MARATHON viewing

[jkh1978]

Not sure where else to post this...

my family is coming with me to support my completion of the full marathon. What should they do during the race? Where should they stand to watch, and how easy is it to get there? Will they have the opportunity to move around?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Depends on how many times they want to see you.

Best to stay along the monorail route (for observing)--deviate too much from that and they could miss the finish.

Good spots for the FULL---come see the start! Park at EPCOT--and you can try to walk to the actual starting line. I am not sure how to exactly do this as without a number you cannot get to the staging area--but we had many spectator/visitors who walked over from OKW, POR, and POFQ.

Then after--they walzed on through what used to be the staging area and went to the first water station that was set up and watched there....

Then from there--after spotting the runner (your best friend is to know your pace--and give your family a printout of estimated time you will be at each mile (from 6am + the buffer time it takes you to cross the start). Call them on your cell phone as you cross the start---and then they can start a stop watch and then have a good estimate on where you will be in relation to your mileage chart.

After they spot you at the EPCOT water stops--they then head to the monorail and go to the TTC. They "should" beat you there. Hope on out---go down teh EPCOT exit ramp and hang left. The runners will be passing to the RIGHT (as you are facing the ramps to the monorail)--and on past the TTC as they head over to the Contemporary.

Then--as long as they don't have trouble getting on the monorial--they have about 2-3 miles of your running pace to get into the MK to see you in there.

Now this one is a toughy--you should call as you are passing the contemporary--and they can decide if they are in good position. If they are not yet having their bags checked to enter MK--it will be too chancy as they might miss you.

After that--they really should head back to EPCOT to see you finish.

If you do not care if they see you finish--but wish to have the moral support...they can bypass MK--and take transportation to Animal Kingdom. They can walk to Poly from TTC and catch a bus to AK from there. They will have roughly 5-7 miles of your running time to get there.

They do not need to enter the park--there will be road cones marking the course--and they can spot you and then easily get to the bus stop.

Once spotted--they hop on a bus for EPCOT. They will have the time equivilant of your 10-11 miles to get there....and they probably could make it. But again--if you need the cheering section....Animal Kingdom is a great place where it is needed.

You can touch base with them at mile 20--for a pick me up as well as an update...and then turn it into a race--see if YOU can beat them to the finish line.

Good luck!

 

[10nis]

Lisa gave you great tips..I will just offer some different options.

R U staying on property? R they planning on going w/ you to the start?

My opinions.... USE THE MONORAIL for spectator transportation!!! If they aren't going to the staging area w/ you at 4am---don't go to the start!! It is DARK and difficult to see. I would have them get to the monorail by 630-645a (depending how fast you run!) and take that over to either MK or TTC. I don't think they will have time to watch/cheer at TTC (~mile 9+) and MK (~mile 10+) I think it would be better to choose MK or TTC and go w/ that. In years past you did not have to have a park ticket to get into MK in the AM of the marathon to cheer--the spectators line up about 10 deep down main street and cheer. It is great as a runner, as a spectator it might be difficult to find your runner? Wear a bright color so they can find you and if they have a sign or balloons it will help!! There were alot of people at TTC last year as well but more room to spread out there.

I do think you could probably make it from TTC (~mile 9+) to Poly (~mile 12++) and cheer out front of Poly. Seems I recall lots of spectators out front there. Could walk to POLY or take the resort monorail from TTC.
As Lisa suggested, if they want to do something different they could easily get the bus to AK from Poly and wait out in front there (~mile 17+). Not many people out there last year. Then they could get a bus from AK to the EPCOT resorts and catch you out in front there(see below) or get a bus from AK to EPCOT to the actual finish.

More spots?? depending where they want to be when you finish.... anywhere from the entrance to MGM (~mile 23++) all along the walking path from MGM to the Boardwalk, around in front of Yacht Club/Beach Club to the World Showcase entrance to EPCOT. All good viewing/cheering spots. If they are going to have park hoppers to use that day I have several more ideas on where to go--let me know if you want those.....

The finish is loud--they have medal bleachers up for spectators and announcers calling out to people as they finish. Personally, I wouldn't want to sit there a long time.

I guess my rule of thumb would be if it is someone who knows Disney very well you can have them at several locations -- esp. if you use the monorail for your transportation. My family that was there last year does not know Disney well and we did not see them until mile 24--they got stuck on a Disney bus at TTC for an HOUR (they were trying to get to MK--drove by car from BWI to TTC) My instructions didn't have them getting on a disney bus but they were pretty much forced on the bus bcs the foot path they were to take was forbidden!!

Lastly--the packet will have info for "spectators..."
from last years packet:
"if you plan to observe the start, you must arrive at EPCOT by 5am." "For the safety of the participants, the EPCOT main entrance will be closed from 545a until 715a"
START: when you arrive at the epcot parking area, look for illuminated signs that read Spectator viewing. Viewing will be allowed along EPCOT center drive.
4 miles: Remain at the same location as the start viewing area.
TTC: 9miles
MK: 10 miles
Floridian way: 12.7-13 miles (accessible by monorail) this is by Grand Floridian, Wedding Chapel and Poly.
AK: 16.5-17.3 miles. (accessible by car or bus) Theme park ticket to get into theme park to watch. (you can watch from the parking lot)
MGM: 23-23.5 miles (accessible by car or bus)
EPCOT: 25-25.9 miles

viewing areas at Walt Disney resorts:
Contemporary
Grand Floridian
Poly
Yacht and Beach

If they decide to go to several "spots" make sure they leave themselves plenty of time! I remember last year someone had said their friends took a taxi around to different spots on race morning and I thought that was a great idea---the taxi drivers know how to get around!

One more thing--I had my splits sent to their cell phones so they knew about where we were and that really helped. I hope Disney offers that again this year!!! We had to sign up for that just a few days before the race, did it on-line, I believe. I think last year was a "test"???

good luck--once your packet comes it will be easier to make your plans. Just don't get your heart set on seeing them like I did--i was devestated last year when they weren't at the first 3 spots

 

[princessmomma]

Thanks for the great information Lisa and 10nis!

What time do they let people into MK without a ticket? At what time do they escort people out so the park can officially open?

 

[10nis]

according to the "packet" from last year....

MK: Main Street USA, 655am-850a - 10 mile.
Accessible ONLY by monorail.

With the marathon and half marathon on different days and the half marathon going thru MK at mile 5-6, I would assume the half marathon hours for MK are going to be earlier and shorter this year?? The above info is probably going to be the same for the full marathon.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

This is good info. Thank your for your question and responses.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

There's no running by Poly---they do run along the road at GF--but Poly, you wouldn't be able to see much. Just an FYI!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Forgot about the split times--that was an excellent use of technology.

They did not have this for the half last year--just the full. I hope they keep it and include the half this go round.

My coaches had their entire team do this--so they knew where everyone was and it gave them a better idea of when to expect the stragglers (that would be ME! ).

 

[jkh1978]

One more thing--I had my splits sent to their cell phones so they knew about where we were and that really helped. I hope Disney offers that again this year!!! We had to sign up for that just a few days before the race, did it on-line, I believe. I think last year was a "test"???

Did they need a high tech cell phone or will any cell phone do?

 

[10nis]

IF I remember correctly, you could have the splits sent to any cell phone that accepts text messages as it was sent in text format. You could also send the splits it to email adresses. I think you could have your splits sent to 3 or 4 or 5 different addresses?? For sure at least 3. I believe it sent 4 splits from various spots on the course?? something like that anyway!!!

OH--I found the email describing it from last year--(I was looking for my splits, I thought I had them sent to my own email address but I must not have!!!)

We are pleased to announce for the first time, live, real-time results tracking will be available in multiple formats during the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon and Half Marathon.
Would you like to see where your family member or friend is on the course before you go looking for them? Now you can. Be one of the first 1,000 participants to sign up today to help us test the 2005 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon Test Tracking Service. With this, you will be notified where your friend or family member is on the course at five different stages of the race.

Also..Lisa...I read your note about the course not running in front of Poly. I don't really know the Poly area very well, but I do recall making a right hand veer at the edge of what I thought was the Poly and there were ALOT of people standing out front there--(to the left of us as we were running). On the right of us looked to be a golf course. Last year it was just after the half finish. I don't think we run RIGHT past the entire Poly Resort like we do Contemporary, GF, Swan/Dolphin, YC/BC, but I do recall running past the edge of it???

hope they offer the splits again--it was fun for people at home to know how we were doing as well!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Poly is on the road that is perpendicular to the road you actually run on...we were running along the Grand Floridian--and the Wedding Pavilliona (remember all the CM's with bride and groom mickey ears?).

You did run along a golf course and then continue past the street that poly is on---heading left and making a hard left into the corrals for the half finish.

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0200/en_US/marathon/events/pdf/06FullCourseMap.pdf

 

[wtpclc]

Thanks fro all the info! I'm puttign together a packet for when I see my cheering section over the holidays. This is a great help!

 

[jkh1978]

what are you going to put in the packet... any suggestions that you have thought of that we could all do for our families?

 

[wtpclc]

Here's what I was going to do:

1. Print out marathon map
2. Maybe put in another park map
3. My cell #
4. Resort dates and phone numbers
5. Tips from above
6. WHere to meet after race
7. How far they should stand back to avoid the smell
8. Best guesstimates of where we will be and when (splits)

I think that's about it for now. I was also going to put their cell numbers in my palm at X-mas.

ETA #8

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Fabulous idea! I guess I must get on this. Things will be happening way soon!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Carrie--I love your idea. I would also include to really avoid anything involving personal or bus transport if possible once the race has begun. Supporters at Animal Kingdom are great--but if your family wishes to see you finish--they'll have to be on the ball...a "way to go", a high five, and a firm plan to beat you to the finish line .

 

[wtpclc]

I sent round one to mom and dad via e-mail. Cousins will get hard copies. If anyone wants my pace/time I'll be where spreadsheet or the scanned spectator instrustions, pm me with your e-mail. The scan's are a little crooked, but visible.

 

[keenercam]

I am a little confused. We will be staying at BCV and are looking forward to dragging ourselves out on Sunday morning to see our WISH buddies in the full. We'd like to see them somewhere around Boardwalk or BCV. Unfortunately, I just cannot figure out about what time anyone should be coming into that vicinity and where is the best place to see everyone (I am SOOOO bad at reading maps!)

Help! Can't wait to cheer you all on!

 

[Calcio]

Cam

The marathon runners leave the Disney Studios, run along the canal next to the Boardwalk Villas, go over the bridge toward the Yacht Club, past the Yacht Club, past the Beach Club, and then enter EPCOT by a service road to the left of the International Gateway.

With luck I should go past the Beach Club around 10:45. If it's cool I'll be wearing a Netherlands National Team Soccer Jersey (you can't miss it, as it is bright orange) and stylish black and grey tights. If it's warm I'll be wearing a powder blue singlet and black split shorts. I'll be nearly unable to move by then, so any support would be well appreciated. If you are out there I insist you wear your medal. If we see each other and I'm coherent enough, you'll get a reaction from me.

A few weeks ago I was really worried about going Goofy, to the point of not starting the the full. Right now I'm psyched, stoked, and all revved up for the darn thing. Hopefully I'll feel the same way about the full at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 8.

10 days from tomorrow at 6 a.m. I can't wait.

Craig

 

[keenercam]

Craig -- Thank you so much for the information and even more importantly, your enthusiasm! I CANNOT wait to cheer for you as you get so very close to finishing the Goofy Challenge as you pass the Beach Club! I will be there with bells on -- errr, I mean a MEDAL on!
I am so glad that you are feeling psyched, stoked & confident about the Goofy! I am so psyched & stoked for you! Looking forward to seeing you at the 1/2 start too! Enjoy the next 9 days until the MOST EXTRAORDINARY GROUP OF ORDINARY PEOPLE get together at the most magical place in the world!