Just doing the 5k (short trip worth it)?

[Raenstoirm]

I am a new runner and I am just about able to complete a running 5k. I noticed that the marathon 5k still has quite a few spots. If I fly in, say, wednesday and fly home friday evening is it worth it? It is really crowded? Or do the runners not show up till friday? We are headed to WDW literally a month before, so I trying to figure expenses and all that to see if I can swing it.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It seems to be crowded that entire week. The 5K is usually crowded, but more for fun so you don't see a lot of people running it except in the front corrals. With it not being timed, I don't think it is worth it. Have you considered trying the Expedition Everest Scavenger Hunt in May? That is a fun 5K with a real medal and it is timed. We really had a great time with that. I like the medallion for the 5K during Marathon weekend, but the cost just isn't worth it to me (and the getting up super early).

 

[Ebeezy]

nah, it's not worth it (in my opinion).

 

[mking624]

I don't know how it is during the marathon weekend. But I did a solo trip last year during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend just to do the Halloween 5K. For ME, it was worth it. It was my first race ever and it symbolized a few things for me. It was important to me that I go, and my DH made sure that I did. And that was only two weeks after we had returned from a WDW vacation.

If you're looking at only the logistics of a trip...such as crowds and finances...then it may not be worth it in that respect and the opinions here will attest to that. But if the race has a deeper meaning to you, as mine did for me, than the only one who can determine if going is worth it is you.

 

[FireDancer]

I don't think any of the Disney 5k's are worth it. I'm not paying $55.00 for any 5k let alone one without an official time or age group awards. Running through the parks isn't enough to make me dole out that much money when I can do local races for $20 or under.

To be honest I don't really think any of the Disney races are worth it anymore. I like the W&D half and might aim to do it next year but I'll be doing it knowing I am overpaying for the event. Going forward I am much more likely to head down to do non Disney races like the Space Coast or Gasparilla and then add a couple of days after for Disney. Their prices and the way they treat men who try to run in some of their races has really made me not want to give them my money any more. I still really do hate the entire RunDisney organization because they are so blatantly sexist. They can all die in a fire as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Have you considered trying the Expedition Everest Scavenger Hunt in May?

I thought it was already sold out, but turns out I was looking at the 2012 race. It seems 2013 hasnt even opened for registration yet, so yes I may do that instead.

Thanks for your advice all! I think I will skip January and and sign up for May. And I hope to do the Wine and Dine half next year as well. Gonna have to renew my AP!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I don't think any of the Disney 5k's are worth it. I'm not paying $55.00 for any 5k let alone one without an official time or age group awards. Running through the parks isn't enough to make me dole out that much money when I can do local races for $20 or under.

To be honest I don't really think any of the Disney races are worth it anymore. I like the W&D half and might aim to do it next year but I'll be doing it knowing I am overpaying for the event. Going forward I am much more likely to head down to do non Disney races like the Space Coast or Gasparilla and then add a couple of days after for Disney. Their prices and the way they treat men who try to run in some of their races has really made me not want to give them my money any more. I still really do hate the entire RunDisney organization because they are so blatantly sexist. They can all die in a fire as far as I'm concerned.

I agree with the comment about the Disney races not being entirely worth it as a whole anymore. After running a lot of races outside of Disney this year, they aren't as worth the $150+ registration fees anymore when other races charge a fraction of that and give you a lot in a return. I don't agree with them being sexist, but rather opportunists. The women's geared running phenomenon is huge right now all over the country. When and if it fizzles out, Disney will drop those and move on to whatever else will make them the most money. It is ALL about the money.

 

[FireDancer]

I agree with the comment about the Disney races not being entirely worth it as a whole anymore. After running a lot of races outside of Disney this year, they aren't as worth the $150+ registration fees anymore when other races charge a fraction of that and give you a lot in a return. I don't agree with them being sexist, but rather opportunists. The women's geared running phenomenon is huge right now all over the country. When and if it fizzles out, Disney will drop those and move on to whatever else will make them the most money. It is ALL about the money.

My problem isn't that they go with women-centric themes. My problem is that they tell men they can't start where they are supposed to, can't get an age group award, and at one race they told the crowd not to cheer on the winner because he was male.

I don't care about it making them money, it is sexist and they would catch hell if they tried to do the same thing in reverse. Double standards should never be accepted in society even if by having one you make a ton of money. If they told women they couldn't win, had to start at a handicap even if they are fast enough to start in the first corral, and told them only men would get awards it wouldn't fly. The fact that by being sexist they can make more money is not an excuse. It is a double standard plain and simple. That is why they can die in a fire.

 

[mking624]

My problem isn't that they go with women-centric themes. My problem is that they tell men they can't start where they are supposed to, can't get an age group award, and at one race they told the crowd not to cheer on the winner because he was male.

I don't care about it making them money, it is sexist and they would catch hell if they tried to do the same thing in reverse. Double standards should never be accepted in society even if by having one you make a ton of money. If they told women they couldn't win, had to start at a handicap even if they are fast enough to start in the first corral, and told them only men would get awards it wouldn't fly. The fact that by being sexist they can make more money is not an excuse. It is a double standard plain and simple. That is why they can die in a fire.

Out of curiosity...if you are so against how runDisney operates, why say you might do the Wine & Dine next year? To me, a simple solution would be to not participate in an organization's events if you absolutely hate the organization. It seems rather backwards to rant about them...then turn around and financially support them. Maybe I am missing something...?

ETA: I don't disagree with your viewpoints. While I have never done the Princess half, I would like to eventually...and would have absolutely no problem with the men starting where they should, or even winning. Although, I wouldn't go as far as to say that I HATE them for being partial. It isn't as if there aren't plenty of other races to participate in. I just wonder why there are conflicting statements.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

My problem isn't that they go with women-centric themes. My problem is that they tell men they can't start where they are supposed to, can't get an age group award, and at one race they told the crowd not to cheer on the winner because he was male.

I don't care about it making them money, it is sexist and they would catch hell if they tried to do the same thing in reverse. Double standards should never be accepted in society even if by having one you make a ton of money. If they told women they couldn't win, had to start at a handicap even if they are fast enough to start in the first corral, and told them only men would get awards it wouldn't fly. The fact that by being sexist they can make more money is not an excuse. It is a double standard plain and simple. That is why they can die in a fire.

At least they allow guys to participate. I ran in quite a few women's focused races this year that didn't allow men. No official times, nada. Maybe I need to run a lot more races still, but how many women surpass men in races? Believe me, I really route for them to, but haven't witnessed it yet. The first person across the finish line at a non-women's focused race has been a Man every single time.

You probably wouldn't like the women's races regardless. I just don't see you wearing a costume, tiara or tutu. Even I get a little sick of seeing so much pink. We will just agree to disagree about the sexist comment.