Marathon Weekend 2019

[Keels]

Marathon. I thought I left around 4 last year too. It is a shame I can't just walk through Epcot.

I always stay at BCV and leave around 4:25-4:30 and have had no issues. I'm usually in the parking lot by 4:45.

 

[Jason Bryer]

I always stay at BCV and leave around 4:25-4:30 and have had no issues. I'm usually in the parking lot by 4:45.

Thanks Keels. This is good to know. That's almost a full extra hour of sleep than I thought I would get! If I recall correctly, World Drive never completely closes but goes to one lane for cars. I remember running next cars on the way to HS. Of course, at that point of the course I could have been hallucinating.

 

[LdyStormy76]

Getting there early just means more listening to Carissa and that’s just not something I’m willing to subject myself to.

Still holding out a small minuscule of hope that they will replace her with the “let me stop reporting to help another reporter being blown over in the hurricane” weather guy. Probably will not happen but it is still worth hoping.

She just got married too, so y'all be prepared to hear lots and lots of stories about that! It really would be a good drinking game for every time she says "I"...

While it would be good carb loading, that would make for an interesting stager...um, run... for everyone in the last corral.

 

[steph0808]

Buses - I've told this story before and most people don't have similar tales, but in 2013, I was at the bus stop at like 3:15 at Port Orleans Riverside. Somewhere between three to five full buses passed us by on the way to the marathon. It was after 4 am when some poor driver took pity on us and let us stand in the aisle of his bus so we made it on time.

Now - I don't know if this is because we (as in other runners, and a large amount) were standing at one of the resort bus stops instead of the main stop at the front of the resort or what (but no one else seemed to have this issue at other non-main stops) or what, but I don't want to go through that again.

 

[Keels]

Still holding out a small minuscule of hope that they will replace her with the “let me stop reporting to help another reporter being blown over in the hurricane” weather guy. Probably will not happen but it is still worth hoping.

Hell, I'll take a stray cat up there wailing into a microphone for an hour over listening to a word from her at this point.

 

[TCB in FLA]

SOOO COOL

Typical McFlurry John duh moment not connecting Jeff G as pacer. https://www.disboards.com/attachments/49015671_10215950277923854_1083383604672724992_n-jpg.370786/

Thinking about asking if he would like to join me for a M&M McFlurry at mile 15.5, my treat.

McFlurry John

Jeff G’s fuel of choice is Coca-Cola. True southern boy!

 

[lhermiston]

Buses - I've told this story before and most people don't have similar tales, but in 2013, I was at the bus stop at like 3:15 at Port Orleans Riverside. Somewhere between three to five full buses passed us by on the way to the marathon. It was after 4 am when some poor driver took pity on us and let us stand in the aisle of his bus so we made it on time.

Now - I don't know if this is because we (as in other runners, and a large amount) were standing at one of the resort bus stops instead of the main stop at the front of the resort or what (but no one else seemed to have this issue at other non-main stops) or what, but I don't want to go through that again.

I did not need to read this 18 days before arriving at POR. I trust in the last five years they’ve sorted out any transportation issues there.

 

[jennamfeo]

I did not need to read this 18 days before arriving at POR. I trust in the last five years they’ve sorted out any transportation issues there.

I stayed at POR during W&D 2017 and didn't have any issues.

 

[sandam1]

It must be the day for "what time do I have to leave" questions. I went to a local running store to pick up some Sports Beans today and the man who checked me out is also doing the half. We had a great conversation, which included this very question.

I'm staying at Universal (Cabana Bay). Mapquest has it as a 25 minute drive to Epcot. If the parking lot closes at 4 a.m. for the half marathon, I'm thinking that my target time for leaving is 3-3:15 a.m. Does that sound about right? I want a little bit of "Murphy" time built in, but don't want to having too much time to kill (and to get nervous). I'm assuming that I can just shift the arrival time by 30 minutes (or maybe a little less?) for the 5K, which has the parking lot closing at 4:30. Yes/no?

Next question - my traveling buddy is going to be a spectator while I run the half. What time should she plan on leaving the parking lot at Epcot to get to Main Street to see me? I'm starting in corral F (so around 6:00 a.m.) and will probably be doing close to the 16 minute miles for the first 3-4 miles (it takes me a while to warm up). And to get to Magic Kingdom, she should take the monorail to the TTC and then transfer to the monorail to the MK, correct? Will there be any places available for spectators to pick up a light breakfast either at the start (before security) or at the MK?

 

[croach]

I did not need to read this 18 days before arriving at POR. I trust in the last five years they’ve sorted out any transportation issues there.

I always go to the main building. You know what you’re getting there.

 

[Simba's Girl]

Does anyone have any good tips for a long car ride after a long run?? Is it a terrible idea?

(We were originally going to drive the 5.5 hours on Sunday morning, but now may be leaving tomorrow afternoon, 4ish hours after I finish my long run.)

You've gotten a bunch of good tips already but I would add to make sure you foam roll (or roll however you please) before you leave.

 

[Chaitali]

I stayed at POR for the marathon last year and had no problems. I went to the bus stop closest to my room, not the main bus stop, and it was fine. We got on the first bus but I saw that there was another bus right behind it.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Have y'all had any luck with those places that will contact you if a dining reservation is available? We have decided to not do a park after the marathon, but still want a nice meal. Maybe O'hana? Or Cali Grill? Basically only places that have a 0.5% chance of having a cancellation that night.

I have used the *********** alert system and had really good success in past including Be Our Guest and Ohana. My only recommendation is be prepared to jump on the My Disney app the second you get the alert. The open spots usually go fast!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I did not need to read this 18 days before arriving at POR. I trust in the last five years they’ve sorted out any transportation issues there.

I stayed at Riverside for 2017 Dark Side and used the stop closest to my room with no issues on the way to the 10K and the Half.

 

[jmasgat]

I'm staying at Universal (Cabana Bay). Mapquest has it as a 25 minute drive to Epcot. If the parking lot closes at 4 a.m. for the half marathon, I'm thinking that my target time for leaving is 3-3:15 a.m. Does that sound about right? I want a little bit of "Murphy" time built in, but don't want to having too much time to kill (and to get nervous). I'm assuming that I can just shift the arrival time by 30 minutes (or maybe a little less?) for the 5K, which has the parking lot closing at 4:30. Yes/no?

I drove for the 5k, 10k and half. The parking lot did not close at 4. I think they put this stuff in the guide to "encourage "people to get there early. You will (okay, I suppose I should say "should") be fine. I didn't get to Epcot til well after 4 and had no issues. The area where we parked was actually closer to the bag check/entrance than where the buses dropped people off. It worked out just fine.

Just make sure your directions don't have you coming via Epcot Center Drive West. It will be closed. Come in on World Drive to Epcot Center Drive East.

This may help (from this past year)......https://disneytalkblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/30/wdw-marathon-guest-impacts/

 

[Steveg2112]

Next question - my traveling buddy is going to be a spectator while I run the half. What time should she plan on leaving the parking lot at Epcot to get to Main Street to see me? I'm starting in corral F (so around 6:00 a.m.) and will probably be doing close to the 16 minute miles for the first 3-4 miles (it takes me a while to warm up). And to get to Magic Kingdom, she should take the monorail to the TTC and then transfer to the monorail to the MK, correct? Will there be any places available for spectators to pick up a light breakfast either at the start (before security) or at the MK?[/QUOTE]

Last years 1/2 my wife did the same thing. She watched the start from the viewing area on Epcot Center Drive, this was the main mistake. Firstly she couldn’t hear any announcements so didn’t know when the corrals were starting, secondly the viewing area is on the opposite side of the highway from the runners so unless you really stand out they won’t see you go past. Then the time taken to get from the viewing area to the monorail and then over to TTC, transfer and then get to MK meant that she only just made it on to Main Street to see me go by ( I was running a 10.00 minute mile). Her plan this year is to watch the screens in the Start Staging/Reunion area meaning less time to get to the monorail station and hopefully a better view of the start and know when the corrals have started

 

[rteetz]

Next question - my traveling buddy is going to be a spectator while I run the half. What time should she plan on leaving the parking lot at Epcot to get to Main Street to see me? I'm starting in corral F (so around 6:00 a.m.) and will probably be doing close to the 16 minute miles for the first 3-4 miles (it takes me a while to warm up). And to get to Magic Kingdom, she should take the monorail to the TTC and then transfer to the monorail to the MK, correct? Will there be any places available for spectators to pick up a light breakfast either at the start (before security) or at the MK?

I would probably have her leave right around when you start so right around 6AM. Main Street is just after mile 5. And yes Monorail to TTC then Monorail to MK. I am not sure what will be open at that time. I know Starbucks won't be as that is the side of Main Street runners go down.

 

[Nole95]

We stayed at POR for marathon weekend in 2014 and 2015. I did Goofy in 2015. Never once had any bus troubles.

We were at BCV last year for Dopey and also had no issues on any of the race mornings.

 

[rteetz]

I’ve stayed at a different resort every marathon weekend and never had an issue. Wine and dine at pop this year was problematic for the 5K and 10K though. The drivers were fine it was their loading process that was stupid and something I’ve never seen them do before.

 

[lhermiston]

I always go to the main building. You know what you’re getting there.

Are you staying at POR next month? Let's grab a beer.