How does Marathon affect park ops?

[Part of Your World]

We will be visiting MK on Jan 11, and have a PS for Cindy's at 8:20. I was just wondering how the WDW marathon affects operations -- will areas be roped off or restricted? Will crowds be bad? Will we need to arrive earlier to ensure timely arrival at CRT? Just wondering......

 

[LibertyBelle]

Animal Kingdom will be hosting the early morning hour for resort guests that day in place of MK so the crowds should not be bad for you. They usually do have areas roped off (or sections of the park that have a delayed opening) but there will be lots of CM's there to direct you to your destination. I would plan to arrive about 7:45-8am (they usually do not open the turnstiles for breakfast reservations until 8am anyway. Not sure where you are coming from (hotel wise) but make sure you check with the resort front desk to plan accordingly as a lot of the roads on property are closed for the marathon so if you are taking the bus it may take some extra time to get around.

 

[ironz]

The runners will be running right up Main Street at that time...but it seems like they have about 1/2 to 2/3 of the width of Main Street roped off for runners and the rest is open for spectators so you will be able to get to the castle. The runners also run through the castle. I'm sure CMs will be able to get you there...just make sure you clap and wave at the runners on your way!!
and enjoy the fact that while you're on your way to breakfast, the marathoners you see will have about 16 more miles to run!