Marathon Weekend 2016

[SunDial]

I'm going to save @Keels the trouble of having to keep typing the same thing...
If you're considering a trip to Disneyland and/or have a DL AP (or Preimier Pass) that will expire in or after September 2016 ... RUN DUMBO!!

(meanwhile ... I'm now not sure I'll be making it out there for that weekend ... life drama is the worst)

Dumbo? Definitely Dumbo for you.

I have a WDW Annual Pass that expires in May of 2016. When I do make it out to DL it will be during a race weekend. I will upgrade the pass to the Premiere Pass when that time comes. I plan to be out there for a week after the run.

 

[Neoflynn]

btw, Marathon is sold out on the RunDisney site...obviously there are still slots with travel providers, but it seems like today we reached 100% on the progress bar.

I was actually just thinking about wether it had sold out yet or not earlier today and was about to check RunDisney, now don't have to

What is everyone's character picture strategy during their race(s)? And what has worked for those who are race veterans (or not worked.) Any tips or regrets or anything to help a newbie out?
I was thinking maybe I would want to at the very least stop for one picture even if the lines are long...More if the lines are ok. And then try to take some selfies and absolutely want the picture near the golf-ball in Epcot. We are going to Chef Mickey's with the whole family after the race so I know I'm going to get pics with my medal with the fab 4 or 5. I'd regret not doing at least one pic since that's half the fun right, but I fear that in the moment I will give up on the lines.
BTW I'm doing only the 5k this year.

We are doing the 5k all together (Me, Wife and Mother in law) so we will stop for pictures during that (maybe not all but t least some) but I don't plan on stopping during the marathon unless there is like 0 line or its a very important character (Mike + Sully or Wreck it Ralph would probably get me to stop) because I fear if I do stop it will mess up my race

I take selfies, but I don't stop - mostly because I'm afraid that if I DO stop, I'll have a hard time getting goin' again

This is exactly my fear as well, I'm usually pretty good about walking through water stops and then immediately getting going again but full on stoping scares me slightly especially at a distance ive never run before


Now on to my current question, I think I know the answer but wanted to clarify from the experts here...
My wife and I were talking the other night and she brought up the Christmas lights on Cinderella's castle and I mentioned that the should still be up during marathon weekend...this is correct right?

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

Now on to my current question, I think I know the answer but wanted to clarify from the experts here...
My wife and I were talking the other night and she brought up the Christmas lights on Cinderella's castle and I mentioned that the should still be up during marathon weekend...this is correct right?

I did the half last year, and yes there were definitely lights on the Castle and the Christmas declarations on Main Street were still up.

 

[rteetz]

Fastpasses are booked now just need the last 59 days to go a little faster.

 

[roxymama]

Fastpasses are booked now just need the last 59 days to go a little faster.

How was the availability? Get everything you hoped for? My window is tonight and I can't believe we are all getting so close to our trips!

 

[rteetz]

How was the availability? Get everything you hoped for? My window is tonight and I can't believe we are all getting so close to our trips!

Got everything I wanted no problem.

 

[IamTrike]

Got everything I wanted no problem.

I hope to have the same luck. I'm on the phone with annual passholder services though. I have to renew and it won't let me select anything but the most expensive option online.

 

[rteetz]

I hope to have the same luck. I'm on the phone with annual passholder services though. I have to renew and it won't let me select anything but the most expensive option online.

Good luck!

 

[cburnett11]

I'd love some input from repeat Disney marathon runners on what their family/friends did to watch the race. I know when I'm heading to the race, but wasn't sure what their options would be. There are some really smart people on this thread, so I'll give you my specifics and hopefully people will weigh-in with some suggestions (timing, places, etc.). This may be too much info, but I'm guessing the timing of starts/pace/etc. impacts each spectating group differently so I'll just throw everything down. It looks like we have some seriously analytical people in this group already, right?! Lol

• We land on Saturday morning at 8am. I plan to take it easy in preparation for Sunday race.
• 6 of us staying in 2 rooms at POP
• We are not renting a caar, so relying totally disney transportation
• First time runDisney participant, but we've been to Disney plenty and can handle the transportation permutations
• I'll (me only) catch the 3am bus to get to the start line
• No one in the group is doing Cheersquad
• My proof of time is 1:47:55 for the half, so I'm hopeful that my corral begins by/before 6am
• This is my first marathon (being randomly down there last year during marathon weekend inspired me to sign up... it was great seeing all you people run through the Studios!)
• My goal is 3:45, but am well aware of the size of this race and other challenges. I want to enjoy the race, but finish strong. For logistics, it could be a 4 hour finish, give or take 20 minutes on either side of that.
• Spectators don't go to the start, correct? As a parent of former XC runners, the start is overrated anyway because you can't really see specific runners.
• Ideally I'd like my party to be able to go to the TTC area, inside MK, Poly, etc. (they could split up too), but wasn't sure when they'd have to leave POP to get there and still be able to beat me to that spot.
• After that I wasn't sure if it was possible to do anything but get to Studios/Boardwalk/Epcot area.
• Open to any input you have including pointing me to a link that gives good information... I really haven't found that yet.
• The last thing I want is for them to not have a solid plan with backup because I won't be there with them to help navigate through any issues.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

 

[LSUlakes]

I'd love some input from repeat Disney marathon runners on what their family/friends did to watch the race. I know when I'm heading to the race, but wasn't sure what their options would be. There are some really smart people on this thread, so I'll give you my specifics and hopefully people will weigh-in with some suggestions (timing, places, etc.). This may be too much info, but I'm guessing the timing of starts/pace/etc. impacts each spectating group differently so I'll just throw everything down. It looks like we have some seriously analytical people in this group already, right?! Lol

• We land on Saturday morning at 8am. I plan to take it easy in preparation for Sunday race.
• 6 of us staying in 2 rooms at POP
• We are not renting a caar, so relying totally disney transportation
• First time runDisney participant, but we've been to Disney plenty and can handle the transportation permutations
• I'll (me only) catch the 3am bus to get to the start line
• No one in the group is doing Cheersquad
• My proof of time is 1:47:55 for the half, so I'm hopeful that my corral begins by/before 6am
• This is my first marathon (being randomly down there last year during marathon weekend inspired me to sign up... it was great seeing all you people run through the Studios!)
• My goal is 3:45, but am well aware of the size of this race and other challenges. I want to enjoy the race, but finish strong. For logistics, it could be a 4 hour finish, give or take 20 minutes on either side of that.
• Spectators don't go to the start, correct? As a parent of former XC runners, the start is overrated anyway because you can't really see specific runners.
• Ideally I'd like my party to be able to go to the TTC area, inside MK, Poly, etc. (they could split up too), but wasn't sure when they'd have to leave POP to get there and still be able to beat me to that spot.
• After that I wasn't sure if it was possible to do anything but get to Studios/Boardwalk/Epcot area.
• Open to any input you have including pointing me to a link that gives good information... I really haven't found that yet.
• The last thing I want is for them to not have a solid plan with backup because I won't be there with them to help navigate through any issues.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

I haven't run a Disney race before, but from doing some research and based on your projected finish time/goal I think your group may do best by going to MK first, which would be around the 10k mark. From there Epcot/finish area for the last 1-1.5 miles. My understanding is you can make it to other locations after MK, but it could be tricky getting to the finish area or Epcot in time to see you finish. Maybe part of your group could go to AK or the sports complex, but I think they may miss you at the finish line. Again, Im not 100% sure about that, but that's the way it seems. This is also based on no major course change this year... Good luck with the remainder of your training schedule!

 

[Barca33Runner]

I'd love some input from repeat Disney marathon runners on what their family/friends did to watch the race. I know when I'm heading to the race, but wasn't sure what their options would be. There are some really smart people on this thread, so I'll give you my specifics and hopefully people will weigh-in with some suggestions (timing, places, etc.). This may be too much info, but I'm guessing the timing of starts/pace/etc. impacts each spectating group differently so I'll just throw everything down. It looks like we have some seriously analytical people in this group already, right?! Lol

• We land on Saturday morning at 8am. I plan to take it easy in preparation for Sunday race.
• 6 of us staying in 2 rooms at POP
• We are not renting a caar, so relying totally disney transportation
• First time runDisney participant, but we've been to Disney plenty and can handle the transportation permutations
• I'll (me only) catch the 3am bus to get to the start line
• No one in the group is doing Cheersquad
• My proof of time is 1:47:55 for the half, so I'm hopeful that my corral begins by/before 6am
• This is my first marathon (being randomly down there last year during marathon weekend inspired me to sign up... it was great seeing all you people run through the Studios!)
• My goal is 3:45, but am well aware of the size of this race and other challenges. I want to enjoy the race, but finish strong. For logistics, it could be a 4 hour finish, give or take 20 minutes on either side of that.
• Spectators don't go to the start, correct? As a parent of former XC runners, the start is overrated anyway because you can't really see specific runners.
• Ideally I'd like my party to be able to go to the TTC area, inside MK, Poly, etc. (they could split up too), but wasn't sure when they'd have to leave POP to get there and still be able to beat me to that spot.
• After that I wasn't sure if it was possible to do anything but get to Studios/Boardwalk/Epcot area.
• Open to any input you have including pointing me to a link that gives good information... I really haven't found that yet.
• The last thing I want is for them to not have a solid plan with backup because I won't be there with them to help navigate through any issues.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

The first year my group ran a WDW Marathon Weekend race our spectators said they felt like they ran the half marathon with us and decided they would just wait at the finish line to watch for us in the future (despite their best efforts we never saw them at any point until the finish line). That was the Half in 2012 and our spectator plan has not changed much since then. With experience our spectators (no Cheersquad either) have found a spot near the end of the Half where they like to watch for us about a mile from the finish before making their way to the finish line, but I am honestly so caught up in my own race preparations that I don't really know how our spectators plan. With that said, I missed seeing them and they missed me on my way by during the half last year so it's an inexact science. They have never tried chasing us around during the marathon, so I'm not sure how that would go.

Hopefully someone else will be able to better give you a better idea of how the timing works out with the marathon. I have seen many runners meet up with their friends/family along the course, so it is definitely possible; I just know that with the spectator crowds being as big as they are and with so many runners it can sometimes be difficult to connect.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I'd love some input from repeat Disney marathon runners on what their family/friends did to watch the race. I know when I'm heading to the race, but wasn't sure what their options would be. There are some really smart people on this thread, so I'll give you my specifics and hopefully people will weigh-in with some suggestions (timing, places, etc.). This may be too much info, but I'm guessing the timing of starts/pace/etc. impacts each spectating group differently so I'll just throw everything down. It looks like we have some seriously analytical people in this group already, right?! Lol

• We land on Saturday morning at 8am. I plan to take it easy in preparation for Sunday race.
• 6 of us staying in 2 rooms at POP
• We are not renting a caar, so relying totally disney transportation
• First time runDisney participant, but we've been to Disney plenty and can handle the transportation permutations
• I'll (me only) catch the 3am bus to get to the start line
• No one in the group is doing Cheersquad
• My proof of time is 1:47:55 for the half, so I'm hopeful that my corral begins by/before 6am
• This is my first marathon (being randomly down there last year during marathon weekend inspired me to sign up... it was great seeing all you people run through the Studios!)
• My goal is 3:45, but am well aware of the size of this race and other challenges. I want to enjoy the race, but finish strong. For logistics, it could be a 4 hour finish, give or take 20 minutes on either side of that.
• Spectators don't go to the start, correct? As a parent of former XC runners, the start is overrated anyway because you can't really see specific runners.
• Ideally I'd like my party to be able to go to the TTC area, inside MK, Poly, etc. (they could split up too), but wasn't sure when they'd have to leave POP to get there and still be able to beat me to that spot.
• After that I wasn't sure if it was possible to do anything but get to Studios/Boardwalk/Epcot area.
• Open to any input you have including pointing me to a link that gives good information... I really haven't found that yet.
• The last thing I want is for them to not have a solid plan with backup because I won't be there with them to help navigate through any issues.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

I can add what's happened for me.

First the expo ends on Saturday at 4pm. You are flying in at 8am and usually for me it takes us 2-3 hours to go from landing on the airplane to being checked in at our hotel. This would ideally put you somewhere around 10-11am, but depending on where you are flying from you might have a flight weather delay (darn winter!). So think of some contingencies now as to how you would approach a later arrival (have others check you in and you race from hotel to expo). In written text, rundisney doesn't allow day of pick-up of bibs, but I've heard of stories where exceptions were made.

A 1:48 half marathon projects a 3:47 marathon per the McMillan website (which rundisney's proof of time corrals seem to correlate well with). This would probably put you in corral E with a start time around 5:45-5:50am. Spectators can go to the start, but for the same reason you listed I'm not sure why because there is a huge gap between where runners are and where spectators stand. The LAST spectator bus from POP will be at 5am for spectators. Then there is a gap until 7am before the buses startup again.

The last two years we've stayed at Art of Animation. My family met me at mile 16.5. Not a large crowd there, some DJs, a big screen, and I was able to meet up with them easily. This is at the intersection with ESPN sports complex and Art of Animation. Right after I've passed that point it pretty much takes them the exact time to go from there to the finish as it has me. They've said usually they get there about 5-10 minutes before me. My wife has toyed with the idea of trying MK and some other spots but hasn't finalized her plan either.

 

[Z-Knight]

How can you get to the ESPN expo area early if you don't have a car? Specifically from the POP resort and before the buses start? I'm trying to figure out if I can walk there or get transportation on Wednesday morning so I can get in line for the shopping...any ideas? I think the resort buses to espn start around the same time expo opens so that would already put me behind.

 

[FFigawi]

Uber

 

[rteetz]

How can you get to the ESPN expo area early if you don't have a car? Specifically from the POP resort and before the buses start? I'm trying to figure out if I can walk there or get transportation on Wednesday morning so I can get in line for the shopping...any ideas? I think the resort buses to espn start around the same time expo opens so that would already put me behind.

Well I am pretty sure you can't walk there but you could Uber it. Many people have said Uber is the way to go these days instead of a Taxi and its cheaper.

 

[Z-Knight]

I'm completely against UBER so a taxi is what I'll go with. I was asssuming taxis weren't available from disney property but that was a dumb assumption. Thx

 

[cavepig]

Now on to my current question, I think I know the answer but wanted to clarify from the experts here...
My wife and I were talking the other night and she brought up the Christmas lights on Cinderella's castle and I mentioned that the should still be up during marathon weekend...this is correct right?

Yep Christmas was still up this year and lights were on on the castle during the full.

 

[cavepig]

Ran 5 miles today with Horns and a 2ft tail - - that had drivers staring, ha! But finally a no wind day here so wanted to test "costume" stuff out while it's still not freezing temps.

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

Yep Christmas was still up this year and lights were on on the castle during the full.

Does anyone think there's a chance the Osborne lights will still be up? I've seen they are supposed to come down Jan. 3, but it seems like Disney has been keeping the Christmas decorations up later the past few years. Hoping to see them once more before they disappear.

 

[cburnett11]

I can add what's happened for me.

First the expo ends on Saturday at 4pm. You are flying in at 8am and usually for me it takes us 2-3 hours to go from landing on the airplane to being checked in at our hotel. This would ideally put you somewhere around 10-11am, but depending on where you are flying from you might have a flight weather delay (darn winter!). So think of some contingencies now as to how you would approach a later arrival (have others check you in and you race from hotel to expo). In written text, rundisney doesn't allow day of pick-up of bibs, but I've heard of stories where exceptions were made.

Fortunately the flight is direct and should be on a plane that begins the day at my airport, so the risk is a little mitigated... but it is something I may have to deal with.

A 1:48 half marathon projects a 3:47 marathon per the McMillan website (which rundisney's proof of time corrals seem to correlate well with). This would probably put you in corral E with a start time around 5:45-5:50am. Spectators can go to the start, but for the same reason you listed I'm not sure why because there is a huge gap between where runners are and where spectators stand. The LAST spectator bus from POP will be at 5am for spectators. Then there is a gap until 7am before the buses startup again.

DopeyBadger, I knew I could count on you for a calculated verification of when I might hit the start line and I appreciate it. Regarding the 5am spectator bus from POP... does that ONLY go from POP directly to Epcot and if so does that mean that those spectators could then catch the monorail over to TTC if they wanted to see me before, during, and/or after MK? In other words, if they could get to TTC they could either see me entering MK/exiting MK around the TTC and Poly or they could go into MK to see me once in there. How does Disney facilitate people going in MK before the park opens and then get them out of there? My family will all have magicbands, but I'm guessing there is a way for people to go in there for some period of time without park admission to view the race while it is closed.

I'm guessing that the 7am buses you speak of are the "normal" hotel buses that go to parks in the normal course of a day. If I was in a later corral or a different pace, I'm guessing people in my party could catch one of these and get straight to MK if they wanted to go that route or get to AK, HS, etc. in a similar fashion.

The last two years we've stayed at Art of Animation. My family met me at mile 16.5. Not a large crowd there, some DJs, a big screen, and I was able to meet up with them easily. This is at the intersection with ESPN sports complex and Art of Animation. Right after I've passed that point it pretty much takes them the exact time to go from there to the finish as it has me. They've said usually they get there about 5-10 minutes before me. My wife has toyed with the idea of trying MK and some other spots but hasn't finalized her plan either.

So I guess you are saying your family was able to walk from AofA to mile 16.5 or did you have other transportation?