Going back for the 1/2 Marathon in '11...lodging/race day question

[crzy4mk]

Hi all! I'm returning to compete in the 1/2 marathon in January. Ran it back in '07, but have "fallen off the wagon" since then. Started getting back in shape and am beginning my training this week! I'm very excited!

Things have changed a little since I was last there, and I am now a DVC member. I plan to stay at Animal Kingdom Villas, and am just flying in and using Disney transportation. So....I will be at the resort with no vehicle and will need to get to the starting line very early (as you all know) on Saturday morning. Is there any kind of shuttle that might run, or will I need to set up a taxi to take me the the start of the race? Any other options?

Thanks for your responses, and I look forward to being back with all you guys in January!

 

[K80K]

The January race will include all transportation necessary. There will be buses available to an from the expo as well as to and from the race directly from your hotel.

 

[wtpclc]

For marathon weekend, they have buses at all resorts to/from teh expo and teh races fro both participants and spectators. You'll be all set!

 

[crzy4mk]

Wow. Thanks for the quick responses! So, if I plan on leaving AKV at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. to get to the race, there will be transportation provided for me?

 

[wtpclc]

Yeah, but you may want to be earlier than that. There will be instructions for when you need to be on the bus a month or so before the race.

 

[crzy4mk]

Awesome!

Been away from the Disboards for awhile, but now I remember why this is a great place....thanks so much for all the help!

 

[K80K]

The race start is earlier than it was in 2007, so you will definitely want to leave earlier that you did then. According to the 2010 program you need to board buses by 4 AM to make it to the start on time (http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go...urSports/PDF/Endurance/WDWMarathonProgram.pdf) I would plan to be on a bus earlier than 4 so that you aren't caught in the last minute lines as it gets closer to 4. Glad to see you returning to the sport. I will see you there in January!

 

[evhorizon]

As stated earlier, they tell you that the "last" bus leaves your resort at 4am. I've always been on the bus by then, but I'm pretty sure they keep running after that. It just can get sketchy whether you'll be there on time after that, primarily because of traffic.

Keep in mind that it takes different amounts of time to get to the race start from each resort (distance + traffic). AKL is probably the furthest from Epcot you can get. I stayed at POFQ the last couple of times because of proximity to Epcot (pretty quick bus ride). Just leave yourself enough time so you won't panic if the bus sits in traffic for a bit.