Marathon Weekend 2016

[John VN]

Has anyone stayed at the campsite during race week? How was it? Also has anybody changed hotels in the middle of race weekend? My husband either wants to stay at he campgrounds or do a split stay at Port/Pop.

DW and I joined in the Marathon Weekend fun in 2010 while staying at FW. Only the 5K that year since it was our first foray into racing. 2011 had DW do the 5K and half with me the 5K, half and full, again while at FW. I drove our motorhome to the EPCOT parking lot every morning leaving FW at 2:30AM. Was great since we had heat and food and drinks and bathroom and showers when done with the races then breakfast in the motorhome and either back to FW or Park visiting.

This year was another Dopey Challenge for me with DW doing the 10K and volunteering for the half. Again driving to EPCOT every morning with our home on wheels. Will be back at FW for Marathon Weekend next year.

McFlurry John

 

[John VN]

Sorry to hear they where asked to not hand them out any more. Around mile 20 would have been perfect as well. I am basing my information from this site, http://whyirundisney.com/2014/12/10/2015-walt-disney-world-marathon-weekend-corrals-released/

Not sure how accurate it is... Let me know what you think.

Also, I am not 100% sure on the policy on posting links and pictures, if the link is unacceptable, please let me know and I will remove it. I assume pictures need to be posted using a image hosting website?

There is always the exit off of Osceola Parkway at mile 15 of the Marathon route for a McDonald's stop. I've done this the last 3 years now to get my M&M McFlurry and rejoin the race, BUT, I'm sure you wouldn't even consider it since you're a fast runner not like me, a slow poke two knee brace wearing senior citizen.

McFlurry John

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

There is always the exit off of Osceola Parkway at mile 15 of the Marathon route for a McDonald's stop. I've done this the last 3 years now to get my M&M McFlurry and rejoin the race

Yes, I'm curious about the infamous McFlurry stop. Do you just run off the course, go pay for your McFlurry and take it back on the course with you?! It just makes me so happy to even think about! What's your favorite Flurry?

 

[John VN]

Yes, I'm curious about the infamous McFlurry stop. Do you just run off the course, go pay for your McFlurry and take it back on the course with you?! It just makes me so happy to even think about! What's your favorite Flurry?

Exit stage right, down the ramp, cross the road, this year the lady State Trouper was waiting for me since she has been there for previous years and even a customer recognized me from last year, into McD's for my M&M McFlurry and back up to the race eating as I go. M&M GOOOOOOD!

McFlurry John

 

[Optimator]

I am basing my information from this site, http://whyirundisney.com/2014/12/10/2015-walt-disney-world-marathon-weekend-corrals-released/

Not sure how accurate it is... Let me know what you think.

You are absolutely correct. I had to go back and check. I think I submitted a time around 3:54. That got me bib # 30891 and a starting corral of E for Dopey. Just like the chart says.

How short my memory and long my ego. I could have sworn I started in C last year.

FWIW, I crossed the line less than 11 minutes after the official start, so you shouldn't sweat it too much where you are talking about.

 

[LSUlakes]

There is always the exit off of Osceola Parkway at mile 15 of the Marathon route for a McDonald's stop. I've done this the last 3 years now to get my M&M McFlurry and rejoin the race, BUT, I'm sure you wouldn't even consider it since you're a fast runner not like me, a slow poke two knee brace wearing senior citizen.

McFlurry John

I love ice cream as much as the next person, but taking in dairy products with ~ 11 miles to go would end very badly for me.

 

[FFigawi]

I love ice cream as much as the next person, but taking in dairy products with ~ 11 miles to go would end very badly for me.

There's always the beer stop at mile 24 too.

 

[John VN]

There's always the beer stop at mile 24 too.

I DEFINITELY want to stop for a beer next year in addition to the McFlurry but will have to check with my doctor about the interaction between drugs for my cancer and alcohol. Hoping to get a special dispensation just for the race. Have to have non-alcoholic O'Doul's if I want some now.

 

[kevdad]

A heads-up for anyone flying on Southwest that their schedule for 1/4-3/8 will open Tuesday morning. The planning continues, we're getting more excited by the day for this trip! Oh, and for that 26.2 mile journey too!

 

[FFigawi]

Some training tips for the new runners

http://www.theonion.com/graphic/marathon-training-tips-50762

 

[roxymama]

Some training tips for the new runners

http://www.theonion.com/graphic/marathon-training-tips-50762

Haha. That was pretty funny.

 

[TXHauntedMansionFan]

A heads-up for anyone flying on Southwest that their schedule for 1/4-3/8 will open Tuesday morning. The planning continues, we're getting more excited by the day for this trip! Oh, and for that 26.2 mile journey too!

We are waiting for Tuesday as well so we can get the flights booked. Getting excited on this end too!

 

[Pixie Heart]

Thanks, @Ariel484 !

 

[Waiting2goback]

A heads-up for anyone flying on Southwest that their schedule for 1/4-3/8 will open Tuesday morning. The planning continues, we're getting more excited by the day for this trip! Oh, and for that 26.2 mile journey too!

I will be flying JetBlue unless Southwest is that much cheaper I can't pass it up but I am still excited about the planning. I am trying to figure out which resort to stay at. And I officially started marathon training this week. (I have a marathon in October)

For the Disney Marathon veterans, what do you eat in the morning before the race since nothing is open to eat before you have to get on the bus? I was thinking I would pack some food, like instant oatmeal or something???

 

[kevdad]

For the Disney Marathon veterans, what do you eat in the morning before the race since nothing is open to eat before you have to get on the bus? I was thinking I would pack some food, like instant oatmeal or something???

Instant oatmeal is great. Plain bagel with butter and a banana are my other pre-race staples.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Yeah, I was thinking the bagel too, but there is no way to toast it so it will be pretty plain for sure. This race will take some planning for me as the only other Disney race I did was the ToT and that was a night race. But, I am excited for sure.

 

[DOOM1001]

Yeah, I was thinking the bagel too, but there is no way to toast it so it will be pretty plain for sure. This race will take some planning for me as the only other Disney race I did was the ToT and that was a night race. But, I am excited for sure.

I usually stay at POP and they open the food court for basic things like bagels,bananas,coffee,oj,etc...I usually bring a Kind bar and some bread with peanut butter which I had on half day but on marathon day this year I bought a bagel with cream cheese and toasted it in the toasters in the food court as I just can't eat an untoasted bagel.I'm going to assume most hotels will have something open to eat in the morning.This is a big event, they're ready for the things runners need,even the gift shop next to the food court had vaseline,band aids,aspirin,moleskin and other things runners might need all together right in the counter.The food court also had a grab and go brown bag with bagel,banana,etc..

 

[FFigawi]

For the Disney Marathon veterans, what do you eat in the morning before the race since nothing is open to eat before you have to get on the bus? I was thinking I would pack some food, like instant oatmeal or something???

Most of the food courts will be open, but for those hotels without one, you'll need to bring something yourself. I eat a Clif bar or a bagel in my room while getting dressed for the race.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Most of the food courts will be open, but for those hotels without one, you'll need to bring something yourself. I eat a Clif bar or a bagel in my room while getting dressed for the race.

For the last 3 years POFQ food court was unlocked so you could have access to toasters/microwaves/etc, but not selling anything. They sell breakfast boxes the day before.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I usually stay at POP and they open the food court for basic things like bagels,bananas,coffee,oj,etc...I usually bring a Kind bar and some bread with peanut butter which I had on half day but on marathon day this year I bought a bagel with cream cheese and toasted it in the toasters in the food court as I just can't eat an untoasted bagel.I'm going to assume most hotels will have something open to eat in the morning.This is a big event, they're ready for the things runners need,even the gift shop next to the food court had vaseline,band aids,aspirin,moleskin and other things runners might need all together right in the counter.The food court also had a grab and go brown bag with bagel,banana,etc..

Most of the food courts will be open, but for those hotels without one, you'll need to bring something yourself. I eat a Clif bar or a bagel in my room while getting dressed for the race.

For the last 3 years POFQ food court was unlocked so you could have access to toasters/microwaves/etc, but not selling anything. They sell breakfast boxes the day before.

This is all very good news and helpful. I was originally planning to rent DVC to have a kitchen but I heard from someone that looked into it that there is no availability that weekend. So I then figured I would bring the oatmeal and a bag of bagels. I don't know why I didn't think Disney would have a plan for that.

It also helps a bit picking which hotel to stay at. I will want something where I can be pretty close to the food court.