Marathon Weekend 2022

[MissLiss279]

The Marine Corps Marathon organization debuted a Marine Corps 50K in 2019. It's run in conjunction with the MCM, but with a 30 minute head-start. It follows the same course (+8K on an out-and-back road) as the MCM, so there's plenty of crowd support, etc. If you're looking for a road 50K, it's a pretty good one.

I ran that 50k. It wasn’t my favorite, and I would like a redo with the marathon. I think with it being its first year, it wasn’t the best, and the weather definitely played into my view of the race. Two big things with the 50k:

1. Yes, you start 30 minutes early. There was an added out and back somewhere kind of near the beginning. The problem with this is that when the 50k-ers rejoined the marathon course, you were at the back of the pack. It was already a really crowded/large race, so trying to get back anywhere close to the pace you wanted to run meant a lot of weaving - and you may not be able to get through anyways. I think even the fastest runners for the 50k had this issue, but maybe not as much.

2. The 50k-ers started before the wheelchair athletes. There are hills during the first part of the race. This was very dangerous for runners and the wheelchair athletes. They would come speeding down the hills, and everyone would be yelling to move to one side or the other to get out of the way. I remember one hill in particular where there was a corner at the bottom. I believe I saw a wheelchair overturned at the bottom. It would be very hard to navigate without runners on the course, and then adding in the unpredictability of which way or if runners would cut them off...

2019 - it poured for the first 5ish hours of the race. Ankle deep water in some areas. The temp was about 60, so it wasn’t too cold to run in, but I found out that my shoes chafe my ankles when completely soaked and running for hours. Then the sun came out, and it was hot. I also had other issues going on during the race, so lots of things for me.
Also, I’m not sure if the weather played a role, but the finish line blow up banner (or whatever it was) was down when I finished. There were a whole bunch of Marines crowding a timing mat, but it was hard to tell if that was the finish line or not?? The race kind of crawled to a stop there because of the bottleneck.

So... I would really like a redo, but probably wouldn’t do the 50k there again.

@BikeFan I recall a few DISers were going to run the 50k. Did you run it? I know you’re a lot faster than I am, so maybe your experience was different than mine??

 

[michigandergirl]

The Marine Corps Marathon organization debuted a Marine Corps 50K in 2019. It's run in conjunction with the MCM, but with a 30 minute head-start. It follows the same course (+8K on an out-and-back road) as the MCM, so there's plenty of crowd support, etc. If you're looking for a road 50K, it's a pretty good one.

I did hear about that one. I think I would rather do a trail 50K, I think I might want variable terrain and scenery.

 

[Baloo in MI]

How is this race? By “trail” do they mean like single-track hiking trail through the woods? I’ve been looking for a 10mi race to maybe help a PoT if MW happens and this is one of only 2 or 3 that I can find that happen in-state. And I could probably convince DH to make it a camping weekend too if there are still any sites available.

I haven’t been able to find much info about this race at all, but I’m on the email list if they decide they can host it this year.

Except for the first part of the race it is all on trail. The trail is majority hiking trail with a few fire road portions. It is hilly and is definitely in the woods. It is a really pretty course. Plus Sleepy Hollow SP is a nice park.

 

[BikeFan]

@BikeFan I recall a few DISers were going to run the 50k. Did you run it? I know you’re a lot faster than I am, so maybe your experience was different than mine??

I did run it, because I'm a sucker for an inaugural event, but I'd have to agree that it wasn't amazing enough that I'll do it again, unless some of my running club do it. My experience was similar to yours, and it was a total logjam when the 50K runners joined back onto the main marathon course. Also, I remember the absolutely torrential rain that day - how could anyone forget that part? Still, I mentioned it because there aren't many options for big road ultras. If someone is looking for that whole big race/big city experience for a 50K, the MC50K is a decent option, and maybe the only one in the US? Not sure. Anyway, just wanted to put that out there. I also generally prefer trail runs for ultras, but I'm glad I did the very first MC50K.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Except for the first part of the race it is all on trail. The trail is majority hiking trail with a few fire road portions. It is hilly and is definitely in the woods. It is a really pretty course. Plus Sleepy Hollow SP is a nice park.

So maybe not the best race when I'm going for a PoT then. It sounds like something I would roll an ankle on, too (and to be clear, I have rolled my ankle while walking through my house, and shifting my weight from one leg to the other while standing at a baseball game.)

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I ran that 50k. It wasn’t my favorite, and I would like a redo with the marathon. I think with it being its first year, it wasn’t the best, and the weather definitely played into my view of the race. Two big things with the 50k:

1. Yes, you start 30 minutes early. There was an added out and back somewhere kind of near the beginning. The problem with this is that when the 50k-ers rejoined the marathon course, you were at the back of the pack. It was already a really crowded/large race, so trying to get back anywhere close to the pace you wanted to run meant a lot of weaving - and you may not be able to get through anyways. I think even the fastest runners for the 50k had this issue, but maybe not as much.

2. The 50k-ers started before the wheelchair athletes. There are hills during the first part of the race. This was very dangerous for runners and the wheelchair athletes. They would come speeding down the hills, and everyone would be yelling to move to one side or the other to get out of the way. I remember one hill in particular where there was a corner at the bottom. I believe I saw a wheelchair overturned at the bottom. It would be very hard to navigate without runners on the course, and then adding in the unpredictability of which way or if runners would cut them off...

2019 - it poured for the first 5ish hours of the race. Ankle deep water in some areas. The temp was about 60, so it wasn’t too cold to run in, but I found out that my shoes chafe my ankles when completely soaked and running for hours. Then the sun came out, and it was hot. I also had other issues going on during the race, so lots of things for me.
Also, I’m not sure if the weather played a role, but the finish line blow up banner (or whatever it was) was down when I finished. There were a whole bunch of Marines crowding a timing mat, but it was hard to tell if that was the finish line or not?? The race kind of crawled to a stop there because of the bottleneck.

So... I would really like a redo, but probably wouldn’t do the 50k there again.

@BikeFan I recall a few DISers were going to run the 50k. Did you run it? I know you’re a lot faster than I am, so maybe your experience was different than mine??

I did the 10k that year. I took refuge in a portapotty at the start.

 

[michigandergirl]

So maybe not the best race when I'm going for a PoT then. It sounds like something I would roll an ankle on, too (and to be clear, I have rolled my ankle while walking through my house, and shifting my weight from one leg to the other while standing at a baseball game.)

We have a 10 Miler in Grand Rapids in September - The LMCU Bridge Run. It's a pretty flat course and weather is usually good, would be good for POT.

 

[flav]

SAFD ETA: I would also like to run on my Birthday when in the USA so a Fourth of July race like PeachTree sounds fun.

 

[Baloo in MI]

So maybe not the best race when I'm going for a PoT then. It sounds like something I would roll an ankle on, too (and to be clear, I have rolled my ankle while walking through my house, and shifting my weight from one leg to the other while standing at a baseball game.)

Yeah, likely not best for a POT effort. If you are willing to go up to the half there is a flat and fast race in Lansing. Capitol City River Run. All paved, pretty flat and fast. Nice medal and a hoodie. Good race.

 

[FFigawi]

I did hear about that one. I think I would rather do a trail 50K, I think I might want variable terrain and scenery.

Here you go. This was my first 50 mile race, and it’s a great event. They added a 50k a few years ago.

https://www.tejastrails.com/rocky50

 

[Blue Caterpillar]

Is there a good blog/site/thread you recommend for a first timers guide to Disney world? I did a lazy search and most seem to be travel agents, which is fine. I didn't see it in theme park strategies but maybe it's in another sub forum?

 

[jmasgat]

Is there a good blog/site/thread you recommend for a first timers guide to Disney world? I did a lazy search and most seem to be travel agents, which is fine. I didn't see it in theme park strategies but maybe it's in another sub forum?

My original go to sites for information for planning purposes were Allears (general info) and Mousesavers (discounts). I have also used Touringplans--but only their room finder, to home in on a specific resort/area/room I am interested in. The sites are full of info for research/planning purposes, but might be a lot if you're looking for a more direct "what should I do/not do as a first time visitor".

 

[camaker]

Is there a good blog/site/thread you recommend for a first timers guide to Disney world? I did a lazy search and most seem to be travel agents, which is fine. I didn't see it in theme park strategies but maybe it's in another sub forum?

I know it’s not an online resource, but in my earlier days of Disney trips I found the Birnbaum’s Official Guides to be excellent resources on Walt Disney World. They generally put out a new version each year to stay as up to date as a book can be. It‘s relatively cheap on Amazon.

 

[shairpdrh]

Is there a good blog/site/thread you recommend for a first timers guide to Disney world? I did a lazy search and most seem to be travel agents, which is fine. I didn't see it in theme park strategies but maybe it's in another sub forum?

My favorite is WDW Prep School. I liked their planning steps when I was newer to planning (and even in current times, most are relevant).

 

[Krandor]

SAFD ETA: I would also like to run on my Birthday when in the USA so a Fourth of July race like PeachTree sounds fun.

If July 4th is your birthday I'd definitely reccomend Peachtree. it is an amazing race... in a normal year (which this year won't be). A lot of people come and line the roads to cheer people on, some pass our beer to passersy and you have things like the catholic church you pass who throws holy water on the runners, mello mushroom which gives out free pizza and beer, and passing by Sheperd Center which is a place that deals with people with spinal issues and they will normally bring some patients out to cheer people on but I get more inspiration from them. Plus radio stations that will come setup up and broadcast music. It's basically a 6 mile block party and lots of runners/walkers come in costume too. It's a lot of fun. Highly reccomended. And even though it is normally the largest 10k in the world with 60,000 participants the atlanta track club runs it like clockwork. Never an issue on the organizational side of things. Though if you want to get the best route is to join ATC prior to Feb 1 and then you get guaranteed peachtree admission otherwise you go into a lottery (in normal years).

The downside is it is July 4th in Atlanta Georgia which means it can be quite hot and humid so if that is not something you are used to you need to adjust your pace/hydration strategy for it.

 

[meye1099]

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[Neon Cactus]

SAFD:
Favorite non-Disney races:
LA Marathon - I grew up there so running past all the landmarks and ending at the beach was exciting.
Universal Studios Hollywood Minion 5k - Getting to run on the backlot past Jaws and the Psycho House was fun.

Bucket List:
Chicago, New York, Disneyland Paris Challenge, Peachtree Road Race.

 

[Z-Knight]

The athens marathon is my dream. I was planning on doing it this year, but I didn't think international travel would be back by November for sure. Here is hoping for 2022!

FYI, this marathon is uphill. I ran this in 2018 (3 months after neck surgery) and I looked at the course map and the map profile but I was reading the map profile from left to right - so it looked like it was a downhill run. BUT, the map was showing the run from the city of Marathon in the North-East to Athens in the South-West, and the profile was actually supposed to be read from Right-to-Left....yeah, I figured it out the night BEFORE the damn race!!! Hahaha...it wasn't fun. I wanna redo it.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Q: Do people usually recommend arriving early and visiting the parks before the races, or doing park days after the races?

I've done all 3 methods from a certain point of view. Race near the end of the trip, races in the middle of the trip, and races at the beginning of the trip. Each has its pros and cons.

1. Races at the beginning. Advantage is that you have the reduced time in the parks out of the way early and you have lots of time afterwards for restaurants, snacks, etc. Drawback is that you may feel some fatigue and soreness for a day or two after the race and if you develop a blister during the race or immediately afterwards, you're in the parks with a blister. Advantage is that when you have enough days after the race, you don't feel like you had to compromise the parks experience for the race(s). For 2017 and 2018 Star Wars Dark Side, I really enjoyed being able to look forward to 5 days after the race(s) to enjoy the parks after early bedtimes, very early mornings, and late morning at the earliest arrival in the parks post race(s).

2. Race(s) in the middle. This is my certain point of view because both times I ran Dopey I had one day in the parks/expo before the races and 2 days in the parks after the races. The very nature of Dopey also means that you will either have to sacrifice evenings in the parks for early bedtimes or be really exhausted from playing in the parks and then getting up absurdly early (we're talking 3:00am means you to to sleep in before running the race).

3. Race(s) at the end. This is my least favorite. You have to monitor time on your feet, et all leading up to the race(s) and then are running them on extra tired legs from all the parks time. Still it was the only way I could do the race and I was able to finish with ease despite battling the last vestiges of a cold the very first days of the trip back in 2012.

Is there a good blog/site/thread you recommend for a first timers guide to Disney world? I did a lazy search and most seem to be travel agents, which is fine. I didn't see it in theme park strategies but maybe it's in another sub forum?

I really like the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World in book or ebook format. Depending on how far out you are, they also have extensive resort reviews and restaurant reviews that may help you choose where you want to stay and what restaurants sound right for you.

The resort and dining message boards here on the DIS also offer a lot of reviews, thoughts, current state of things etc. As a side note, I have tried multiple restaurants that I never would have even considered after hearing rave reviews about them from the running community here on the DIS. I tend to stick with what I already know and love at WDW so it's nice to try something new and have more options.

 

[Jillfo]

SAFD:

Favorite Non-Disney Races - San Francisco Marathon and 26.2 with Donna (both on their original courses); Miracle Match Half; and Cooper River Bridge Run.

Bucket List Races - Used to be London Marathon and Marathon du Medoc, but I've retired from marathons.