Dark Side 5k concerns

[Liv2CdWorld]

I've finally signed up for a 5k at Disney. I've been told by friends that 5k's at Disney are considered "fun runs" and not timed, therefore, the pace requirements aren't really needed.

I DO NOT walk a 16 min mile. I have an artificial leg and while I get around just fine, walking fast has never been in my cards. I can finish a 5k in about an hour. I signed up for the Star Wars 5k with my 2 boys (17 and 13) as they both like Star Wars.

Now I'm panicking because I'm seeing that they are enforcing the 16 min mile in order to get the finisher medal? It states: "The Star Wars 5K is NOT a timed event but in order to receive a finisher medal, participants must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace requirement." I don't see this statement on any other runDisney 5k, just the Star Wars one. I'm panicking because my boys aren't going to leave me....but I would really like them to get a medal

 

[lanejudy]

Have you checked out the Dark Side Weekend thread on the runDisney forum? Someone there might have helpful experience to share with you. http://www.disboards.com/threads/of...rk-side-weekend.3442015/page-64#post-55251065

Good luck with the race!

 

[Hoodie]

It also states that you can be picked up at any point in the course and transported to the finish line if you don't maintain the pace, so it may not be just the medal you won't get but possibly not the opportunity to finish the race. I really don't know anything about the races. I did find this though. It looks like if you are behind pace, they put you on a bus, but that you might be able to make it if you are at the head of the pack at the start.

It's a gamble though. http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/how-strict-is-disney-about-the-pace-requirements.596249/

 

[alliecat523]

I don't know anything about the race, but is it possible that there is an earlier start for those with disabilities that would allow them to finish? I've seen this with other non-Disney races.

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

Have you checked out the Dark Side Weekend thread on the runDisney forum? Someone there might have helpful experience to share with you. http://www.disboards.com/threads/of...rk-side-weekend.3442015/page-64#post-55251065

Good luck with the race!

Thank you! I posted the info there and we'll see what they say. I guess, worst case....my boys don't get the medal. I may just order a Star Wars type medal from a virtual 5k site

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

It also states that you can be picked up at any point in the course and transported to the finish line if you don't maintain the pace, so it may not be just the medal you won't get but possibly not the opportunity to finish the race. I really don't know anything about the races. I did find this though. It looks like if you are behind pace, they put you on a bus, but that you might be able to make it if you are at the head of the pack at the start.

It's a gamble though. http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/how-strict-is-disney-about-the-pace-requirements.596249/

That's only for 10K races and above

 

[lanejudy]

Thank you! I posted the info there and we'll see what they say. I guess, worst case....my boys don't get the medal. I may just order a Star Wars type medal from a virtual 5k site

That group is pretty knowledgeable of the runDISNEY procedures. I'm sure they'll have info.

But worst-case scenario -- plan ahead with your boys that if it seems you may get swept, they should move ahead and you'll meet them at the finish line. I *think* the sweeps are at check-points, not just random locations, and you'll likely have warning.

Good luck with your training and the run! You are miles ahead of me!

 

[bumbershoot]

They state that for all races. For the 5k it's not enforced unless they have someone still out there when they have to open a park or the roads.

But even when swept they give the medal.

The 16 min mile starts as the last person crosses the start line. Unless you're that person you do have a cushion if that timing still bothers you.

 

[DLgal]

They don't really enforce the pace on the 5k. However, it would be in your best interest to arrive early enough to be towards the FRONT of the corral so that you won't be a straggler at the very beginning of the race.

The two 5ks I did, I walked them with other people in a group. We took well over an hour one time (almost 1:20) to finish and the second was just over an hour, around 1:05. We were not even in the back, and there were plenty of people still behind us. Don't stress about it. The race begins early enough to not interfere with park opening. Even if it takes you over an hour, you will be done WELL before 8am.

 

[DisneyFan13US]

My wife and I did the Disneyland 5K with her brother and dad, neither of which are runners. We were in the middle of the pack of our corral, stopped and took pictures, and walked 99% of the time. I can't remember for sure but I would be shocked if we finished in under an hour and we didn't even see the back of the pack. Have fun and good luck.

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

My wife and I did the Disneyland 5K with her brother and dad, neither of which are runners. We were in the middle of the pack of our corral, stopped and took pictures, and walked 99% of the time. I can't remember for sure but I would be shocked if we finished in under an hour and we didn't even see the back of the pack. Have fun and good luck.

Agreed, but when I look at the Star Wars 5k, it clearly states that if you don't keep pace, you won't get a medal. All of the other 5ks I look at don't state this, that's why I was concerned.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I did the Food and Wine 5k with my sister in 2014. It did say in the description that you had to keep up a 16 minute mile or you would be swept. I was kind of nervous, as I'mnot a great runner. We were in the last corral, so starting later anyways.

They did not sweep. I finished in about an hour (mostly walking or slogging), and there were plenty of people WAY behind me.