Is the WDW Marathon a Boston Qualifier?

[AmyBWV99]

I've looked al over Disney's site and couldn't find the answer. I was assuming that it was, but does anyone know definitively?

 

[wtpclc]

It is, but it's been said that it's not the best place to qualify. I think crowds and such adn being more for people to have fun make it harder.

 

[AmyBWV99]

GIven that, how do they do seeding? If I can provide a pretty fast proof of time, couldn't I get seeded ahead of the slower people and those looking to run for fun so I can avoid most of the crowd? DH and I are doing the Indy Mini Marathon (35,000 participants) and he, through proof of time, is being seeded highly and in front of the people looking to have a fun run as opposted to those racing for time. Is Disney not doing something similar?

 

[andromedaslove]

Yeah... Disney does corrals based on your proof of time. I think with the numbers of people there it is still difficult to break away from the crowds. I mean last year I was in the corral with a few other WISHers that started RIGHT behind the elites and wheelchairs. Talk about intimidating as you watch the elites stretch and get ready!! However, when the 2 starts (blue and red) merge in EPCOT your back in the thick of everyone again!! I am busting my behind to qualify this year, but I am gonna try to do it in one of the races here in Jacksonville, where the course is flat (and I mean real flat, not Disney flat!) and it's not as crowded.

Dana

 

[AmyBeth68]

Amy,

There are corrals based on proof of time that will allow faster runners to go out ahead. But I think in general, the Disney course can get congested through the parks a bit, even if you are more highly seeded. Simply put it's not a fast course. With that said....I think that any certified marathon can be a boston qualfier but I'm no expert and don't imagine I'll be qualifying for boston in this lifetime .

 

[AmyBWV99]

I'm going to try here, too, in a local marathon, but we live in a pretty hilly area, so it's hard to find a flat course anywhere. Plus, it can be hot - last year it was in the 80's during the race.

 

[AmyBWV99]

I just looked at a different website - it is a qualifer and 335 people qualifed in 2007.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Amy...the weather is also an issue at Disney. Last two years for the marathon it was quite hot and very humid. Of course...it can be cool too depends on the year . Best of luck to you and your husband in your qualifying aspirations.

 

[Jen117]

Amy - I see you are in Iowa. Just wanted to let you know the Green Bay, Wisconsin Marathon is a Boston Qualifier also. I ran the 1/2 last year and it is pretty flat. There were about 4000 people combined, so not crowded at all. The race is in May tho and there are still openings. Just wanted to give you another closer option.

 

[AmyBWV99]

We have some friends coming up to run that race. I've heard it's a pretty flat course, but we have the Indy half 2 weekends before and we both need some additional training to be ready to tackle the full as we've been on training schedules for the half. Chicago is another option in the fall, but we'll be at WDW the weekend that Chicago is run.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Amy...not sure if you'd want to travel for this one but I've known a few people who BQ'd at this marathon. It's supposed to be REALLY REALLY FAST and great crowd support to help you through the 20 mile mark...

http://www.steamtownmarathon.com/

*IF* I ever completely lose my mind and decide to try to knuckle down and train to qualify...effectively knocking 60 seconds of my pace on a GOOD day LOL....then that would be the race I'd run. I've heard rave reviews about the organization, crowds, volunteers, etc.

 

[andromedaslove]

*IF* I ever completely lose my mind and decide to try to knuckle down and train to qualify...effectively knocking 60 seconds of my pace on a GOOD day LOL....then that would be the race I'd run.

See I know exactly what you mean. I figure I have to set huge goals in order to beat a realistic one. Example.... WDW07 I wanted to beat 4:30 (my first marathon mind you) and I came in at 5:49:40 . WDW08 I wanted to go sub 4:00 I cam in at 4:22:03. I figure if my goal is to BQ, then I might just go sub 4:00!!

Dana