Disneyland ½ Marathon Weekend~2012 Check-in!

[pilgrimr]

No photopass photogs at DL. In the parks and backstage there have been CMs near characters that will take a photo of you if you have a camera, but you need to provide your own. But once you leave the parks, at stops like the Mariachi band or Hawaiin Dancers, you'll have to find someone to take your pics. The race photogs are usually Brightroom or a similar company. And like the OP mentioned, they can get pretty $$$. Also, they are not at character stops. They're along the course, usually near/around the Castle and 1 other spot in the parks a couple places in Anaheim and 1 in Angel Stadium.

That is kind of strange that the brightroom photographers are not at the characters, that is half the fun. I usually take my small camera to take pictures, but at least the CM will take the pictures. Speaking of characters do they have a lot of them out. I would imagine they only have them close to the parks.

 

[JDBlair]

It was posted in the WISH thread, so thought I'd post it here. The race program is up now. Along with the 5k map. The official name of the 5k is the Cars Land 5k Rally, love it!

And for anyone running the 5k... the finish line is in Cars Land!! Eeeeeeeeee!!!! So excited, the days can't pass by fast enough.

What I would give to have the race shirt be the cover of the program or merch shirts for purchase. Love that logo.

I just saw the program this AM and was just as I predicted, a Cars theme. So predictable. But I love it. I think DH and DD will be super excited about that since I signed us all up for the 5k.

I just paid off our hotel reservations so we are fully locked and loaded. Excited!

I didn't think this thread was getting any action because I haven't received email updates. :-(

 

[PrincessIM]

I haven't been receiving email updates either

So far I've just made reservations for DS birthday dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. We are a party of 12 and when I received my confirmation they said because we were a large party they would have to split us into two tables with two different confirmation numbers and to just ask to be seated together when we get there. Has anyone had that happen to them before? We might also do the BBQ Celebration as well as a few others but haven't quite figured out which ones.

Looking forward to the race. I've been having some issues with my hip and had to take a two week break. Ran 5.5 miles yesterday which was my longest since April and it went pretty well. It was so hot! I kept thinking.....I sure hope it's not this hot the morning of the race!

 

[StarGirl11]

I haven't been receiving email updates either

So far I've just made reservations for DS birthday dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. We are a party of 12 and when I received my confirmation they said because we were a large party they would have to split us into two tables with two different confirmation numbers and to just ask to be seated together when we get there. Has anyone had that happen to them before? We might also do the BBQ Celebration as well as a few others but haven't quite figured out which ones.

Looking forward to the race. I've been having some issues with my hip and had to take a two week break. Ran 5.5 miles yesterday which was my longest since April and it went pretty well. It was so hot! I kept thinking.....I sure hope it's not this hot the morning of the race!

Okay I'm curious is it because you have a large group that you have an actual number for confirmation or does Goofy's Kitchen provide numbers or something? Just wondering because when I booked our restaurants I was told our confirmation number was my name (what I made the reservation under). We're eating at Ariel's Grotto, Blue Bayou (my birthday dinner, I turn 23 on race day), and Plaza Inn (all on separate days mind you).

Also wondering if anyone here has ordered a cake from Disneyland before? We're probably going to get one to split for after the meal and take whatever leftovers the four (we're going to be eating with my running friend and her Mom for dinner) of us will split and take home but trying to find some more current information about how getting cakes there goes is proving ot be a bit difficult.

On the subject of Brightroom photographers, well they were on course at Tinkerbell for several of the character stops (they are responsible for taking this absolutely gorgeous photo below) so I'm hoping they'll keep that for this race. This picture had the longest line of the entire stops in the park (nearly 40 minutes to get through) but oooh it was worth it. Especially when nature decided to be nice and cooperate and provide an absolutely spectacularly appropriate backdrop as far color schemes go for this picture. Sorry about the size photo bucket wasn't being very cooperative with resizing.

 

[PrincessIM]

StarGirl-did you make your reservations by telephone or email. I used their email system and I believe if you do it by email you get a reservation number but if you call it in they don't give you one. I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm thinking of ordering the cake too. I was debating over just getting the individual cake just for the birthday boy since we'll be at Goofy's Buffet and there will be plenty of dessert but not quite sure yet. There's a thread on these boards all about the cakes with pictures too.

 

[PrincessIM]

Here's a link to the cake thread. Hope it works!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1536554read

Forgot to say what a great photo. I really do hope they are out on the course for character photos. I would love to have one like that.

 

[StarGirl11]

StarGirl-did you make your reservations by telephone or email. I used their email system and I believe if you do it by email you get a reservation number but if you call it in they don't give you one. I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm thinking of ordering the cake too. I was debating over just getting the individual cake just for the birthday boy since we'll be at Goofy's Buffet and there will be plenty of dessert but not quite sure yet. There's a thread on these boards all about the cakes with pictures too.

Ah that would be why then. I did it by phone then so the reservations were made instantaneously.

I may have to call them back, I just realized I spaced and forgot to mention the birthday note on my reservations (this call took place after a near hour long phone conversation with WDW setting up some of my January ADRs, their computers kept crashing, I don't regret calling because the lady was extremely helpful but it was still very long). Go figure the one reservation I make on my actual birthday I forget to add a note about my birthday. Probably do it at the same time I order the cake.

Thanks for the link by the way that was extremely informative.

 

[kim3339]

Speaking of characters do they have a lot of them out. I would imagine they only have them close to the parks.

They're only in the parks and backstage. The only part outside of the "parks" technically is on the backside of DCA in the old parking lot/road around Mile 12-12 1/2. That's usually where the Pixar people are. In the parks and backstage they have a bunch of floats from the Soundsational Parade, Princess and the Frog, Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Pirates, Tangled and some others. I could be mixing them up b/w the DL and Tink races, but they will have some out. Along the course in Anaheim, they have the typical bands and cheerleaders, there's also a Mariachi band and Hawaiian dancers. In Angels Stadium they ball squad for the team is out on the field along w/ tons of Boy and Girl Scouts.

I just saw the program this AM and was just as I predicted, a Cars theme. So predictable. But I love it. I think DH and DD will be super excited about that since I signed us all up for the 5k.

I didn't think this thread was getting any action because I haven't received email updates. :-(

I can't wait for the 5k either. I'm more excited for the finish line and being able to go through Cars Land when there's only so many people and not crazy amounts. Hopefully we can leave through Rte. 66 for our exit route from the parks.

I haven't been receiving email updates either
Looking forward to the race. I've been having some issues with my hip and had to take a two week break. Ran 5.5 miles yesterday which was my longest since April and it went pretty well. It was so hot! I kept thinking.....I sure hope it's not this hot the morning of the race!

Wasn't sure which email updates you guys were talking about ~ the thread or race emails, but I have the race emails in my folder still if you'd like them I can email them to you. But if it's for the thread, no worries!

Sorry about your hip problems, I have those to. I hate it! Hopefully the weather will be good race morning. The only year it was bad was the 2nd year when there was a heat wave. When I finished, it was a little over 100! But there was coastal fog the next 2 year and the last 2 years, no fog, but nice running weather. Hopefully we get coastal fog back this year!

 

[StarGirl11]

They're only in the parks and backstage. The only part outside of the "parks" technically is on the backside of DCA in the old parking lot/road around Mile 12-12 1/2. That's usually where the Pixar people are. In the parks and backstage they have a bunch of floats from the Soundsational Parade, Princess and the Frog, Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Pirates, Tangled and some others. I could be mixing them up b/w the DL and Tink races, but they will have some out. Along the course in Anaheim, they have the typical bands and cheerleaders, there's also a Mariachi band and Hawaiian dancers. In Angels Stadium they ball squad for the team is out on the field along w/ tons of Boy and Girl Scouts.



I can't wait for the 5k either. I'm more excited for the finish line and being able to go through Cars Land when there's only so many people and not crazy amounts. Hopefully we can leave through Rte. 66 for our exit route from the parks.



Wasn't sure which email updates you guys were talking about ~ the thread or race emails, but I have the race emails in my folder still if you'd like them I can email them to you. But if it's for the thread, no worries!

Sorry about your hip problems, I have those to. I hate it! Hopefully the weather will be good race morning. The only year it was bad was the 2nd year when there was a heat wave. When I finished, it was a little over 100! But there was coastal fog the next 2 year and the last 2 years, no fog, but nice running weather. Hopefully we get coastal fog back this year!

I don't remember the ball squad being out when I passed through last year. But maybe I just didn't notice them? I am at the back of the pack though so that may have something to do with it. Either way (them out or not) they're not the reason I'm running the race so I can live without seeing it.

Out of curiosity the 100 year did they put up the black flags? Seems like a kind of year where they may use the flag system.

Oh I would love for the coastal fog to be back. San Francisco's weather climate is part of the reason I love running the July race there so much. You can't beat 60 degree running weather in July even if the race starts at 5:30.

Oooh and fun fact in the race guide they list tentative park hours for the 31st to the 2nd.

 

[kim3339]

Out of curiosity the 100 year did they put up the black flags? Seems like a kind of year where they may use the flag system.

Oh I would love for the coastal fog to be back. San Francisco's weather climate is part of the reason I love running the July race there so much. You can't beat 60 degree running weather in July even if the race starts at 5:30.

They did, at least I think it was the black flags. It was the 1 under the highest rating. They did a good job w/ it though ~ signs were up all over the staging areas and at the water stops from about 1/2 way in or so that also had jugs of water in addition to the cups to refill everyone's water bottles. The heat wave hit I think Sat, that year the 1/2 ran on Monday, so they had enough notice to get the extra water. But I've never heard as many sirens after mile 10 at any race other than that one. And the medic tent was full when I passed.

As for the SF race... Out of all the races, the image from 2 years ago is still picture perfect clear, it was on the turn back on the bridge and you got the skyline, the GG towers and the fog. And the tops of the tower were covered by fog. Hopefully we'll have fog in 2 weeks.

 

[StarGirl11]

They did, at least I think it was the black flags. It was the 1 under the highest rating. They did a good job w/ it though ~ signs were up all over the staging areas and at the water stops from about 1/2 way in or so that also had jugs of water in addition to the cups to refill everyone's water bottles. The heat wave hit I think Sat, that year the 1/2 ran on Monday, so they had enough notice to get the extra water. But I've never heard as many sirens after mile 10 at any race other than that one. And the medic tent was full when I passed.

As for the SF race... Out of all the races, the image from 2 years ago is still picture perfect clear, it was on the turn back on the bridge and you got the skyline, the GG towers and the fog. And the tops of the tower were covered by fog. Hopefully we'll have fog in 2 weeks.

One more question about the black flag year. I read that they stop timing when the flags go up as it officially becomes a fun run at that point. Did that stay true? I hope I never encounter black flag weather but it's always good to know.

Oh and that sounds gorgeous really hope we have some fog for the early part of the race.

 

[kim3339]

One more question about the black flag year. I read that they stop timing when the flags go up as it officially becomes a fun run at that point. Did that stay true? I hope I never encounter black flag weather but it's always good to know.

No, they kept the clocks up. The times were just a lot slower. I know the turn the clocks off at some point but not sure which one. Maybe the red flag level? I remember reading that they did that at the Chicago Marathon a few years back but don't know which level they were at.

 

[pilgrimr]

What is the black flag? Does it have to do with weather.

 

[StarGirl11]

What is the black flag? Does it have to do with weather.

The flags represent different levels of heat extreme. Disney raises them during a race as they see fit to warn the runners of the conditions. Black Flag is supposed to be the final level in the system where the event is officially no longer timed and it officially becomes a fun run. Meaning you can do it, you can attempt to finish it, but it is not recommended by the race coordinators. I am trying to find the official system again for Disney but its not popping up anywhere, but I know I've seen it in previous programs.

ETA: Kim I think I found an article about your year's race which stated you guys were at a red.

http://www.healthyfiguresinc.com/category/disneyland-half-marathon-training.htm

ETA 2: finally found the system under a copy of the 09 final race instructions here are the weather levels:

YELLOW FLAG - Those runners with high risk for heat stroke should withdraw.
RED FLAG - All runners should be aware that heat injury is possible. Those susceptible to heat should be advised not to compete and all runners are urged to slow their pace and hydrate adequately.
BLACK FLAG - If a black flag condition occurs, all runners will be advised not to compete; the race will become a fun run and no times will be recorded from that point forward.

 

[pilgrimr]

The flags represent different levels of heat extreme. Disney raises them during a race as they see fit to warn the runners of the conditions. Black Flag is supposed to be the final level in the system where the event is officially no longer timed and it officially becomes a fun run. Meaning you can do it, you can attempt to finish it, but it is not recommended by the race coordinators. I am trying to find the official system again for Disney but its not popping up anywhere, but I know I've seen it in previous programs.

ETA: Kim I think I found an article about your year's race which stated you guys were at a red.

http://www.healthyfiguresinc.com/category/disneyland-half-marathon-training.htm

ETA 2: finally found the system under a copy of the 09 final race instructions here are the weather levels:

YELLOW FLAG - Those runners with high risk for heat stroke should withdraw.
RED FLAG - All runners should be aware that heat injury is possible. Those susceptible to heat should be advised not to compete and all runners are urged to slow their pace and hydrate adequately.
BLACK FLAG - If a black flag condition occurs, all runners will be advised not to compete; the race will become a fun run and no times will be recorded from that point forward.

Thank you for the info. I am hoping that training durning the summer months here in Texas should prepare me, but it is good to know that they do have a system in place for the heat.

 

[kim3339]

The flags represent different levels of heat extreme. Disney raises them during a race as they see fit to warn the runners of the conditions. Black Flag is supposed to be the final level in the system where the event is officially no longer timed and it officially becomes a fun run. Meaning you can do it, you can attempt to finish it, but it is not recommended by the race coordinators. I am trying to find the official system again for Disney but its not popping up anywhere, but I know I've seen it in previous programs.

ETA: Kim I think I found an article about your year's race which stated you guys were at a red.

Oh okay, I thought red was the highest and black was 2nd. It just made sense to me ~ red stop signs and lights etc. Yeah, that was not a fun time. I love DL and the course, but it was just way too hot. And then the walk back to the hotel... I was staying at the Alpine Hotel and remember stopping at PP to try and get a taxi, but there were none. I was pretty much walking on top of the fence along the outside of DCA to try and be in the shade. But we've had great weather since, so fingers crossed again for this year.

 

[JDBlair]

I haven't been receiving email updates either

Glad it's not just me. Guess I need to just hang on to the recent email I got and keep coming back!

I can't wait for the 5k either. I'm more excited for the finish line and being able to go through Cars Land when there's only so many people and not crazy amounts. Hopefully we can leave through Rte. 66 for our exit route from the parks.


Wasn't sure which email updates you guys were talking about ~ the thread or race emails, but I have the race emails in my folder still if you'd like them I can email them to you. But if it's for the thread, no worries!

I am excited. I might be a little insane, though! I have signed up for the following Disney races:
Disneyland half
Tinker Bell half
Princess half

but a little of I think it's official that I'm insane. I am really excited about all 3 but I've never done the Princess before so I'm WICKED excited about that.

 

[JDBlair]

My friend and I stayed at Best Western Stovall's for Tinker Bell. And because the finish area ran through that corner at West (aka Disneyland Drive) and Katella, we were told we had to circle the block to get back to the hotel. So that's what we did. But I refuse to do that next time. For those that ran Tink...and stayed at a hotel there near the finish line..how did you get back to your room?? Did you circle the block??? (We did, it was awful!)

 

[kim3339]

I am excited. I might be a little insane, though! I have signed up for the following Disney races:
Disneyland half
Tinker Bell half
Princess half

but a little of I think it's official that I'm insane. I am really excited about all 3 but I've never done the Princess before so I'm WICKED excited about that.

You're not the only insane one! I've got the DL 5k/½ , Goofy at WDW and then Tink 5k/½ the following week. I get to come home from WDW in time to do laundry, a massage, repack and then it's down to DL for Tink.

I'm also thinking we need to come up w/ a Goofy type name for the 5k/½ runners like Goofy. It's just easier.

If you're flying down that weekend, recheck Southwest. I got an email today from them and they have cities on sale. From SJ, I could do LAX and back from SNA for $129. So tempting, easier and cheaper than driving, but I'm stopping at the Reagan Museum on the way back, so it's a no go.

You'll like Princess~ did it the 1st year and had a blast. The parts on the in b/w parks part was kinda bland b/c there's nothing there, but it was a ton of fun! It was the same type of environment as Tink.

 

[kim3339]

Have to ask ~ I was just on Miceage (hopefully I can say that) looking at weekly updates. Aside from getting to run through Cars Land, are any previous runners looking forward to finally being able to run through DCA w/o construction walls? It will be so nice to have that open area to be able to move around and look at, not to mention the lack of rise in humidity/microclimate in the part in Hollywood Land and near Carthay Circle. It will be such a great change/surprise to the course. I cannot wait!