Marathon Spectators - Finish Line or Other Location?

[WiseGirl]

I'm sorry if this has been asked on another thread, but is it possible to see the runners cross the finish line for the half and full marathons (and take a decent photo)? I thought I read that the area is fenced off and that only those who purchased the Chear packages have a good view of the finish line. How do family/friends get there - it sounds like the buses start running again at 7 AM - will spectators be able to get to Epcot to see the finish if the park is still closed (for the half marathon)? If the finish line isn't a good spot can anyone recommend other viewing options and again, how do they get there if the roads are closed? I checked out the marathon spectator tool, but am still confused. Can any veterans give advice? I've been so busy thinking about the cold and how to dress that I sort of forgot about the spectator part.

 

[FireDancer]

You will most likely not be able to get a good finish line photo unless you buy your way in but no worries, everyone gets a finish line shot (baring a camera malfunction or number that can't be seen).

A lot of what you can see will depend on how fast the runner you are spectating is and how quickly you can move around. Here is what I would do if I weren't running an event or working the WISH water stop. Now, keep in mind that I would have no problem running myself from place to place. If that isn't for you then look at the places as options as opposed to all or nothing.

I would go with the runner to the start area to keep them company and also for the free ride to Epcot. As they were going to the start I would go to the monorail (with my thermous of coffee) and take a ride over to the MK. Instead of going into the park I would head over to the east side of the parking lot just in front of the part of the road that dips down under the water. That is where I would wait for my first glimps.

After the runner I was watching passed I would take the monorail over to the Poly or run to the roadway that connects the Poly to the GF. That part of the course has little entertainment and nothing really to see so it is an opportunity to have some of your own space.

After they passed I would head back to the monorail and to Epcot and head over to the area where the buses usually are. I would probably walk back to the beginning of the overpass as that is the last really hard spot on the course. A little extra encouragement at that part would be nice for the runner.

Once they passed I would head over to the family reunion area. You can not enter Epcot pre-opening. That would be my plan, adjust accordingly.

 

[syko]

My Dh got on the monorail and walk to the GF to see me, he then got back on the monorail and got to the finish line just as I crossed. (Princess) I was the fastest person in that race so if you are looking at these locations I would say you could easily do it.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

If you had to suggest just ONE spot for the family to to see us during the full, what would you pick? My in-laws get around great, but I hate to ask them to traipse all over in the cold with our kids. I'm trying to think of the best advice to give them, and we're hoping for one on-course viewing, and then see them at the end. I was thinking MK, but not sure.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[syko]

I wold say MK at the hub so they can see you run through the castle.......i'm a hopless Princess!!!!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I wold say MK at the hub so they can see you run through the castle.......i'm a hopless Princess!!!!

I agree...that would be a really special moment!

 

[cewait]

My DW does most of FireDancer's itenerary but with the following modifications.

She hails a cab to TTC. There are usually 2-5 folks at the resort doing just the same so fare is almost nothing. Since I run the half just under a 9 pace she catches me at the TTC around 6:10 (now with the 5:40 start). As I pass the TTC she hoofs it to the Poly and catches me at mile 8 around around 6:35. She walks back to the TTC and monorails to catch me at mile 12 (cast member entrance right side of entry) and finally as we exit Epcot at mile 13. SHe does not try to get to the finish line, rather catches me near the grassy area as we hit the parking lot. Note she does not alwsy catch me at both 12 and 13.

Note that even IF you purchased a CHEAR pack you would have to get into the stands EARLY to assure a good finish line seat. They are reserved but still a first come first seated basis.

 

[FireDancer]

If you had to suggest just ONE spot for the family to to see us during the full, what would you pick? My in-laws get around great, but I hate to ask them to traipse all over in the cold with our kids. I'm trying to think of the best advice to give them, and we're hoping for one on-course viewing, and then see them at the end. I was thinking MK, but not sure.

Thanks for any advice!

The MK is the coolest but I have no idea how hard it is to get in. It sounds cool and probably is but just like the finish is a guaranteed photos, so is exiting the castle. As a runner I would rather have my family some place where they are less crowded and can see me coming from a distance and call out to me. I would say between the Poly and GF for just one spot.

Now, also keep in mind that they would have a lot longer to get to a second place during the full than the half. Of course this depends on your pace. If they wanted to see you a second time I think they could pretty slowly and leisurely make it over to the area between DHS and the boardwalk to catch you a second time. Not only would it pass some time in getting over there but for you it would be something to look forward to close to the end of 26.2 long miles.

If I had to pick just one though I would go the roadway after exiting MK. Get to the Poly, exit out the back of the main building, and follow the path towards the GF.

 

[WiseGirl]

Thanks for all of the great help - I really appreciate it! I'm running my first half on Saturday. My friend has informed me that he has no intention of waiting at the start in the cold so a cab to the TTC will probably be the best option.

Funny Charles - you'll be at MK or past before I cross the starting line!

I didn't realize there were photographers by the castle - that is great because I don't want to carry my heavy camera. I'll have enough to concentrate on with my running.

This is it!! Let's all have a great run and a fun weekend. Even Disney can't control the weather!

 

[MomtoGKC]

Wait, I'm confused, spectators can get into MK before it's open? I'm trying to pick one or two spots for my family to watch on Sunday, but my DH will be lugging all three kids around so I'm trying to make it pretty easy. So far I just figured he'd watch the end through Epcot so if the kids get antsy they can go on a ride (ohm and for selfish reasons, so he can get there around rope drop and get us some TT and Soarin' FPs for later!! ) But, if I give him one more easy spot he may make it there.

 

[syko]

They can get in and watch from main st.
They must leave as the park opens, they can go back in if they have park tickets.

 

[cewait]

Wait, I'm confused, spectators can get into MK before it's open? I'm trying to pick one or two spots for my family to watch on Sunday, but my DH will be lugging all three kids around so I'm trying to make it pretty easy. So far I just figured he'd watch the end through Epcot so if the kids get antsy they can go on a ride (ohm and for selfish reasons, so he can get there around rope drop and get us some TT and Soarin' FPs for later!! ) But, if I give him one more easy spot he may make it there.

Yes, Main Street through the hub is open and is free for spectators. They will not get a great view of you coming out of the castle but can see you on Main and catch a quick glimse as you leave Cinderella Castle. MK will have a hot drink and pastry cart open during the marathon. Once the last runner passes, the park is cleared.

They will have to pay to get into Epcot during the marathon. (note I know you asked only about the marathon but some one out there is wondering about the half ---- Epcot will open at it's regular time (9AM) so most of us will befinished before the park opens.) You and he should coordinate timing and pace. You will enter at England at mile 25. That is a good place to catch you.

 

[MomtoGKC]

Thanks! I never knew MK was open for spectators. It will probably be too early to ask him to drag the kids out there, but I'll let him know. Wee are going to be super slow- the other two girls I run with got hurt during training and I ended up not training like I should have because I stayed with them. Oh well - it's our first full and we promised each other this was a for-fun race- now it will be a SLOW for-fun race!! As long as DH gets those TT FPs I'll be fine. Hey - maybe I'll jump on before I get tot he finish line!!

 

[jmasgat]

Amy You probably already know this, but DH can only get fast passes for whoever has entered Epcot with their ticket. He won't be able to use yours to get a fast pass, since you won't have used it to enter the park. But after running a marathon, I probably wouldn't be beyond using one of my kid's! (I know, bad mother, but hey....let them run 26.2 miles and then they can have it!

Maura

 

[twenty3curls]

When the runners enter MK they come in through an aux. gate near Tomorrowland and come out on one of the side streets of Main St. My DF was able to stand right along the rope on the side street to see me and then, without having to hustle too much, was able to get to the hub and see me come out of the castle. He even got a couple decent photos, although nothing near as close as the professional photog. After he saw me leave the hub area, he left MK and hopped on the resort monorail to the Grand Floridian. He walked through the parking lot out to the road and was able to see me running by the entrance to the parking lot at GF.

After that he hopped back on the monorail back to Epcot. We had driven to Epcot before the race, so he was able to chill in the car until I finished. The race does not actually end in Epcot, but rather the parking lot. DF stood about 100 feet from the finish and got a great shot of me surging to the finish (with the last shred of energy I had! ) Since there was a pro photog taking pics at the finish we didn't see the point in spending money for him to sit in the bleachers.

We had little-to-no info about spectator locations before the race and I was quite surprised and pleased the places DF popped up!

 

[MomtoGKC]

Amy You probably already know this, but DH can only get fast passes for whoever has entered Epcot with their ticket. He won't be able to use yours to get a fast pass, since you won't have used it to enter the park. But after running a marathon, I probably wouldn't be beyond using one of my kid's! (I know, bad mother, but hey....let them run 26.2 miles and then they can have it!

Maura

I know, but my DS is too scared to go on TT yest so I can use his! Although I think I convinced him to try Soarin' this time so that one may be a problem.