Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run

[patkingpin]

Hi everyone - I am planning to run the Happy Haunted 5k Trail run during the Tower of Terror 10 miler weekend.
I have found very limited info on this run. I know that it is a smaller event in a bigger weekend, but I would love to even see a map or hear about what to expect. For some of us, a 5k is still a big deal, but I feel more like this run is an afterthought for most.
For those that have run 5ks as part of bigger weekends in the past, can you tell me a bit about what to expect? I know this isn't chip timed, but is there a clock timer? Since it is all in Wide World of Sports, are there any events from the past that might give me an idea about the route?
Any general Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run talk is appreciated here also!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I believe this is the first event to run through WWoS, but Disney knows how to entertain along the course. I did the inaugural Mickey's Halloween 5K in 2010 and had such a great time. There was a clock that reflected the overall time, and that time was also on clocks with the mile markers. I even think the designs for the 5K medallions are cooler than the medals.

 

[JCH]

This is a new race, so of course I haven't done it yet, but I did do the Halloween 5k in 2011, and it was still magical. There are still characters during the course (generally at 4-5 places), Mickey at the start, and fireworks to start you off. All the races, even 5ks, have a party atmosphere in the beginning. For the Halloween races, people will be dressed up.

Because this one is not through a park, I have a feeling there will be a lot more theming and things along things to look at along the way. It should be fun!

Fair warning, do not be surprised if you catch the Disney Running Bug and start planning the 10 miler or a half as you are crossing the finish line.

 

[mahipp]

Hi everyone - I am planning to run the Happy Haunted 5k Trail run during the Tower of Terror 10 miler weekend.
I have found very limited info on this run. I know that it is a smaller event in a bigger weekend, but I would love to even see a map or hear about what to expect. For some of us, a 5k is still a big deal, but I feel more like this run is an afterthought for most.
For those that have run 5ks as part of bigger weekends in the past, can you tell me a bit about what to expect? I know this isn't chip timed, but is there a clock timer? Since it is all in Wide World of Sports, are there any events from the past that might give me an idea about the route?
Any general Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run talk is appreciated here also!

Thanks for bringing this up! This will be my first Run Disney event, so I will be subscribing to this thread to read the responses! And, even though I haven't actually completed an event at Disney, I have caught the "bug" and I am working toward the Princess Half Marathon in February!

 

[JCH]

Oh, I forgot to add, wear your medal or shirt to the parks. I know it seems like nothing when you are in a board full of the very small percent of the population doing marathons and half marathons, but it is still an accomplishment to be proud of! Cast members and other guests will still congratulate you, and characters will make a big deal out of it, as well.

 

[patkingpin]

Thanks for bringing this up! This will be my first Run Disney event, so I will be subscribing to this thread to read the responses! And, even though I haven't actually completed an event at Disney, I have caught the "bug" and I am working toward the Princess Half Marathon in February!

This is exactly why I started this thread. This is my gateway run, lol. If I love it, and I think I will, then I will work towards the half and eventually the full marathons. I have tried to read as much as possible, but it just seems like there isn't much information on this one yet.

We aren't going into the parks the day I am running It is our check-in day believe it or not so it is an easy day for us.

 

[JCH]

This is exactly why I started this thread. This is my gateway run, lol. If I love it, and I think I will, then I will work towards the half and eventually the full marathons. I have tried to read as much as possible, but it just seems like there isn't much information on this one yet.

We aren't going into the parks the day I am running It is our check-in day believe it or not so it is an easy day for us.

Then wear it the next day! If you feel silly, wear the shirt they give you. I promise you'll still get the congrats and lots of questions from people who have no idea runDisney exists.

What time are you checking in? You will need to be at ESPN very early...

 

[patkingpin]

Then wear it the next day! If you feel silly, wear the shirt they give you. I promise you'll still get the congrats and lots of questions from people who have no idea runDisney exists.

What time are you checking in? You will need to be at ESPN very early...

Hmmm, good idea!

We are driving down, so we are getting in on Friday the 28th and staying off property for a night so we will be close. If the race starts at 7:30am, what time do you think call time will be?
We won't be checking in until after my daughter runs the 100m that day

 

[JCH]

Hmmm, good idea!

We are driving down, so we are getting in on Friday the 28th and staying off property for a night so we will be close. If the race starts at 7:30am, what time do you think call time will be?
We won't be checking in until after my daughter runs the 100m that day

I would aim for 6:30 at the latest. 6 is probably better in case there is traffic. It seems like a lot of waitin around, but they'll have a DJ going and characters to take pictures with, so it goes by fast!

 

[JennyDrake]

Fair warning, do not be surprised if you catch the Disney Running Bug and start planning the 10 miler or a half as you are crossing the finish line.

Yep. Last fall was my first 5K ever, now I'm signed up for the F&W half marathon. BTW I am 40 something and had never run prior to last summer.

 

[patkingpin]

I am not going to lie. I am a bit sad that the 10 miler is sold out. Not that I think I am ready to run that, but because it just seems like it is the run to do that weekend.
I keep watching Youtube videos of past 5Ks and they all went through the parks at some point. I wonder if something will be missing since this race doesn't leave WWS?

 

[mahipp]

Question for the veterans - I signed up for this a few months ago. Since that time, I've lost weight. I'm hoping to have lost more weight before the actual event. How do I/can I change the shirt size I ordered?

 

[JCH]

I am not going to lie. I am a bit sad that the 10 miler is sold out. Not that I think I am ready to run that, but because it just seems like it is the run to do that weekend.
I keep watching Youtube videos of past 5Ks and they all went through the parks at some point. I wonder if the something will be missing since this race isn't leave WWS?

This is why I think there will have to be more stuff. Running through the World Showcase as the sun is coming up is nothing short of magical, so hopefully they can do something to replicate that in WWoS.

 

[patkingpin]

This is why I think there will have to be more stuff. Running through the World Showcase as the sun is coming up is nothing short of magical, so hopefully they can do something to replicate that in WWoS.

This is what I am hoping for. I mean, either way I will run it it as I am already registered, I just don't want it to be a let down.
I will also admit to being super excited about this run.
The Tower of Terror 10 miler map shows a route through WWoS. Does anyone know if the 5K route will be similar?

 

[es45]

Hmmm, good idea!

We are driving down, so we are getting in on Friday the 28th and staying off property for a night so we will be close. If the race starts at 7:30am, what time do you think call time will be?
We won't be checking in until after my daughter runs the 100m that day

Do you plan to pick up your race packet on Friday? I'm not certain but I don't think you can pick it up race day for the 5k.

As for the course map, they will release it a little closer to the event. At least that was the response I received when I requested it.

 

[es45]

Question for the veterans - I signed up for this a few months ago. Since that time, I've lost weight. I'm hoping to have lost more weight before the actual event. How do I/can I change the shirt size I ordered?

Contact runDisney and they should be able to change the shirt size on your registration.

 

[mahipp]

Contact runDisney and they should be able to change the shirt size on your registration.

Thanks!

 

[jeanigor]

Question for the veterans - I signed up for this a few months ago. Since that time, I've lost weight. I'm hoping to have lost more weight before the actual event. How do I/can I change the shirt size I ordered?

There will be a limited number of race t-shirts that can be exchanged based on wrong sizes at the expo.

This is what I am hoping for. I mean, either way I will run it it as I am already registered, I just don't want it to be a let down.
I will also admit to being super excited about this run.
The Tower of Terror 10 miler map shows a route through WWoS. Does anyone know if the 5K route will be similar?

I imagine that there are a limited number of possibilities when it comes to getting miles in at the complex. Although it may not be the same, it will be similar. Maybe opposing directions? Keep it interesting for those of us doing both?

Do you plan to pick up your race packet on Friday? I'm not certain but I don't think you can pick it up race day for the 5k.

As for the course map, they will release it a little closer to the event. At least that was the response I received when I requested it.

You can pick up your bib prior to the race. They suggest getting there before 6 if this is the case. My flight is a late flight on Friday and I won't make it on property until after the expo is closed for the evening. You will have to visit the expo on Saturday once it opens for your t shirt, goodies and swag.

 

[patkingpin]

Do you plan to pick up your race packet on Friday? I'm not certain but I don't think you can pick it up race day for the 5k.

Luckily we will be getting in on friday early enough to make it to pick up the packet.

 

[caitty13]

Has anyone signed up for only the 5K and still got the discounted park tickets? If so how much are they? I really want to sign up but want to figure out how much it will cost me.