Marathon Weekend 2025

[EPCOT-O.G.]

MW can take the current W&D half course if that means that race weekend returning to the best half course ever—MK parking lot start, back roads to AK, HS, and then around the world in Epcot and under Spaceship Earth to the finish. I’m doing Princess next month, and running the same half course twice in two months tarnishes some of the luster of the weekend. I’d love each weekend to have a distinctive course.

Why prioritize guest satisfaction when operational efficiency trumps everything else?

 

[Dopey 2020]

2:55 still no buses.. Uber it is

We don't have a bus yet at wilderness lodge. View attachment 928143
2:57

I drive and plan on leaving the parking lot tomorrow at 2:15 the latest. Hopefully a bit earlier. If you - or others at wilderness - want a ride I can check DMs when I stop at the coffee setup. National gave me a size big rental so I’ve got room for several

 

[Dopey 2020]

dont give him the chips and cheese...i will literally pay you for it.

this is all i have left for today - im freaking out.

View attachment 928208

I can’t believe you left that much, you’ve got fingers for a reason. I’ll take any extra plastic cheese going forward…

 

[princesspirateandrunner]

I’ll be spectating tomorrow. I’ve only done that once, when DH and DS ran the marathon in 2023. That time, I went from the start to MK and positioned myself on Main Street in front of Casey’s. That’s where DH goes to cheer me when I do Princess. Since the course is different this year, I was wondering if spectators can get to that area. Was it open that far down this morning?

 

[Herding_Cats]

Congratulations to everyone that did the half this morning!

I'm still undecided on what time I'm waking up in the morning. About how long will people be hanging around the meet-up? I would love to meet some of you so don't want to arrive too late.

I can’t speak for others, but I try to get into my corral a little more than an hour before the wheels start. I’m usually at the meetup for about 20-30min before dropping my bag and getting into the corral to (hopefully) sit down for a little bit.

I’ll probably go earlier tomorrow because I feel like I’m going to need every minute I can get.

Second question about the marathon - trying to make plans with my family of where to reunite. I know there is the finisher area after you get your snack box, but are there family reunion signs or anything? I know some races have areas based on last name, etc.

No. It’s a giant wasteland of people. They keep the lane between bag check and the reunion area patrolled so non-runners cannot go across a line, and they do not allow you to stop/stand in the lane between the front of the trucks and the reunion area. Pick out a spot in the morning and communicate it to them, and then probably call them when you get out of the bag check area.

 

[MissLiss279]

Did it seem like there were more sheriff deputies patrolling on bicycles this year? I’m not sure I have seen them on bikes before.
I’m wondering if recent events had them add more security.

 

[Novatrix]

Why prioritize guest satisfaction when operational efficiency trumps everything else?

I'd grant them that excuse if they actually ran efficiently...

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

I'd grant them that excuse if they actually ran efficiently...

No, the race efficiency comes in the form of repetitive course maps and start/ending placement. The sacrifice factors in for Parks operational considerations (can’t impact daylight hours in the Parks too much)

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Looking forward to actual physical restrooms early on the course tomorrow!

 

[StarGirl11]

Look I’m just going to say if they won’t give us bike guides due to logistics because of the more massive field for wheels at MW. Then don’t expect them to change the route. There’s just too many moving variables in a massive field. (Like I could tell this is my largest field to date from both runners and wheels perspective.)

 

[Novatrix]

No, the race efficiency comes in the form of repetitive course maps and start/ending placement. The sacrifice factors in for Parks operational considerations (can’t impact daylight hours in the Parks too much)

I know, just making a not funny joke due to our repeated frustrations at rundisney's inefficiency.

 

[Disneyhanna]

I waited literally 20 minutes for this portapotty. I watched sadly as all the runners passed.

I passed that line and thought wow, does everyone know how long of a line that is? But when nature calls, I suppose

Did it seem like there were more sheriff deputies patrolling on bicycles this year? I’m not sure I have seen them on bikes before.
I’m wondering if recent events had them add more security.

Yes! I got passed by them a few times.

I am so pleased with photos from today. I was worried with the rain but I got some of my best pictures yet. I finished in just over 3 hours out of B1 and stopped at I think 17 characters plus the castle, etc.

Cone alley and the path to MK were narrow. It wasn’t that crowded yet and I could really only run the same pass as the people in front of me. I liked running opposite for a different view for a change, but it was so dark on that side as it always is

 

[luv2cheer92]

I’ll be spectating tomorrow. I’ve only done that once, when DH and DS ran the marathon in 2023. That time, I went from the start to MK and positioned myself on Main Street in front of Casey’s. That’s where DH goes to cheer me when I do Princess. Since the course is different this year, I was wondering if spectators can get to that area. Was it open that far down this morning?

Yep, that area was open this morning!
Edit: And Casey's was open for coffee and hot chocolate as well

 

[smileyanna]

Does anyone know around what time the balloons ladies crossed the start line this morning? And, should we anticipate a similar timing for tomorrow?

 

[The Expert]

i heard the announcers talking about someone running with an umbrella. Was that you?

Yes it was! And I got recognized and another shout out at the finish! Almost as good as making rD social media.

And I used that silly little umbrella quite a bit on the course, even after one spindle twisted. It served it's duty well.

As a data point, not all 21XXX were affected.......mine shows as it should. Double check via Track Shack!

I had 10k info yesterday, and never got an email either. I must’ve slipped through the cracks

Mine tracked the 10K yesterday but not the half today. They told me to wear both so I'll see. I don't care about the time as long as I get the medals.

Soooooo what do I need to know about *possible* blister care? I’ve got a spot just below my big toe that’s either chafed or the verrrrry beginning of a blister.

I have moleskin I can bring in the morning, though we'll need to hit one of the tents for scissors.

I basically stayed dry except for my shoes, which were completely soaked by the time I got to my corral.

See? Now you know why those rain pants had feet!

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

There was nice things but damn was it crowded all the time in the back. I wish they space out the back waves more. There are just soo many of us. I really loved them adding the Electrical Water Pageant.

Also I heard through the grape vine... that the reason wilderness lodge and apparently fort wilderness busses did not arrive on time... they thought all of us were riding the monorail since Contemporary was on our bus loop. Hopefully that is fixed for tommorow...

 

[runwithperseverence7]

They’re grabbing people at the finish who are impacted, told me to wear *both* bibs tomorrow.

Same. Also told me to email RunDisney about it.

 

[cburnett11]

Here the coordinator is saying that buses have not been released yet

I think the first Pop bus left at 2:15ish today

 

[Fenway1970]

Congrats to everyone on their races so far. I’m really going to try to say hi at the light pole tomorrow morning and be impressed by the great costumes! I am not so creative but I was happy to get a good shot of me running by the castle even in my boring race shirt.

I had planned to stop by today but decided to seek shelter from the rain at the park entrance before making my way to the corral.

Anyway, only 26.2 miles to go fellow Dopes! See you tomorrow!

 

[runwithperseverence7]

Also Bear Necessities has replaced Mack the Knife as my ear worm.

Ive been singing bare necessities all day since this morning.