Marathon Weekend 2017!

[surfde22]

DD26 and I are thinking of renting points for Marathon weekend. The company we are working with has no availability for the resort we want and suggested we wait until the 7 month mark to save $$ on points, since we will most likely end up at SS, OKW or AKV. It makes me a little nervous to wait that long.. Does anyone have experience renting points for that weekend and having availability at the 7 month mark? And has anyone stayed at any of those 3 resorts during a race weekend that can share their experiences (bus wait times, long walk to race busses, etc.)?

In 2014, my wife and I arrived on marathon Sunday, and rented points at AKL that night and then moved to BLT for the rest of the week. I know my parents and brother stayed at BLT for Dopey in a one bedroom. My parents are DVC members, but their home resort isn't BLT and they were able to get a room there at the seven month mark. Right now the have BWV reserved 1/3-10, but will try to move it to BLT at the seven month mark. My brother liked having the monorail available over a bus.

 

[FFigawi]

Since I'll be at WDW Friday through Monday for the Dark Side challenge I can't see me also taking off from work on Tuesday to sign up for the 2017 marathon weekend full,I know its not a big deal or a must to sign up for it since its not a quick sell out like some of the other races or challenges but I'm the type of person who likes doing everything ASAP.So my question is will it still be open say at 6pm for AP early registration,or will I have to wait until next Tuesday.

It's unlikely to be available that late on early registration day. It won't sell out for weeks or months though, so you've got plenty of time to register.

 

[Jaxasaurous]

We really wanted a studio at BWV, Wed-Tue (4-10). The traffic you were talking about at OKW was from on the bus?

One day it was because we drove to the races, and another day it was with the bus and wasn't as bad as when we drove but it was still a hassle with the traffic. The races this year there wasn't any traffic.
The BWV has rooms available for part of those days, Thursday and Friday it's booked. The Beach Club Villas has all the days open for a studio.

 

[ZellyB]

We rented points for a studio at BCV for the 5-9. It's our first time renting points and first time staying at Beach Club, so I'm really excited. We just decided to go ahead and pay the higher point price to book it earlier because I was worried there wouldn't be availability at the 7 month mark. The place we rented from did seem to say that some other of the places likely would have availability though. We just really wanted Beach Club.

 

[SueInBoston]

I'm so torn about this. I fully intended to do Princess and Tink C2C as my 2017 races, but now dreaming about the 20th Donald Half and the Castaway Cay 5K. Both my kids will be away at school so probably won't be able to sail with me I just went through the process and there's availability at my DVC home resort, air is reasonable, cruise is not outrageously expensive so in all I can pull it off...but the guilt!!

 

[taffy]

So with all this talk of booking rooms, what is the best resort for getting to the races in the morning? I was assuming the epcot resorts but is the resort on the monorail better ??

 

[surfde22]

So with all this talk of booking rooms, what is the best resort for getting to the races in the morning? I was assuming the epcot resorts but is the resort on the monorail better ??

This will be my first marathon weekend, so I came speak from personal experience, but my brother has done two weekends and I can pass on his preference, though I think everyone has their own. He much preferred staying at a monorail hotel and found it easier to get to and from the races that way than at the EPCOT resorts. That said, this year they didn't run monorails for the 5k and 10k if you plan on doing either of those races.

 

[rteetz]

So with all this talk of booking rooms, what is the best resort for getting to the races in the morning? I was assuming the epcot resorts but is the resort on the monorail better ??

I've done POR and BC. BC was probably the best because there were so many runners there and you can walk through the park after the Half and Full to get back to your resort.,

 

[MeridaAndAngus]

Does anyone know who much the Active registration fees are? I've always been in a such hurry to click through registration I've never paid close attention. The Active fees aren't included in the price listed on the rD website, correct?

 

[rteetz]

Does anyone know who much the Active registration fees are? I've always been in a such hurry to click through registration I've never paid close attention. The Active fees aren't included in the price listed on the rD website, correct?

They aren't included correct. I know its been said with a $70 5K the active fees would be around $5-6. I am not sure what it would be with the other races.

 

[Ariel484]

Does anyone know who much the Active registration fees are? I've always been in a such hurry to click through registration I've never paid close attention. The Active fees aren't included in the price listed on the rD website, correct?

They are an additional 6.5-7% of the race registration cost. So basically take what's on the rD website and multiple by 1.07 to get an idea (result will be a little high but at least you'll have an estimate).

 

[DOOM1001]

I think Wine and Dine last year it was $190 and the fees took it to $202.

 

[princessluna14]

I have to brag a little because I'm so excited! I finally ran a sub 2 hour half yesterday (1:58:57!!) and just realized I can use it as proof of time for marathon weekend! So pumped!!

 

[Dan1]

I have to brag a little because I'm so excited! I finally ran a sub 2 hour half yesterday (1:58:57!!) and just realized I can use it as proof of time for marathon weekend! So pumped!!

Excellent!
I tried running a 1/2 on the weekend and my knee crapped out so had to stop at 7 miles (10:15 pace)

Need rest and more lower body strength training before my race 1/2 on Mothers' Day (need to finish that one for my coral placement).

 

[RunDisneyDad]

Does anyone know who much the Active registration fees are?

I looked at my receipts for the 2015 and 2016 Marathons and the fees were:

2015 = Marathon entry fee = $170 and Active Fee was $11.55
2016 = Marathon entry fee = $175 and Active Fee was $12.92

 

[rteetz]

I posted this in the WDW marathon question thread too.
Okay here's my question now. I don't see it specify. Do you need to be 18+ at registration day or on race day? My birthday is 12 days after registration day so that's when I'll be 18.

Also website has been updated to include that this will be the 20th anniversary of the half and that there will be a special shirt and medal for the occasion.

 

[opusone]

I don't see it specify. Do you need to be 18+ at registration day or on race day? My birthday is 12 days after registration day so that's when I'll be 18.

I would be very surprised if this wasn't race day age, so I think you should be able to register.

 

[rteetz]

I would be very surprised if this wasn't race day age, so I think you should be able to register.

Ok just wanted to make sure that's what I thought too.

 

[surfde22]

Okay here's my question now. I don't see it specify. Do you need to be 18+ at registration day or on race day? My birthday is 12 days after registration day so that's when I'll be 18.

It does say participants must be 18+. You don't actually participate until January, so I'd assume that's what is required.

 

[FLPrincessMom]

It is on race day. The age limit for the half is 14. My twins had their birthday where they turned 14 just 35 days before race day. The registration was obviously months before.

Good luck and enjoy!!