Is the WDW '08 Marathon a realistic Boston Qualifier?

[jasper]

I'll be 44 by the time the WDW 2008 Marathon rolls around in January and was wondering if the course is a realistic Boston Qualifier. I ran Pocono Mountain in Pennsylvania earlier this month, my first marathon, in 3:28:29, misssing BQ by exactly 7:30, and plan to train hard for my next attempt at the Steamtown Marathon in October. If for whatever reason I don't do it there, is WDW a place where you can run a BQ, or is it generally too crowded and/or too hot to consider it a realistic place to do it?

Thanks!

 

[solotraveler]

I'll be 44 by the time the WDW 2008 Marathon rolls around in January and was wondering if the course is a realistic Boston Qualifier. I ran Pocono Mountain in Pennsylvania earlier this month, my first marathon, in 3:28:29, misssing BQ by exactly 7:30, and plan to train hard for my next attempt at the Steamtown Marathon in October. If for whatever reason I don't do it there, is WDW a place where you can run a BQ, or is it generally too crowded and/or too hot to consider it a realistic place to do it?

Thanks!

If you really want to run a BQ, then I would pick something other than WDW.

It's a GREAT race and a lot of fun.... just not a fast one. Too many people, a very tight course and the chance of some severe heat (just ask the 2007 crew) make it dicey at best.

Just my .02!
Kevin

 

[Cindylou]

Jasper,

I can't answer your question since 2008 will be my first WDW Marathon, but just keep in mind that your qualifying time is based on the age you will be on (Boston) marathon day, not the age that you are when you run the BQ marathon. Therefore, if you run sub 3:30:59 in October it will qualify you for Boston 2009(since you'll be 45 by then). You have from Sept 29, 2007 to qualify for Boston 2009. You might not want to put it off until then, but it can be your Plan B.

Good luck,
Cindy

 

[xterratri]

WDW is not a good BQ due to course congestion and variable weather conditions. I was going to suggest Steamtown since you are in PA but see that you are already planning on doing it. Just realize that the net downhill will place a beating on your legs and you may want to do some training for it. Another option around the same time is the Mohawk-Hudson one by Albany, NY. Not as much net downhill as Steamtown but that may not be a bad thing as I don't think it has the late hills either. Good luck- us slower types will be living vicariously through you

 

[jasper]

Jasper,

I can't answer your question since 2008 will be my first WDW Marathon, but just keep in mind that your qualifying time is based on the age you will be on (Boston) marathon day, not the age that you are when you run the BQ marathon. Therefore, if you run sub 3:30:59 in October it will qualify you for Boston 2009(since you'll be 45 by then). You have from Sept 29, 2007 to qualify for Boston 2009. You might not want to put it off until then, but it can be your Plan B.

Good luck,
Cindy

Right on Cindy. That is my plan B! It took me a while to figure that scenario out the first time. Oh, and you'e going to love the marathon. I've felt like a different (better) me ever since I started training and crossed the finish line at 26.2 for the first time! Good luck.

 

[jasper]

I was going to suggest Steamtown since you are in PA but see that you are already planning on doing it. Just realize that the net downhill will place a beating on your legs and you may want to do some training for it.

I'll definately be training for the hills. Pocono Mountain is not far from Steamtown and has a somewhat similar elevation profile. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Rockclimber]

I really don't think crowd congestions will be a factor for you. With a 3:28 that will put you in Corral A. That is where I was in both 2006 and 2007. Both times I was across the start line in 10 seconds or so. It is pretty wide at the start, so you can spread out. When it narrows you will be well out of the way. I ran a 3:34 last year and hung well with the 3:20 pace group until that sun came out and cooked my splits about mile 20. My feet felt like they were 130 degrees. I was really bummed by my time.

The weather is the big factor. You never know. 06 weather was wicked cold at the start (32f), but turned into beautiful cool running weather a little later. Last year was scorching hot (87F and humid). Go figure!

I would consider the course pretty flat, but that means no speedy descents. So consider that a pro or con however you like.

The other factor that could influence your decision is crowd level. You really only get the crowd influence through the parks. If you run like me, then low crowd level is a plus. I always feel like I have to go faster when people are cheering me on, and that totally blows even splits.

I am skipping WDW08 and am going to try to run Marine Corp, if I can maintain a steady training schedule over the summer. If not I am going to run Kiawah, SC in Dec. That race is really small, 2 loops, totally flat and fast. I need to run a 3:15 to BQ. I am also stepping up the training and am going to try Pete Pfitzingers 18 week 55+miles. He does a lot of speed work, lactate threshold, VO2 max runs. So we'll see if I survive training!!

Best of luck on your decision. Just being at Disney and running is pure magic.

Dave

 

[princessmomma]

Rockclimber, you are absolutely correct about the lack of congestion when you are up in Corral A. The main factor is the heat. Too unpredictable.

DH qualified at Kiawah, which is a great BQ marathon. I ran the half there last year and the weather was perfect, in fact, it has been perfect in the four years we have been going. I think I may run Kiawah again this year as it is an easy 5 hour drive from my house and a nice long weekend destination for the family.

I really don't think crowd congestions will be a factor for you. With a 3:28 that will put you in Corral A. That is where I was in both 2006 and 2007. Both times I was across the start line in 10 seconds or so. It is pretty wide at the start, so you can spread out. When it narrows you will be well out of the way. I ran a 3:34 last year and hung well with the 3:20 pace group until that sun came out and cooked my splits about mile 20. My feet felt like they were 130 degrees. I was really bummed by my time.

The weather is the big factor. You never know. 06 weather was wicked cold at the start (32f), but turned into beautiful cool running weather a little later. Last year was scorching hot (87F and humid). Go figure!

I would consider the course pretty flat, but that means no speedy descents. So consider that a pro or con however you like.

The other factor that could influence your decision is crowd level. You really only get the crowd influence through the parks. If you run like me, then low crowd level is a plus. I always feel like I have to go faster when people are cheering me on, and that totally blows even splits.

I am skipping WDW08 and am going to try to run Marine Corp, if I can maintain a steady training schedule over the summer. If not I am going to run Kiawah, SC in Dec. That race is really small, 2 loops, totally flat and fast. I need to run a 3:15 to BQ. I am also stepping up the training and am going to try Pete Pfitzingers 18 week 55+miles. He does a lot of speed work, lactate threshold, VO2 max runs. So we'll see if I survive training!!

Best of luck on your decision. Just being at Disney and running is pure magic.

Dave

 

[jasper]

DH qualified at Kiawah, which is a great BQ marathon. I ran the half there last year and the weather was perfect, in fact, it has been perfect in the four years we have been going. I think I may run Kiawah again this year as it is an easy 5 hour drive from my house and a nice long weekend destination for the family.

I was also considering Kiawah Isalnd. I could drive there which will save big bucks, and most, but not all, the reviews were positive. Any more details on Kiawah as a WDW alternative would be welcome!!! Where is the best place on the island to stay near the start finish?

 

[Rockclimber]

I have never run Kiawah before, but I have many friends who have. They love it. Apparently the race fills really quickly. So August 1st is circled in red on my calendar. There is a race package that sounds pretty good and guarantees early entry. Here is a link. [www.kiawahresort.com/packages/marathon/]. Alot cheaper than WDW, but no pixie dust.

Either way my training goes I plan on being there. My wife, who is not a runner, is going to run the half with a friend. I am so excited for her. So if I don't run MCM, I'll be doing the Kiawah full. If I run MCM, I'll probably pace the girls.

We probably won't stay in the Villas, since our neighbor has offered their huge house on the island. SWEET Whatever you decide let me know, I would love to have someone to run with.

Dave

 

[princessmomma]

Any more details on Kiawah as a WDW alternative would be welcome!!! Where is the best place on the island to stay near the start finish?

We have stayed on the island all four times. We did buy the package once and then went a la carte the other times, booking the villas and race registration separate.

Most of the villas are within walking distance to the start. Depending on how much of a warm up you like. Our closest villa was about a 7 minute walk and last years was about a 20 minute walk. My friends and I took the shuttle (they run every 15 minutes I think) to the race start, but then after the half we walked back to the villa.

The villas are very nice, great for the family, with a full kitchen, living room, etc. The years DH has ran the marathon, we brought the kid's bikes and we actually biked to the race start/finish and then biked around the service roads to see dad at various locations along the route.

As rockclimber said, it is a double loop and completely flat.

Ok, getting a little excited about this marathon, think I could run MCM, Kiawah and Disney?? Last year I ran Chicago Marathon October 22nd, Kiawah half marathon December 9th and the Disney Goofy January 6-7. What's another 13 miles in December??

 

[jasper]

Ok, getting a little excited about this marathon, think I could run MCM, Kiawah and Disney?? Last year I ran Chicago Marathon October 22nd, Kiawah half marathon December 9th and the Disney Goofy January 6-7. What's another 13 miles in December??

Go for it! If I get in via lottery, I could end up at Steamtown (10/7), New York (11/4), and WDW Full (1/13).