Marathon logistics. Kudos and Complaints

[tigger2esq]

Now that I am home and have time to reflect on my esperience here are some kudos and complaints about race weekend.....

Kudos: to all the volunteers out on the race course. wow. you were all amazing. I never waited for a cup of water or powerade. had my fill of bananas and orange slices. got a handfull of mini candy bars, a cool sponge and lots of words of encouragement.

pottys. with the heat and the amount of liquid I consumed--I became very familiar with many of the WDW restrooms inside the parks and those god awful port o pottys along the route. there were LOTS and LOTS and I rarely had to wait in line or run very far to get to one in a time of need. and even near the end they were still stocked with paper (and horray for hand sanitizer). THANK YOU!

massages. thank you to the very nice gril who massaged my legs post race and helped me regain the feeling in my feet! I was in quite a state at that point and unfortunatly cant remember her name. Thanks to Disney for having so many great therapists at the finish.

the Staging Area. I thought the marathon staging area was nicely set up. it was signed well and I was able to meet up with my friends very easily.

Complaints: Expo. It is hard for me to believe that Disney has been doing this for 15 years. Seriously. logistically the Expo for me was pure chaos. Stand in this line, stand in another line, hike clear across the building and downstairs to get your shirt and goody bag. I mistakenly prepaid for the commemorative pin. I felt so bad for those volunteers because it was pure nightmare for not only those in line but also those handing out the pins and retreat packages. they had zero system in place. I got my pin and was told to stay put so they could get my name to check me off the list---I waited for several minutes while they tried to come up with some sort of system and finally just left. I felt bad for the woman next to me who was having a hard time explaining to the volunteer that while they gave her the pin, she was missing the retreat packages which were probably under her husbands name which was DIFFERENT from hers and could they please check under his name for the missing packages...ugh. of course we also had to stand in the 5k packet pick up lines and the kids race lines as well.....

Merchandise. because of the Expo chaos we did nto stick around on Thursday to check out merchandise (we had traveled all morning and my 4 year old DD had had enough after waiting patiently for me to stand in all those lines). I (mistakenly) assumed merchandise would be available not only at the expo but at a minimum at the Team Disney store in DTD or in the Magic Kingdom at the sports emporium. After realizing on Friday we were mistaken, we headed back to the Expo on Saturday before the kids races only to find WALLS of Goofy merchandise but not much of anything else. I left without any merchandise other than the shirt I got in my race packet and am disappointed. I did chat with a merchandise manager at the Boardwalk and discussed how I would have like to have seen logo merchandise available outside the expo.

On the race course: the long stretch between MK and AK. some characters, a DJ, some cheerleaders, please ANYTHING other than just those Sharpie signs and random song snipits would ahve been greatly appreciated at this juncture. we got NADA until we hit the AK. it made for a LONG tiring run thats for sure.

the Finish. I dont remember the finish line area being so chaotic. everything was so spaced out and after running for 6:30 hours the walk from the medal area to the food area to the photo area to the massage area to the line of port o pottys just seemed to go forever. (esp. since I had my hands full with fruit and drinks etc. and could barely walk) places to sit would have been nice. and better signage re: the resort busses as by the time I emerged from the massage tent the wind was picking up and people were packing up preparing for rain and I was having a hard time figuring out where I needed to be. It was all just very confusing for me.

The Kids races. again more chaos. lots of kids and parents milling around without clear direction from the volunteers. in the 4-6 year olds there was a large number of kids. information from the start re: splitting the group into heats would have been helpful instead of watching a mass of parents and kids swarm the starting area and then having them attempt to divide us up into heats after we were all already srowded on the track.


Overall we had a really great time but I think there are certainly areas for improvement.

 

[armygirl2001]

I definitely agree with you on all points!!

I was very impressed with the volunteers (thank you thank you thank you) and the never ending supply of water, powerade and portapotties.

The stretch from MK to AK was annoying. I saw a lot of people break to a walk through there. My TNT coach said it drove her nuts that just as she got into a groove with a song it would stop and switch to a different one.

I did kind of like the walk from the finish back to the family reunion area only because it gave me time to calm down and cool off a bit. It was a little difficult juggling my mylar, fruit, water, and bag though.

The kid's races were definitely chaotic. I ran the 1-3 yo race with my DD and a mom standing next to me was complaining that she had kids in all three age groups and ended up missing the middle one because they just ran them all back to back with no breaks. We had arrived at 11 with my daughter napping in the stroller and were under the impression that the races weren't going to start until 11:30. All of a sudden they start running the 7-8 year olds so I quickly pinned DDs number on her, work her up, and started heading towards what I was pretty sure was her start line (no real instructions were being given by MC), while my mom and MIL looked for good places to tak pics from. She did have fun though, loves her medal and we got a few good pics so I guess it all turned out okay despite the chaos.

The expo and merchandise were by far the biggest disappointment though. Fortunately we got there early on Thursday and didn't have to wait long for our numbers and chips but then couldn't believe we had to then go downstairs to get our goodie bags. I had a death grip on my chip envelope out of fear I'd somehow lose it between the two places. We did get some good deals on some stuff at the other vendors stands and then headed over to the Disney merchandise. They had a shirt that said "My mom ran..." with the marathon weekend logo on it that I wanted to get for DD but even the smallest size they had would have been way too big for her One of my teammates wanted to get one for her son too but since he's only 3 she also thought it would be too big for him. We were both really bummed that they didn't have any toddler sized stuff. At the marathon they had a very limited amount of merchandise along with the "I did it" shirts, but by the time I finished running all the mediums were gone and I ended up with a small. I haven't had a chance to try it on yet but hopefully it will fit.

Oh well I still had a blast and will definitely be back next year!

 

[solotraveler]

I actually agree with you to a point about the Expo. I went Thursday evening right when I pulled on property and it wasn't bad at all... got my chip, got my goodie bags and shirt and grabbed what I wanted merchandise-wise in about a half hour. I went back on Friday about noon to look at the vendor stuff and the place was a complete zoo!!! If you are doing races with a total of 25K finishers, I don't think there is much they can do about the crowds. However I don't remember quite such a walk to get to the goody bag area two years ago. So I guess I should say that I wish it was less crowded... but don't know how they could accomplish that. (I'm no help at all )

They did extend the finish shoot from what I remember two years ago... but I think that's a good thing. They want to keep you walking so you don't crap up or pass out, so it's good that they spread it out. I do really, really wish they would give you a bag before you hit those food tents, though... I have just two hands... a mylar blanket, ice bag from the med tent, can of coke, water, powerade, banana, tangerine and little banana cake are sorta tough to carry that way.

If you have suggestions for improvement, by all means send them along to the race directors. That's how races get better every year and from what I understand, Disney is pretty responsive.

Kevin

 

[Kimmumum]

This is from a spectators viewpoint.....

The spectator transportation needs to be communicated better. I asked the front desk at BWV about transportation times (we wanted to be at MK at 7:30 to see DH run through). They said there were buses at 7am. Our friends called the front desk and they said they started at 8am. I then called the concierge and was told to call a cab. I went down to the front desk and they said there were no buses between 5:30-7am. Our friends at Pop Century called their front desk and was told there were buses between 5:30-7am. We ended up going downstairs about 7. We figured if there wasn't a bus we would call a cab. As soon as we got down there, a bus was waiting for us. It was too confusing wondering what we were going to have to do.

There needs to be seats available in the reunion area. I saw too many runners collapse because there was no where for them to sit (our friend ran the Goofy with my DH and our friend went down....turns out he was dehydrated)

My DH ran the Goofy (his first marathon) and didn't want any of the merchandise. After running it, he found out that he really wanted a jacket. They were no where to be found. Does anyone know if there is a way to get one? We asked everyone everywhere!!!! Is there a Disney contact that could get us one????

Kudos to all of the volunteers. They did a great job and there support really helped the runners. I heard many runners say that they loved when they heard people shouting their name along the way (reading their name on the bib).

I also loved the placement of the buses after the races. Last year the walk was way too far away. This year was perfect.

Another good thing was that the restaurants did not run out of pasta (like last year).

Congrats to everyone on a job well done!!!!

 

[Texa]

IF you find out if there is a way to purchase merchandise please let me know. I wanted to run the race before I purchased anything (why I don't know) but afterward I couldn't really find anything. Thanks!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

After the race - there was a merchandise tent next to the information tent - when we were there on Saturday - it was filled with all the Donald Merchandise - I assume they filled it with Mickey and Goofy on Sunday - then they moved all the merchandise over to the WWOS shop but when we went on Monday they hardly had anything left.

This would be my big complaint with Disney - they are so afraid of getting stuck with things that they do not properly order...their prices on those things are minimum and they are making money hand over fist - they either need to order more or have online order forms available to order after so they can get what everyone wants. I was afraid to buy before the race as well - I did get the I did shirt but my DH and I decided we wanted the jackets on Monday but could not find them in our sizes...

I did not get my Donald medal at the finish line -there is NO excuse for this - they knew how many started and the medals showed up later in the day - why not just have them at the finish line - their excuse that the pallet got lost is a load of BS - they should have all been at the finish line on Friday - IMHO - whoever is in charge of getting the medals to the finish line needs to be reassigned...

I finally got my medal and went to have it engraved at the Christmas store - lucky me - I was the first medal they engraved and they messed it up - they are supposed to receive more but they aren't sure if or when so they took my info and will mail me a new one if they get them in...so I really have no idea if I will get the medal or not...I have the one they messed up but it is the principle involved...

They have been doing this long enough that the event should practically be running itself yet they still seem to have a lot of mass chaos...

 

[tigger2esq]

I was bummed too about the "My mom ran" t-shirts. on Saturday morning all they had left were large sizes. My DD is 4 and wears a size 5T. there was nothing that was even CLOSE to being wearable for her. I would have loved to ahve gotten her one of those.

 

[disneybelle]

Overall I think this year was much improved over last year. Volunteers were awesome (same as last year!)!!

On Friday I did pick up a "Spectator Guide" at the Polynesian Concierge desk by the front door. I handed it off to my kids. Great idea, but as my DH pointed out, most cast members do not seem to be aware/ briefed of marathon weekend activities if they are not directly involved and evem then it's spotty.

DH and I did Goofy and my only and biggest gripe occurred Sunday after the full on our way back to the Polynesian. We saw the sky darken and decided to head to the bus labeled "Polynesian/ Grand Floridian/ Shades of Green". We got on the bus (as we did after the 5K and half the day before). The driver took us to the TTC and told us that those going to Poly and GF must take the monorail or walk. He was still taking runners to SoG. He told us there was a new policy instated Sunday morning that they were no longer permitted to drive to the Disney resorts. By this time, the sky had opened to a torrential rain. We had just finished a marathon and the last thing we wanted to do is find our own way to our resort. The transportation manager at TTC couldn't help because it was the responsibility of the race promoter and contracted buses. We monorailed our way back to the Poly and went down the the bell desk to get a number for Mears. The manager there confirmed buses were running al morning and lo and behold, one had just pulled up to drop runners. We will be writing to the race director...This was my only issue with the whole weekend.

Great time, much improvement!

 

[Sandy321]

How hard would it be to have order forms for items???

and sadly the woman size XL is tiny - I LOVE the wo, men's style, but the XL Men's is HUGE - so either go up to 2XL, 3XL or let us order!! I'd love to have had a jacket, but the style ran small - they did have lots of smalls!!

Agree about the Medals - and I'm going to add - Keep the chip timer running for 3 hrs 30 min for the last runners cross the START line, not the first runners!! Keep your certificate, just give me my time - and a picture of me crossing the finish line!! (I saw photographers there, but there - and I made sure I crossed alone in plain site of photographers got a thumbs up and went on - no picture is in my queue!)

 

[spot28]

I "ran" the half this year and last...I think last year had more spunk. There seemed to be more dead and quiet time this year, and no bananas! I think WDW might be saving a lot more of the magic for the full marathon, IMHO. I agree with the EXPO chaos. Somehow our # fell into the line with about 35+ people in it. The next series of numbers before and after us had NO ONE in line. Volunteers just stood there doing nothing waiting for someone to show up. Why not just take next in line?

ALSO, the new staging area put us far away from the potty 90 minutes before our wave 3 start. I was not prepared for that... last year we stayed near the potty until about 30 minutes prior.

Spectator area & transportation needs lots 'o help. It was awful when you finished to be flung into a wall of humanity and no where to turn. It was so chaotic we just left rather than try to make our way around. Our spectators missed our finish because of a problem with the gate at the Poly and could not get out of the parking lot.

Also, All-Star Sports had awesome breakfast beginning at 2AM last year, in boxes, etc.. and regular stuff.We stayed at SoG and NOTHING was open or available until 6:30. Poly said they would get extra bananas and water. Huh?

Okay so enough whining. It is the ONLY race I do and I'm a total Disney Dork... love that mouse.

 

[MiniGirl]

Agree about the Medals - and I'm going to add - Keep the chip timer running for 3 hrs 30 min for the last runners cross the START line, not the first runners!! Keep your certificate, just give me my time - and a picture of me crossing the finish line!! (I saw photographers there, but there - and I made sure I crossed alone in plain site of photographers got a thumbs up and went on - no picture is in my queue!)

I agree, Sandy. I still don't have my medal, but I hope it arrives soon. Also, the results on the website don't show me finishing. It shows my 5K, 10K, and 15K split times, but not my finishing time. I don't mind not getting an "official finisher's certificate," but I do wish I had something to show I finished.

Well, I just looked at the pics, and there is one of me crossing the finish line. There is 4:14 (if I remember correctly) on the clock. Sandy, is it possible your number was covered when you crossed? If so, your pic could be in the lost and found. (I think that's what they call it.) It is pics of runners that they can't identify because the bib is covered or unreadable for whatever reason. I hope they got you.

 

[EPCOTDUDE]

This being my first WDW event (the half), I have nothing disney to go off of. I am, however a veteran of many organized events, some local stuff and lots of State wide and National events. I have never been more impressed with an event. I expected alot from Disney going in, but was stunned by how great the event was. I do agree that the expo was a little chaotic and confusing (especially for a first timer) but the race, the transportation, the volunteers, castmembers and planners are to be congratulated on a fantastic presentation. I was so vocal about the great time I had my DW agreed to run the half with me next year.

 

[hoosmi]

I was highly impressed by just about everything, but...

I was too freaked out to buy much Goofy stuff at the Expo (what if I jinx myself?!), and I was too tired to notice or care if it was for sale after the full. Now I'm wishing I had one of the jackets (I did get two t-shirts). I don't see why we can't order online too! I'm checking ebay...

Jen in GA

OH, and where were the characters at the end when you took your picture? That would have been a nice touch (maybe I should pay for the runners retreat next year).

Still loved every minute!

 

[Sandy321]

I agree, Sandy. I still don't have my medal, but I hope it arrives soon. Also, the results on the website don't show me finishing. It shows my 5K, 10K, and 15K split times, but not my finishing time. I don't mind not getting an "official finisher's certificate," but I do wish I had something to show I finished.

Well, I just looked at the pics, and there is one of me crossing the finish line. There is 4:14 (if I remember correctly) on the clock. Sandy, is it possible your number was covered when you crossed? If so, your pic could be in the lost and found. (I think that's what they call it.) It is pics of runners that they can't identify because the bib is covered or unreadable for whatever reason. I hope they got you.

I checked ebay for jackets - believe it or not there was a DONALD Medal there ! I'm sure if you write to Disney and again express your displeasure of not getting a medal, include your name, bib # and address and phone number - you will get it!! (One year we went to Food and Wine fest, and I was upset my glass broke before getting home - how hard would it be to provide a stack of newsprint to secure our $135 glasses!! (cost of event btw!) and they called me and mailed me two glasses from that year - I was stunned!!) SO dont give up - shout out to Disney - you'll get your medal!!

and I was very careful to make sure my number was available - I almost lifted it up to the area - now I know that there were 2 Minnies skipping with a Chip and Dale - so maybe I wasnt far enough away from them - I'll check lost and found!!

Also, I forgot - there wasnt food available - dh couldnt even get a cup of coffee at 5am!! (BCV!!)

Also, I am writing to thank the BCV CM Isabella who went out of her way to insure I got my medal, when I came into BCV and there was a group of CM's saying "Welcome Home'< but Isabella came around from the desk and met us to see how I did, and as I cried and told my story and asked if there was some name of someone that I could address a letter to - well, this wonderful CM said she'd find out, and about 15 min later we got a call in our room, she had called her manager who called his manager etc until someone said that they not only had the medals, but would call the people who left their cell phone numbers with registration - I heard several people saying they got called and could pick up medals at 3 places!!

I'm sure I wasnt the only one to complain, and I'm sure Isabelle wasnt the only CM who went out of her way - but I'll never forget how important she made me feel after all the carp I had went thru!!

 

[nepatsfan73]

I'm sure I wasnt the only one to complain, and I'm sure Isabelle wasnt the only CM who went out of her way - but I'll never forget how important she made me feel after all the carp I had went thru!!

And she did that for you even with you smelling like fish? She truly was a trooper.

 

[goofyinohio]

Only two complaints come to mind.

The Expo was a zoo. I went first thing Thursday and stood in line for what seemed like forever. Only to have to stand in another line to get my pin. Oh and since I had my own chip I had to go back to the hotel to get it to have it verified (Something I didn't know I needed to do.) Down in the pit was a zoo as well. Picking up my shirt was really easy, but trying to look at any booth's were crazy and the Disney merchandise was next to impossible. After I went and got my chip and came back I was able to pick up a couple things and look around a little easier.

The transportation after the half was crazy. No one knew where to go to get on a bus. (I was just a spectator here) People were told it was over where the normal buses were. I'm like how are they going to make that happen when people are running right through there. Tons of people were sent right back to where they finished to catch the bus.

Things I loved were all the water/power aid stops. I only ended up taking two of my sports beans because of all the power aid I drink. I stopped at all, but one of the stops (Which affected my time, but who cares.) Potty's were all over the place which eased my mind. Although I only used one as the side of the road in the trees was easier.
Every single thing about the Marathon was awesome. The buses were great and easy to find at the hotel and after the Marathon (Thanks to watching the previous day.) The amount of fans/supporters out there really blew my mind. Also thanks to the bands, cheerleaders, DJ's, etc.

Last, but not least the Volunteers. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!

 

[JimB.]

The Expo was a zoo.

That would be my only issue (except for the really BAD flavors of Clif Shots on the course....... Bleh!)

I thought the lines at packet pick-up were slow. There were about 25 people in line ahead of me on arrival, & it took 2 people a solid 1/2 hour to get through them to me.

But that was not so bad in retrospect. When I left the expo, the line for packet pickup (about 5:00 pm Friday) was all the way around the building and about 50 yards out the front door!!

I'm a pretty patient person (HMMM. I think I hear my DW laughing loudly in the background........ ), but if I had seen this upon arrival, I would have gone freakin' insane!!

 

[hoosmi]

Jim- you're right. That line stretched forever! Since I went Goofy, a CM told me to go ahead to the front. Then she abandoned me. So there I am dragging my entourage with DH asking me over and over "are you sure? cause this feels like cutting." I had to keep telling my DD that I was in the Goofy line. I'm pretty sure she knew I was Goofy, but I had to keep telling her like a huge dork so the people in the line didn't gang up on me! It did give me a lot of anxiety!

Would you believe there was only one person waiting in front of me when I reached the Goofy check-in? Might make it worth going Goofy again!

I forgot to add that the volunteers were wonderful!!

Jen in GA