie

Thanks. That helps alot.

I'm not looking for a PR, but was worried that everyone post 2:15 would be in the same wave. Since I'm just off 2:15, I was worried about having to wade through people. I also don't really fear being swept (unless something weird occurs).

Looking at the actual registration, it says they want proof from anyone under 2:45, so I'll make sure to bring it with me.

Thanks again.

 

[wfloyd]

When signing Lynnda up this year, the signup site actually says that if you expect to have a time of 2:45 or better you need to submit proof. This pretty much goes along with last year when Mel (chimera) asked what the time was to get moved up a corral and they said that 2:45 to 3:30 would be in Wave C.

The info website says 2:15 but it probably hasn't been updated to fit the new Wave system.

Bill

 

[angietuck2]

Ok I REALLY HOPE I don't offend anyone by saying this but I think it is a good thing that you have to show proof of time for anything better than 2:45.

At a certain point at the starting line they only let B-1 and B-2 through and would not let us B-3 in. I know it is hard the first couple of miles no matter what wave you are in because it is very crowded and the roads are pretty narrow. But there were A LOT of people around us who no intention of running, but wanted to walk - WHICH IS FINE- but sometimes I could not even get around them.

Again, I so hope I do not offend anyone by saying all of this because I think anyone that attemps and finishes these races is AWESOME!!

But I think it will work out better if those that know they are going to take off a little faster, are towards the front.


Angie