Is EPCOT Crowded During the Marathon?

[lguenther]

My family is planning to visit EPCOT on the morning of Marathon day (January 8th), and we're wondering if there will be any inaccessible, roped-off areas for the runners that we should be aware of, or whether our 11:10 Frozen FP will be affected. TIA

 

[Simba's Mom]

There were runners still running up until at least noontime, and although the actual finish is outside the park, it's not unusual for runners to meet up with family in the park. Oops! DH, who ran it last year, just told me that the runners DO run in the park (both FW and WS) as they're finishing the last couple miles, so he says that it'll be pretty congested as areas are blocked off for the runners.

 

[Nole95]

At least until noon there will be a large amount of runners coming through Future World. The main issue with this is if you want to cross from one side of FW to the other. It will take longer than usual as they time the crowds to cross the course.

Runners come into EOCOT by the U.K., runaround the WC, through FW and out into the parking lots. Go to the RunDisney website for the course map.

 

[lguenther]

Thanks for the info, everybody!

 

[bumbershoot]

Crossing will take longer but cms do control it. It's not a free for all. Cheer the runners and walkers as they head to the finish and give yourselves a little extra time. Win win.

 

[mountdew1]

Runners do go through most of WS and about half of FW. In WS its easy enough to avoid the runners as they are usually pretty spread out and the walkways are large. As a PP said, the only real choke point is between the Fountain of Nations and Mousegears. There the CMs will use a system of directing guests where you will be held for a short period of time. If you stay on the other side of FW, IE go by Camera shop, down by Art of Disney, by Starbucks etc you should be fine. Just watch for cones/signs and listen to all CMs and it's not a problem.

 

[DOOM1001]

The last runners start at around 6:45am and if they take the full 7 hours Disney gives them to finish the last runners will be coming in at almost 2pm.The Cast members in Future World will use the herd and corral technique where they move people from corral to corral giving runners an open area to run.

 

[DOOM1001]

Sorry double post!

 

[laughinplace199]

As others have mentioned, you'll be able to get around in Epcot, but it may take a little longer. CM's will direct you. If you are there as the runners are going by, cheer them on! They enter Epcot at about mile 25 and that last 1.2 miles can seem like 100.2 miles! A few words of encouragement can do wonders for runners at this point in the race.

Enjoy your trip!