Marathon Weekend 2023

[luv2cheer92]

I think it’s a combination of people misunderstanding and not communicating it very well. Because you DO have to finish without being swept, which more or less assumes staying under that 16:00/mile pace of the sweep, just like the other three races. I feel like this one runs parallel to the many misunderstandings about when and where you can be swept. (The answer to which is it can happen at ANY time if you fall behind the official 16:00 pace that begins as the last people cross the start.)

Except there isn't a 16mm pace requirement (even from the last person starting) for the 5K. And there isn't really even any real "sweeping" like the other 3. They might ask you to hop in a golf cart and move you along closer to the finish if you aren't able to at least just keep moving.
I was in the last 10 or so people to start the 5k this year and took over 1.5 hours to finish (with character stops), and was doing Dopey.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Right. I knew that it wouldn’t change getting the medals, but I’ve just been trying hard t figure out why people insist that you *have* to keep a 16mm pace for the 5k and for the rest of them just not get swept. If made no sense to me unless it had to do with compiles times or something. Seems to just be one of those things people chronically misunderstand.

Like others have said, it's cause whoever is saying you must finish with less than a 16 min/mile 5k for Dopey is wrong. Definitely chronically misunderstood. Just look at the finisher results for Dopey 2022 (link). A 16 min/mile 5k is roughly 50 min. The first name on the list (alphabetical) finished in 63 min. And the list is the official Dopey finishers, because you don't see any person on here who did not finish all four races. There's no culling based on pace. Simply finishing each of the four races is sufficient.

 

[Blue Caterpillar]

it is probably too early to stalk the weather, but I can't resist. It is showing rain for the weekend, and a high of 74. I detest running in rain. Crossing my fingers!

 

[AJruns]

Got round two of covid this week, though I’m choosing to see it positively- it’s not peak training, and maybe I will still have some immunity leading up to Jan But really what it’s given me is more time in the evenings to obsess over plans What started as a joke to my mom that she join me in the park Monday because I saw a $40 direct flight, has now turned into a Saturday afternoon arrival and plans to cheer for me Sunday. I travel solo and have never imagined knowing anyone on the course, so I’ve never even thought of spectating plans- let alone for an almost 80 year old. I’ve searched everywhere but it seems like a lot of info out there is moot post-pandemic. Before I get into all the details and challenges of planning for her (lots of conflicting factors) is it crazy to even think of any this stuff before the course map has been released? And is that historically the first week in December?

 

[nekonekoneko]

Got round two of covid this week, though I’m choosing to see it positively- it’s not peak training, and maybe I will still have some immunity leading up to Jan But really what it’s given me is more time in the evenings to obsess over plans What started as a joke to my mom that she join me in the park Monday because I saw a $40 direct flight, has now turned into a Saturday afternoon arrival and plans to cheer for me Sunday. I travel solo and have never imagined knowing anyone on the course, so I’ve never even thought of spectating plans- let alone for an almost 80 year old. I’ve searched everywhere but it seems like a lot of info out there is moot post-pandemic. Before I get into all the details and challenges of planning for her (lots of conflicting factors) is it crazy to even think of any this stuff before the course map has been released? And is that historically the first week in December?

It's something to keep in mind, yes, but to do any kind of concrete planning, no. It looks like course certification occurs sometime in Late November or Early December. But the last two courses (2020 and 2022) look fairly similar. Some small differences, but the major points were hit around the same time. So use last year's maps to get an idea of where your mom should be, realizing that things might tweak a little between now and when we see the actual map.

 

[PrincessV]

Except there isn't a 16mm pace requirement (even from the last person starting) for the 5K. And there isn't really even any real "sweeping" like the other 3. They might ask you to hop in a golf cart and move you along closer to the finish if you aren't able to at least just keep moving.
I was in the last 10 or so people to start the 5k this year and took over 1.5 hours to finish (with character stops), and was doing Dopey.

I assure you, they can and do sweep the 5K: I watched it happen. I, too, have taken my sweet time finishing and wound up amongst the last of the finishers one year - as I was in line for a final character, the sweepers arrived and said we could remain in line for a photo, but would not be allowed to finish if we did: the course was closing. I left and finished, but a friend who wasn’t doing Dopey stayed in line and was escorted off the course by golf cart afterward - they did not cross the finish line and wouldn’t have had a finish time registered If they had been doing Dopey. Now, whether the time at which they closed the course was based on an exact 16mm mile or not IDK, but they absolutely have a hard cutoff time.

On the same subject, I also can verify that many folks were swept backstage at EP just before the finish at W&D half this past weekend. I’m talking mile 12.8ish, literally around the corner from the finish. Folks have got to stop telling people that they’re “safe” at certain spots, because you really can be swept at any time that you fall behind.

 

[Herding_Cats]

On the same subject, I also can verify that many folks were swept backstage at EP just before the finish at W&D half this past weekend. I’m talking mile 12.8ish, literally around the corner from the finish. Folks have got to stop telling people that they’re “safe” at certain spots, because you really can be swept at any time that you fall behind.

This sounds a lot like a "**** around and find out" lesson.
Rise and Run as well as Go Find Your Awesome/Runners Without Limits podcasts both recently did interviews with some of the balloon ladies and they made a point to emphasize that when it comes being swept, "you are not safe until you cross the finish line"

 

[jpeterson]

On the same subject, I also can verify that many folks were swept backstage at EP just before the finish at W&D half this past weekend. I’m talking mile 12.8ish, literally around the corner from the finish. Folks have got to stop telling people that they’re “safe” at certain spots, because you really can be swept at any time that you fall behind.

I heard the same this weekend. They were sweeping well into Epcot. Even right near the end.

 

[GollyGadget]

Got round two of covid this week, though I’m choosing to see it positively- it’s not peak training, and maybe I will still have some immunity leading up to Jan But really what it’s given me is more time in the evenings to obsess over plans What started as a joke to my mom that she join me in the park Monday because I saw a $40 direct flight, has now turned into a Saturday afternoon arrival and plans to cheer for me Sunday. I travel solo and have never imagined knowing anyone on the course, so I’ve never even thought of spectating plans- let alone for an almost 80 year old. I’ve searched everywhere but it seems like a lot of info out there is moot post-pandemic. Before I get into all the details and challenges of planning for her (lots of conflicting factors) is it crazy to even think of any this stuff before the course map has been released? And is that historically the first week in December?

Wishing for a speedy recovery for you!

Regarding the spectating, it is definitely way too early to make concrete plans but you can still make a few loose plans. For example, I know my mom will ride the bus with me at 2:30a so she can ride the monorail to MK without any stress. Likewise, I know that my partner will not want to wake up before 7a so any areas before halfway are out of question.

If you're staying in the monorail loop or crescent lake area, those could be good spots for her. Otherwise, the finish has bleachers for seating which she might appreciate.

 

[luv2cheer92]

it is probably too early to stalk the weather, but I can't resist. It is showing rain for the weekend, and a high of 74. I detest running in rain. Crossing my fingers!

I would take rain and a high of 74 over highs in the 80s and sunny

I assure you, they can and do sweep the 5K: I watched it happen. I, too, have taken my sweet time finishing and wound up amongst the last of the finishers one year - as I was in line for a final character, the sweepers arrived and said we could remain in line for a photo, but would not be allowed to finish if we did: the course was closing. I left and finished, but a friend who wasn’t doing Dopey stayed in line and was escorted off the course by golf cart afterward - they did not cross the finish line and wouldn’t have had a finish time registered If they had been doing Dopey. Now, whether the time at which they closed the course was based on an exact 16mm mile or not IDK, but they absolutely have a hard cutoff time.

On the same subject, I also can verify that many folks were swept backstage at EP just before the finish at W&D half this past weekend. I’m talking mile 12.8ish, literally around the corner from the finish. Folks have got to stop telling people that they’re “safe” at certain spots, because you really can be swept at any time that you fall behind.

It is welllllll above 16mm for the 5K. Like over 30 mm.

 

[kristenabelle]

On the same subject, I also can verify that many folks were swept backstage at EP just before the finish at W&D half this past weekend. I’m talking mile 12.8ish, literally around the corner from the finish. Folks have got to stop telling people that they’re “safe” at certain spots, because you really can be swept at any time that you fall behind.

I heard the same this weekend. They were sweeping well into Epcot. Even right near the end.

Was that around a certain time of day? I'm pacing well in training, but I'll likely be in the last corral. I'm going to try to be at the front of it, and I also don't plan on stopping for characters. Still, hearing stuff like this (like .3 - .4 miles away from the finish, really? Eek!) makes me nervous.

 

[jpeterson]

Was that around a certain time of day? I'm pacing well in training, but I'll likely be in the last corral. I'm going to try to be at the front of it, and I also don't plan on stopping for characters. Still, hearing stuff like this (like .3 - .4 miles away from the finish, really? Eek!) makes me nervous.

It would have been at the very very end. These were people that were basically trailing the balloon ladies the entire time. I know at least one person kept going and made it past the sweepers, but only just.

 

[PrincessV]

Was that around a certain time of day? I'm pacing well in training, but I'll likely be in the last corral. I'm going to try to be at the front of it, and I also don't plan on stopping for characters. Still, hearing stuff like this (like .3 - .4 miles away from the finish, really? Eek!) makes me nervous.

I don’t know what time it was, but they were behind the 16:00/mile pacers, so behind the required pace. Really, truly, train for at least a 15:00/mile average pace and you’ll be FINE! The only danger is if you’re not keeping up with the required pace.

The problem is that there is constant UNofficial messaging that you can be “safe” at certain points - most commonly I see people say once you’re in the final park - and that just is not true. Sometimes they have let people who fell behind finish, and sometimes they don’t: best way to remove the possibility is to not fall behind!

 

[flav]

At what time did the 5k start last weekend? I just realized that all races start at 5AM from now on. I am asking because I had planned to rope drop a park after most races but it seems that I will be way too early for that.

Say we run until 5:30, walk the chute and take a few pictures, it’s still only 6AM. Were the bus back to the resorts running at that time?

 

[Naomeri]

At what time did the 5k start last weekend? I just realized that all races start at 5AM from now on. I am asking because I had planned to rope drop a park after most races but it seems that I will be way too early for that.

Say we run until 5:30, walk the chute and take a few pictures, it’s still only 6AM. Were the bus back to the resorts running at that time?

I finished at 6:06, but I stood in line for a picture with Mirabel in the finish area until past 7:30, so I don’t recall if the buses were running when I finished.

 

[kristenabelle]

I don’t know what time it was, but they were behind the 16:00/mile pacers, so behind the required pace. Really, truly, train for at least a 15:00/mile average pace and you’ll be FINE! The only danger is if you’re not keeping up with the required pace.

The problem is that there is constant UNofficial messaging that you can be “safe” at certain points - most commonly I see people say once you’re in the final park - and that just is not true. Sometimes they have let people who fell behind finish, and sometimes they don’t: best way to remove the possibility is to not fall behind!

It would have been at the very very end. These were people that were basically trailing the balloon ladies the entire time. I know at least one person kept going and made it past the sweepers, but only just.

Awesome! I'll just keep doing what I'm doing -- thank you!!

 

[fatmanatee]

At what time did the 5k start last weekend? I just realized that all races start at 5AM from now on. I am asking because I had planned to rope drop a park after most races but it seems that I will be way too early for that.

Say we run until 5:30, walk the chute and take a few pictures, it’s still only 6AM. Were the bus back to the resorts running at that time?

They should be. You’re going to have people finishing by 5:20 and some of them aren’t going to want to hang around that long, they should definitely start cycling busses at that point. FWIW I was in SG2 for MW, didn’t have a great finish time but I think I was done at around 6:10 and wanted to get back to my hotel ASAP for rope drop, don’t recall waiting too long for the bus to leave.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Say we run until 5:30, walk the chute and take a few pictures, it’s still only 6AM. Were the bus back to the resorts running at that time?

If things stay the same and they do exiting resort bus pick-up at the east side of the reunion area:



then that is along the 5k course. The last runners don't typically pass that point until like 6:00-6:15am. So that's usually when the buses start running again. I've finished in the 5:20am region before and had to wait quite a while before the buses start moving.

But for Princess 2022 they actually moved the 5k bus location:



This would allow them to start the buses earlier (if they wanted) because then they're not on the course.

I can't find a screen grab of the finish line area for Wine and Dine 2022, but could someone clarify if the buses were on the east side or the west side of the finish line?

 

[jpeterson]

If things stay the same and they do exiting resort bus pick-up at the east side of the reunion area:

View attachment 717833

then that is along the 5k course. The last runners don't typically pass that point until like 6:00-6:15am. So that's usually when the buses start running again. I've finished in the 5:20am region before and had to wait quite a while before the buses start moving.

But for Princess 2022 they actually moved the 5k bus location:

View attachment 717834

This would allow them to start the buses earlier (if they wanted) because then they're not on the course.

I can't find a screen grab of the finish line area for Wine and Dine 2022, but could someone clarify if the buses were on the east side or the west side of the finish line?

The buses were on the east side for the Wine & Dine 5K. They were in the same spot for all 3 races.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Was that around a certain time of day? I'm pacing well in training, but I'll likely be in the last corral. I'm going to try to be at the front of it, and I also don't plan on stopping for characters. Still, hearing stuff like this (like .3 - .4 miles away from the finish, really? Eek!) makes me nervous.

Also, based on comment from others on here in past threads, you will be WELL WARNED if you are getting close to the balloon lady line, and that the bike-crew will give you targets to get to in x amount of time in order to not be swept. There won't be a dramatic surprise where you had no idea or warning that the sweep busses were about to pull out and cut off the course.