Disney Princess Half Marathon/medal

[jjoobrien]

So, I read someone's blog that said LOTS of people walk this.

I'm about to do my first and am nervous...not nervous that I can't run...but nervous I may not keep the 16 min mile pace that the website states is required.

Do you still get your medal if you don't complete the 16 min mile pace?

 

[verticalchaos]

As I understand it (please correct me if I'm wrong), they start the 16 minute mile "clock" from the point where the LAST person crosses the starting line. So the further ahead you cross the start line, the more of a "cushion" you've got before the sweeping begins.

I know for the full, my running partner and I have decided to start as close to the front of our corral as we can to get that extra time! (Though we're in a times corral.)

 

[FireDancer]

Yes, the sweep clock starts when the last person crosses the start line. If you cross the start line 10 minutes before that last person you have 10 additional minutes of time to work with.

Also, the medal is a finisher's medal so if you do get swept you do not get one.

 

[WDWFAN9]

ok, take a deep breath. Lots of people have successfully walked a half and/or full, maintaining a 16 mpm pace from when the last person crosses the start line. It is always best to train without counting on this cushion though. It really can be done, and as long as you put in your steps you can do it too! The Princess is a lot of fun and you will love that medal!

 

[stampingoddess]

First, I would say that yes, lots of people walk not only the Princess half, but all of the Disney races. I've been walking Disney races for the past 11 years!

As otheres have said, when you register, you give them your projected finish time and you are assigned a corral based upon your projected finish time. At the start, if you are concerned, move as close to the front of the corral as possible, this will give you a bit of a cusion.

Disney DOES sweep people who do not keep the pace, but from what I have observed they are a bit generous with the pacing time. However, assuming that you start training NOW you have time to work on your speed so that you can get the race done in the time limit.

Good luck and have fun. The Princess Half is by far my favorite of all of the Disney endurance events.

 

[fashionista311]

i would actually venture to say that more people walk or walk/run this race then those who actually run it! last year i ran it at about a 10 minute mile pace (which in most road races it's considered more mid-to-back of pack) and i was shocked at how empty the course was for me - even when i had to make a bathroom stop, there was absolutely no line. my mom walked the race - probably at about a 15:30 pace -and she said the course was jammed packed the whole time. this is obviously based on personal experience, but take that for what you will. regardless...you definitely will have tons of people around you for motivation and support.

just stick with your plan and keep working at it. on race day, have faith in your training and you'll be surprised how you fly!