marathon start and finish

[cmassey]

where are these locations for the jan 10 event?

 

[syko]

It always starts and finishes in Epcot.

 

[StitchAttack]

The race ends in the Epcot parking lot somewhere. The start is about a 20 minute walk from the Epcot parking lot to a major road that is almost like a freeway. I'm not sure how spectators can get to and from the start and finish, but I did see lots of people there.

If you are doing the race there are buses from the hotels before and after the race. Those are pretty much your only option since you can't really walk from the hotels (even the epcot hotels) to the start or finish.

 

[cmassey]

thanks.

it sounds like one doesn't need to have a park entry to see the start or finish (especially ) of the race. that was the real thing i was wondering.

 

[suzannews]

A park ticket is not needed to go to the finish line but my husband said last year they were charging the parking fee to get into the Epcot parking lot, he went through about 8am.

 

[Running Mouse]

The Race start's on Epcot center Drive just across fron Vacation Club Drive( called community drive on older maps). I have run the last 9 races and the start & finish area's have never changed but the course has. The finnish is on the East side of the Epcot parking lot. You must pay to park unless you have a key to a WDW resort or DVC then it is free. Best place to stay is Old Key West or French Quarter. You can walk to start and skip the staging area (less than .25 mile walk). I have done this the last 6 years. I have also stayed at Boardwalk & walked to the start line which is about 1 mile. It's a good warm up & you can get up much closer to the start. You can't check anything when you walk to the start. This link will give you a map of Disney roads.
http://www2.disney.co.uk/usa-resorts/waltdisneyworld/VII/maps/pdf/wdwmap.pdf

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Really? I didn't know the start was that close to Boardwalk. (Not that I'd miss opportunity to catch the bus so early in the zero dark thirty hour.)

 

[momof2minnies]

The start is right across from OKW entrance- I remember looking at it and thinking I could have walked in less time.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Wow, I didn't realize that the start was so close to OKW and POFQ! I guess it's so freaking dark at 5:00 in the morning in January...

I mentioned the possibility of staying at POFQ and by-passing the bus ride and staging area to my fiance and his response was, "but it wouldn't be a Disney race without the surreal experience of stepping into the middle of a parking lot at 4:00 in the morning to be greeted by a rock band and thousands of people sitting on the ground in the freezing cold!" I guess he has a point! Also, I *like* the walk from the staging area to the start line, strangely. It's neat to see the backstage stuff hanging out, and I love the nervous/cold/excited/sleepy energy from the crowd at that point. And seeing people huddling next to gas generators for warmth is always funny.

Sarah

 

[ksoehrlein]

We're staying at OKW, but I'm a little nervous about crossing the street to get to the start. I've heard that it's so dark that cars might come whipping down the street and not see you. Any truth to that, or am I being a Nervous Nellie? (Anyone up for an OKW WISH meet the morning of the marathon so one of you more experienced people could hold my hand while we cross the street?)

 

[Running Mouse]

I would not worry about the cars. I haven't seen many at that time, but watch out for the fireworks !! The bridge that comes from back stage lane (Epcot employee parking area) across Epcot Center Drive has fireworks on it. This is the same road the runners will be on walking out to the race from the Epcot parking lot. The runners don't come over the bridge they file into the starting corals from the west side of the road. When you are at OKW you are on the East side of the road. You will need to cross over which you can do in the front of the race. The entrance road to Epcot Center Drive from Community Drive puts you right where you want to be . You don't have to worry about the fireworks really because Disney police cars are blocking the bridge. They have even directed me to the way around to the start in the past. I would check out your best route to the start the night before since the race staging is on the side of the road. My Tip is to stay on pavement, I have cut through the grass on the golf course only to get me feet soaked by morning dew. The lights from the starting area light up the East side of the road so well that you will have no problem seeing also just follow the music

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I have also stayed at Boardwalk & walked to the start line which is about 1 mile. It's a good warm up & you can get up much closer to the start. You can't check anything when you walk to the start. This link will give you a map of Disney roads.
http://www2.disney.co.uk/usa-resorts/waltdisneyworld/VII/maps/pdf/wdwmap.pdf

How do you walk to the start of the race from BWV? I have stayed their the last 5 years and had to take a bus or a ride from a friend. EPCOT is closed so can't go that route. I have NEVER heard of anyone walking from BWV to start.

I always have walked back to BWV from finish from all of the last 4 years Goofy. Nice to loosen legs and show off all of your medals.

Very interested in your secret path?

 

[Running Mouse]

No secret path, just main roads !! The walk from the finish is much more FUN !! but this is how I manage to sleep to 5 AM when I'm doing the Goofy's. This year will be my 5th also. Go out the front door at BWV over to the Hess Gas station turn left on the sidewalk along Buena Vista Drive. Follow it till you get to your first left (about 1 mile) which is Backstage Ln. You will be merging in with all the runners walking out from the Epcot parking lot on this road. Follow them !! The sidewalk goes away after you pass the firestation on Buena Vista Dr so be careful. The traffic is light at this time but when the lights change a group of cars come at you !! So stay on the grass. Last year I left BWV at 5:30 AM and was in coral with plenty of time at the start. Again, when you walk to the start you miss the staging area and can not check anything. I don't have placed booked yet, not sure where I will be but I try to get OKW because then i get up at 5:30
It's that easy.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

No secret path, just main roads !! The walk from the finish is much more FUN !! but this is how I manage to sleep to 5 AM when I'm doing the Goofy's. This year will be my 5th also. Go out the front door at BWV over to the Hess Gas station turn left on the sidewalk along Buena Vista Drive. Follow it till you get to your first left (about 1 mile) which is Backstage Ln. You will be merging in with all the runners walking out from the Epcot parking lot on this road. Follow them !! The sidewalk goes away after you pass the firestation on Buena Vista Dr so be careful. The traffic is light at this time but when the lights change a group of cars come at you !! So stay on the grass. Last year I left BWV at 5:30 AM and was in coral with plenty of time at the start. Again, when you walk to the start you miss the staging area and can not check anything. I don't have placed booked yet, not sure where I will be but I try to get OKW because then i get up at 5:30
It's that easy.

Thanks! I figured must be roads.

I will just ride the bus as 1/2 the fun is sitting at the staging area chatting with friends and putting faces with names.