Disney Marathon/Half

[xterratri]

There really doesn't seem to be a good place to post this question so I'll start here. I know that many big races tend to sell out but I'm wondering historically when the Marathon/Half have sold out in the past. One of my classmates and I decided we would do the 2006 race while studying for the biochem final/watching the Super Bowl last night. She's not sure on doing the full or the half though and the budget doesn't support signing up for both.

I am also curious about when packet pick up tends to be so we can figure out how much school we will be missing. Luckily, it's the first weekend back after X-mas Break and we will have just started the Cardio system so we know now that there will not be any exams.

 

[lentesta]

I ran the half last month, and I think registration closed in August '04.

I did package pick-up on Saturday, the day before the half, and it took 30 minutes.

The half is certainly your best bet for maximum fun on a limited training schedule. I think I averaged less than five hours of training per week, for around 14 weeks. The last few weeks of training take more time, but you should be into winter break by then.

Hope this helps.

Len

 

[HopperFan]

We arrived Thursday evening, picked up our packets Fri am on our way to the MK, did MK all day, DD ran 5k at EPCOT on Sat, rested the day away at pool, Half was Sunday am, packed, ate and headed home. Was great fun !

NOW look at the schedule for 2006 because the half and full are on two different days. Half will be Saturday so you will probably have to pick up packet on Friday. I believe the awards/party is still Sunday night, but if you don't anticipate being a top finisher that isn't necessary. We are already registered, but I think the point of splitting them on to two days is so they can increase the number of people that can register.......which to me means hotel watching will be starting sooner.

 

[MelanieC]

Hi there,

Check out the WISH board. It stands for "we're inspired to stay healthy" A bunch of us did the 1/2 and full marathon in January and a bunch of us are doing it again in 2006. I have my eye set on the full in 2007!!

There is a lot of great information there plus there are training threads. We had a big meet this past January at the Trails End buffet at FW the Saturday before the race.

I really hope they are splitting the race so there are less people. The streets were way to crowded last year. It was so much fun and postively the best thing I have ever done for myself. Have a great time.

 

[xterratri]

Thanks MelanieC. I didn't know what the WISH board was before. I went and looked at FAQ sticky and joined the marathon thread. I'll also let my mom know about it because workout partners and such have become a challenge for her since my sister started college and I started med school last fall. We're all looking forward to using the facilities at Saratoga Springs Spa when we're at the World in June.

 

[funshipm174]

Congrats on the weight loss. I would like to start running again soon. Plus, wanting to do the maraton in Disney is a great reason to plan to go back to Disney that much sooner!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would guess they split the marathon and half in order to increase the total number of participants.
Think how many more volunteers they will need now.
DH has run in the WDW marathon the last 5 years. He is signed up for the 2006.
Usually the half closes much faster than the full marathon. But they have not released the number of allowed entrants. And we would not be surprised if they don't until much later.
DH loves this race.

 

[xterratri]

It's all about the money. Seriously, that is a good point about the volunteers. When I was running alot of local races in CNY, I made a point of volunteering at a couple every year to help give back. Ironman races are even worse with 2-3 volunteers for every participant needed so my mom and sister have volunteered at both that I've done. It also helps for them to pass the time.

 

[heart4dis]

The half is January 7 and the full is January 8, so they are splitting it in 2006. I'm wondering if I'll be too wasted to tour the parks the days after the marathon. Got 4 kids. I'm doing my first half marathon in April and plan to continue doing sprint triathlons, possibly training for the Disney full...

 

[Deb & Bill]

My husband did the 1/2 in 2003. It closed in February. He did the full in 2004. It closed later in the year, maybe August. After both races, he did some relaxing, maybe a massage, pool time and then we headed to the parks to eat a late lunch.

It's all in your training.

The Expo starts on Friday and runs through Saturday evening. You just have to pick up your package the day before your race.

 

[pixiedust27]

My aunt and I ran the full marathon in January. After it was over we walked from the finish (in Epcot) to the BW. (They say that walking for 10 to 15 minutes after you finish helps your recovery) We got massages, hung out by the pool, took a power nap, and then the whole group went to MGM. I was OK to ride the rides several times that night. The next day was ok as well . . . I was definitely sore but it didn't really prevent me from doing anything. I felt it after I would get up from sitting down. So basically I walked funny for a couple of minutes after getting up. It's really not a big deal though and I saw people all over the place doing the same thing.
At any rate, I didn't think that the marathon wasted me for enjoying the parks.