Crowds during Tink Marathon

[mrsskehan2013]

I am super excited to be going back after a long break( 10 months hahaha). I originally booked us for the first weekend in May and then saw there would be 2 grad nights. So I bought us for the next weekend May 11-15. I had no idea it was the marathon till just recently. So my question to you guys is how much so the runners affect the crowds. I know there isn't really a slow time anymore. We survived the last 24 hr event and we can deal with crowds. I was just wanting to get a good idea of what to expect. Thanks guys!

 

[2tinkerbell]

Keep in mind that it is also Mother's Day weekend. It seems crowded, but, I've only gone during Tink weekend for several years now. Evenings tend to clear out early because the races start at 5-5:30am. With the exception of Sunday night entertainment. That gets crowded. Dining reservations seem to fill up quickly for nice places on Sunday.

 

[2tinkerbell]

One more thing: If you need a hotel, you better get reservations now as it is already slim pickings according to a FB group I belong to.

 

[Keels]

So, during Half Marathon Weekend, you'll find that crowds are lighter in the morning (the 5K is on Friday, the 10K is on Saturday and the Half Marathon is on Sunday), but they DEFINITELY pick up as the weekend goes along and especially in the afternoon.

That said, we also found that the runners tend to leave the parks around dinnertime to prep for the race the next day.

If you go in with a plan and are ready for the crowds, you should have a good time. Last year, DCA was definitely easy to accomplish everything we wanted to - DL took a little more ... planning and patience.

 

[Keels]

Keep in mind that it is also Mother's Day weekend. It seems crowded, but, I've only gone during Tink weekend for several years now. Evenings tend to clear out early because the races start at 5-5:30am. With the exception of Sunday night entertainment. That gets crowded. Dining reservations seem to fill up quickly for nice places on Sunday.

THIS. If you want Sunday breakfast/brunch or a popular lunch, book it now ... whatever may be available. Goofy's, Minnie's, Steakhouse 55, Blue Bayou - they ALL book up quickly with runners wanting to celebrate post-half marathon.

 

[SMD]

So, during Half Marathon Weekend, you'll find that crowds are lighter in the morning (the 5K is on Friday, the 10K is on Saturday and the Half Marathon is on Sunday), but they DEFINITELY pick up as the weekend goes along and especially in the afternoon.

That said, we also found that the runners tend to leave the parks around dinnertime to prep for the race the next day.

If you go in with a plan and are ready for the crowds, you should have a good time. Last year, DCA was definitely easy to accomplish everything we wanted to - DL took a little more ... planning and patience.

The parks will open an hour later on Saturday and Sunday than they normally would, so you do lose a some of the lighter morning a little bit sooner with the 9am opening.

If staying at DLH that will also be a lot more crowded because of the race expo.

 

[mrsskehan2013]

I already got my hotel so I am good there. I am gonna book a table service tomorrow for Sunday when it opens up and get that out of the way. Thank you guys for you help and input. Trying to talk the hubby into paying the extra $20 on our tickets from LMT and adding a forth day so we have the afternoon of thrusday just for a little extra time. I think it is easier knowing it will be busy so I can plan accordingly.

 

[Chiomaca]

In addition to what Keels said, if you're going to be there Saturday night and want table service dinner - book that, too. We runners like a good, early meal before a race so I've noticed that it can be tough to get a reservation if you don't do it early.

 

[Belle83]

We went last year during the marathon/mother's day weekend. It was more crowded than I've ever seen it (I don't typically go during busy times) but still fairly manageable. Fast passes were a must. We stayed past Monday of that weekend and it got much better I would not intentionally go that weekend if it can be avoided. We still had a great time.