Happy Haunted vs Jingle Jungle

[bellrae]

I am hoping to have my first go at a run Disney event in 2014.

I have been doing a C25K type program, so my plan is to try for a 5k race in the latter part of 2014.

I was wondering if people had any thoughts on Jingle Jungle vs Happy Haunted. Would anyone suggest doing one over the other for a first try?

Thanks

 

[cewait]

The Haunted is a cross country event (i.e. no pavement) while the JJ is in DAK. BOTH are fun and would make a great first 5k. If you are worried at all about poor footing, go with the JJ. But really either would make a great first race. Why not do both?

 

[bellrae]

Why not do both?

Tempted to do both - but it would depend on the dates they set (am coming from Australia). If, like last year, they are 4 weeks apart, it is do-able to start and end the vacation at WDW with a run

 

[cewait]

October 4 and November 8 are the published dates. Of course, the dates are subject to revision but are fairly firm

 

[jel0511]

I've run a 5k before so the Happy Haunts wasn't my first 5k and it was HARD!!! I personally wouldn't recommend it as a first time 5k race. It's not a cross country race, the race is mainly run on trails made out of sand which if you are not used to running on makes it for a difficult run. We are doing the Jingle Jungle this year instead since it's a road race. I got HORRIBLE blisters from the sand as I didn't know so I wasn't prepared. I actually was in a wheel chair for the rest of the trip they were that bad......NEVER AGAIN!!!!

 

[cewait]

Not to argue but the course is a cross country course. There is even a cross country race along much of the same course the following weekend. I find the course fun and rather easy on the joints. Yes, it does take a little adjustment in stride but the course is a nice change of pace.

 

[jel0511]

Not to argue but the course is a cross country course. There is even a cross country race along much of the same course the following weekend. I find the course fun and rather easy on the joints. Yes, it does take a little adjustment in stride but the course is a nice change of pace.

See I'm from the NE, and a cross country race doesn't usually involve running on sand, that's I guess where my confusion came from. Up here it involves running on dirt trails through the woods, no sand is involved. That's what I was prepared for, sand wasn't.......

 

[cewait]

See I'm from the NE, and a cross country race doesn't usually involve running on sand, that's I guess where my confusion came from. Up here it involves running on dirt trails through the woods, no sand is involved. That's what I was prepared for, sand wasn't.......

I fully understand. The sandy soils noted is dirt in this region of Florida. While not obvious there is a path off the edge of most of the loose areas where one could run without the heavy loading.