Marathon Weekend 2017!

[rteetz]

And as others will probably attest, "probably only" is a dangerous qualifier for the WDW Marathon. I thought my first would be my last and I've ended up running the next three and have signed up for a fourth with no end in sight. It's an addictive experience and there's nothing quite like crossing that finish line to make you forget all the times you swore you'd never do it again during your training and during the race.

100% I started at a 10K went to the half and 5K and now I'm running dopey next year. It is addictive and I don't know when I'll stop running disney.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Hi everyone! I have a couple of questions that hopefully someone can help me out with. My husband and I are doing the Dopey challenge and are staying at Caribbean Beach resort. The one and only Disney race I've done is the Wine and Dine half in 2010. At that time and for that race, only certain resorts had transportation to the expo and start lines. The rundisney website says all WDW resorts have transportation to the expo/start line during marathon weekend, but when I click the link for more information it says only host resorts do. Will CBR have transportation or is the host resort list somewhere?

My other question is: how late does the expo typically stay open? Our flight arrives at 3:30 p.m. on the 4th. We're using Magical Express so I'm sure by the time we get to the resort, check in, and drop off our stuff it'll be about 5:30 p.m. before we can head to the expo. Hopefully we'll have time to grab a quick bite to eat before going over there, but I don't want to be pushing it!

Thanks for your help!

 

[rteetz]

Hi everyone! I have a couple of questions that hopefully someone can help me out with. My husband and I are doing the Dopey challenge and are staying at Caribbean Beach resort. The one and only Disney race I've done is the Wine and Dine half in 2010. At that time and for that race, only certain resorts had transportation to the expo and start lines. The rundisney website says all WDW resorts have transportation to the expo/start line during marathon weekend, but when I click the link for more information it says only host resorts do. Will CBR have transportation or is the host resort list somewhere?

My other question is: how late does the expo typically stay open? Our flight arrives at 3:30 p.m. on the 4th. We're using Magical Express so I'm sure by the time we get to the resort, check in, and drop off our stuff it'll be about 5:30 p.m. before we can head to the expo. Hopefully we'll have time to grab a quick bite to eat before going over there, but I don't want to be pushing it!

Thanks for your help!

For marathon weekend all WDW resorts have transportation including the swan and dolphin.

I believe the expo closes at 7 or 8 pm on Wednesday. There should be a full schedule with expo times for each day on the RunDisney website.

 

[Barca33Runner]

Hi everyone! I have a couple of questions that hopefully someone can help me out with. My husband and I are doing the Dopey challenge and are staying at Caribbean Beach resort. The one and only Disney race I've done is the Wine and Dine half in 2010. At that time and for that race, only certain resorts had transportation to the expo and start lines. The rundisney website says all WDW resorts have transportation to the expo/start line during marathon weekend, but when I click the link for more information it says only host resorts do. Will CBR have transportation or is the host resort list somewhere?

My other question is: how late does the expo typically stay open? Our flight arrives at 3:30 p.m. on the 4th. We're using Magical Express so I'm sure by the time we get to the resort, check in, and drop off our stuff it'll be about 5:30 p.m. before we can head to the expo. Hopefully we'll have time to grab a quick bite to eat before going over there, but I don't want to be pushing it!

Thanks for your help!

Your first question is one of semantics on their part. All resorts are host resorts during marathon weekend, so both statements are technically true and frustratingly confusing. You should have no problem grabbing a bus to the expo or races from CBR.

It will be easier to make a decision on the expo after they release a schedule, but 7 or 8 pm sounds right. I don't know exactly how it is at other resorts, but I've never waited more than about 10 minutes for an expo bus at POR, so it shouldn't take more than about 30 minutes to get to the expo. If you want to look around, shop, or are nervous about cutting things close you may want to skip the bite to eat until after you have your race materials. Depending on your plans the rest of the weekend, the expo will be open the next three days so there is ample opportunity to return if you just make a quick trip for race materials on Wednesday night.

 

[CarolynFH]

DH and I are running/walking the 5K with DD & DSiL, and then they're running the half. I hope to cheer them on but I can't find specific ChEAR Squad information on the Marathon Weekend website, just a reference to it under Spectators. When are the specifics of packages and costs usually released? TIA!

 

[UNCBear24]

What are you considering?!?

Also - I have a few spots left on my second Illuminations pontoon boat, if anyone else is interested! The price is $27/pp and I'm covering catering and tip!

I'd be interested if you have room for 4.

 

[princessluna14]

What are the chances that there are any places left to rent DVC points for from 1/10-1/13?? I just had the most brain numbing experience trying to figure out how to add my sister and brother partially on to our stay. Spoiler alert: you can't and you have to make your trip into two separate reservations.

 

[croach]

What are the chances that there are any places left to rent DVC points for from 1/10-1/13?? I just had the most brain numbing experience trying to figure out how to add my sister and brother partially on to our stay. Spoiler alert: you can't and you have to make your trip into two separate reservations.

There was some discussion of this back around page 83. Looks like things were sold out but might depend on what and where you're looking. Good luck.

 

[princessluna14]

There was some discussion of this back around page 83. Looks like things were sold out but might depend on what and where you're looking. Good luck.

Thanks! Sounds like I'll need it.

 

[lhermiston]

I'm the exact opposite. When DW and I go, we look for the ADRs that we really want (Raglan Road is a tradition). When I go solo to a race, I don't usually make any ADRs or go to any table service. It's all counter service for me. Columbia Harbour House and Tangierine Cafe and I'm good to go!!

I'm doing my first solo trip for the marathon and will be sticking mostly to counter service (Columbia Harbor House, ftw!), but I'm definitely doing Ohana post-race.

 

[lhermiston]

28 weeks!

 

[bellanotte10]

Just ran my qualifying POT 10k today... And had to get carted off the finishing line in a wheel chair due to tendonitis I didn't know I had in my ankle I was a sobbing hysterical mess... And yet I still finished in an hour and a half despite all the pain... Funnily enough I signed up for this one because the 10k I did this past January I had pneumonia so I was trying to improve my time. I guess it's fate... I need to slow down

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Just ran my qualifying POT 10k today... And had to get carted off the finishing line in a wheel chair due to tendonitis I didn't know I had in my ankle I was a sobbing hysterical mess... And yet I still finished in an hour and a half despite all the pain... Funnily enough I signed up for this one because the 10k I did this past January I had pneumonia so I was trying to improve my time. I guess it's fate... I need to slow down

The life of a runner. We all feel your pain and know that you will get past this. Stay strong.

 

[jhorstma]

I have the same question! I am running my first, and probably only Marathon in 2017. Thoughts on if we should plan on going to a park? Will we want food right away? I read somewhere that there is post race snacks, and I know I will be training with the gel things...but we were trying to figure out food for the day-like time for breakfast?

Any help would REALLY be appreciated, especially if there is a thread on this that I am missing! Thanks! *scared newbie*

YOU WILL DO AWESOME!!! Seriously! I can say this because if you're signed up and actively following this thread you're probably being diligent in your training (Jeff Galloway's couch-to-marathon program worked for me), so come next January you can be confident that you'll a) run down Main Street USA and through Cinderella's Castle, b) pass by (and ride!!!!) Everest, c) dance thru the Hollywood Studios disco (assuming it's still there), d) run the Boardwalk, e) run triumphantly around World Showcase with the torches lit and the stirring music playing, f) get a bit verklempt passing by Spaceship Earth and the choir, and g) greet the cheering throngs and Mickey at the finish!

That said, if my experience was any indication, you'll need a nap and a shower before you hit the parks, and you'll be plenty sore and wobbly and not really have any appetite until the next day. But that's coming from a 52 year old guy who hadn't started running until 6 months before the marathon, so you might do much better.

 

[Mo B]

I am curious about breakfast on the day of the marathon as well. Will the resorts have an area open to purchase items or a microwave that can be used at 3am? Thanks for any info, we are staying at Pop.

 

[DOOM1001]

I am curious about breakfast on the day of the marathon as well. Will the resorts have an area open to purchase items or a microwave that can be used at 3am? Thanks for any info, we are staying at Pop.

I usually stay at Pop for marathon weekend, the food court will open at 3am,they obviously won't be selling hot food at that time but they'll have toasters and everything else available to use and will be selling things like bagels,bananas,pastries,cereal,etc...

 

[camaker]

I am curious about breakfast on the day of the marathon as well. Will the resorts have an area open to purchase items or a microwave that can be used at 3am? Thanks for any info, we are staying at Pop.

The resort food courts also usually have "runner boxes" prepackaged with bagels, bananas, peanut butter, etc that can be purchased the night before. They tend to be really expensive, though. I've had good luck just bringing along my own breakfast to eat in the room when I wake up.

 

[Ariel484]

I bring my own food from home - exactly what I eat for training runs (bagel and peanut butter - bagel from a local place in a ziploc bag and travel-sized container of peanut butter) and I make coffee in the room. I bring disposable cups with lids for the coffee. It's a little extra planning but I feel better knowing for sure that the food is taken care of.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Hey everyone. New runner here. I blame my wife, really. It's a fun hobby that benefits all of us, and that we can enjoy together. She's actually got at least one race planned every month this year, with 5 since the beginning of June through July 4! I'm super proud of her. I'm getting into the spirit too, though I'm running in only a few of the races. Still, I'm running 3 miles 3-4 times a week, and am working towards running 10k.

We have a Christmas trip planned for WDW this year, and our Disney Schedule is every other year. So that puts our next trip in 2018. Well guess what happens in 2018... our 10 year wedding anniversary... just a week after the marathon! So, we've both decided to start training for a marathon, with our first being the RunDisney Marathon in Jan 2018! I can't wait!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Hey everyone. New runner here. I blame my wife, really. It's a fun hobby that benefits all of us, and that we can enjoy together. She's actually got at least one race planned every month this year, with 5 since the beginning of June through July 4! I'm super proud of her. I'm getting into the spirit too, though I'm running in only a few of the races. Still, I'm running 3 miles 3-4 times a week, and am working towards running 10k.

We have a Christmas trip planned for WDW this year, and our Disney Schedule is every other year. So that puts our next trip in 2018. Well guess what happens in 2018... our 10 year wedding anniversary... just a week after the marathon! So, we've both decided to start training for a marathon, with our first being the RunDisney Marathon in Jan 2018! I can't wait!

Great choice on a 1st marathon! And in case you weren't aware it's also the 25th anniversary of the Disney Marathon in 2018. Should be a lot of fanfare surrounding the event!