Marathon Weekend 2026

[Herding_Cats]

Here's hoping that they wait until AFTER MW to start on the castle re-painting stuff. Ya know, since they're "starting in January."

 

[RuntheMouse]

Got an 18 miler in today…..it was 10 F when I started. Luckily the sun was shining bright and the wind stayed light. Ready to taper!!!

 

[The Expert]

Consider this a late SAFD -- or if @camaker is still planning one tonight, a QOTD. Since the subject of spectating has been active of late, let's explore further (and help me build my upcoming guide pages).

Runners, what's the number one thing you want from spectators on the course? This could be a general answer like high fives, a great sign, a warm smile, NOT saying "you're almost there", or it can be specific like simple items for the taking that you'd love to be surprised by on the course.

Spectators, what's your number one question about supporting participants during a race?

 

[Herding_Cats]

@The Expert I was just coming to see if we still needed a SAFD as well.

SAFD 1: I just need good vibes/energy from them. This could be people who are also dressed up, fun signs (I laugh the hardest at the ones that are probably inappropriate), cheering, cowbells, etc. NOT saying "You're almost there!" unless of course I'm coming back through Epcot for the finish.

SAFD 2: I'm not 100% sure right now, but I'm trying to figure out if there are any logistics we want to attempt for DH and DD to get out onto the marathon course. I'm horrible with road names at home, so trying to figure out the closures in a completely different state is going to be pretty hopeless for me. Depending on what DH/DD want to do that day, I'm trying to kind of push them to spectate at TTC, and then go to MK for the morning. Since we are staying at SSR, I don't think they is much in the way of road closures to deal with, but I'm wondering if they'd be able to drive to the Epcot parking lot (or take a race bus) and then take the monorail over. I should be going through between 7:30 and 8:00, which would be OK timing for them to get right into MK. But I just don't know if those logistics would work.

 

[The Expert]

I'm trying to kind of push them to spectate at TTC

From the responses on my other thread, we have at least three DISers (including me) who are going to try and get to TTC, so maybe we can try to coordinate something to help those who aren't confident navigating? I'm staying at BWV. My plan to was to come over to the start area early via the bus and take the monorail from Epcot.

 

[The Expert]

I suppose I should also answer my own questions.

SAFD 1: I love a good, clever sign. I will also cross the course to hit anything that says "tap for power".

SAFD 2: My big question is how to efficiently get from TTC back to Boardwalk during the marathon WITH my runner supplies. I could pretty easily transition into Epcot instead, but that means transporting mini Cokes and Uncrustables with me rather than restocking at my room. Both Boardwalk and Epcot may just be too late on the course for anyone to need anything but tissues, so there's an argument to be made for just getting rid of all of that at TTC (assuming security lets me come through with them to begin with).

 

[Naomeri]

SAFD: I want funny signs! And that guy outside of HS last MW that had Twizzlers for the taking was pretty cool, so if a spectator is offering random edible things, make it something that doesn't make the runner want water (I'm looking at you, rD, with those cookie things in HS--definitely tasty, but SO F'ING DRY)

And unless I'm within a mile of the finish, don't tell me I'm almost there.

 

[garneska]

@The Expert I was just coming to see if we still needed a SAFD as well.

SAFD 1: I just need good vibes/energy from them. This could be people who are also dressed up, fun signs (I laugh the hardest at the ones that are probably inappropriate), cheering, cowbells, etc. NOT saying "You're almost there!" unless of course I'm coming back through Epcot for the finish.

How about a big hug from a disser on the boardwalk?

@The Expert i can help with supplies at the boardwalk. We will not try to get to TTC. Logistically it is tough. Let me know if I can help you figure something out.

 

[marty3d]

SAFD: SIGNS!!!

As for spectator advice, I'm unfortunately not great. When my family comes they usually like to cheer at BW since we usually stay at a Crescent lake resort.

 

[DianaMB333]

SAFD: encouragement signs, “hey stranger you rock!l

TTC to Boardwalk, if timing allows a rideshare with breakfast reservation at Ale&Compass

 

[matt and beth]

SAFD:

I’ll be on the struggle bus.. TTC, MK, GFV, PV, BWV, etc, in the end we love eye contact and an encouraging cheer

 

[fatmanatee]

SAFD: I want them to be loud! Cheers or other sorts of noise, all of it. This is often a quiet course so it’s nice to get that boost of energy.

 

[AZMermaid]

SAFD- good signs! Or if a DISer maybe something to let me know!

 

[AZMermaid]

Since I know we have some football fans here…. In completely unrelated news…. After 21 seasons… we just went to our last Cardinals game as season ticket holders. To keep it consistent, they lost! They’ve raised prices over $2000 for our two seats over the last three seasons while decreasing the minimal perks they had. We realized we can still go to 1-2 games a year and save so much money!

 

[Novatrix]

SAFD:
My perspective on spectators
1. Energy. Particularly if you interact with the costume, that's a ton of fun. (Although shoutout to @The Expert for one year grabbing my throw away at BLT!)
2. If you're a DIS'er, let me know.

 

[JediKnightXan]

Thank you everyone for the info on getting back to the finish to spectate! Sounds like my wife's plan will be to just ask the CM the day of the race once the busses start back up if they will let her ride and if not try for a ride share. Very much appreciate the info and knowing that is possibly an option!

SAFD: This is very random and probably a stretch to answer the question, but in my last half towards the end a couple kids were blowing some horns to cheer folks on, and what popped in my head was the scene from the Two Towers movie "That is no Orc horn" and the elves show up, no idea why but that was a good push for a little bit.

 

[Poohverine]

SAFD: Funny signs! I also tend to laugh most at those that are inappropriate, but they also distract my brain from what’s actually going on for a split second! Also, I believe the names are hard to read on the rD bibs, but one of my favorite things about running Chicago this fall was all the strangers who would cheer you on by name if it was visible. That always gave me a boost of energy and encouragement.

 

[FFigawi]

SAFD: Funny signs, lots of noise, and hearing your name called out are always appreciated at any point in the race. Cold sponges or ice are welcome during hot races because very few race organizers ever seem to have enough of them on hand. Specifically for Disney, cold beer or margaritas make those last few miles around Boardwalk and through Epcot pass quickly, especially now that it's less convenient to get one in Epcot on the new course.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

SAFD: I love a good high five when I’m running! Lots of energy from the crowd. Hearing my name let’s me know I’m being seen and supported by someone so love that too.

Absolutely detest the “almost there!” And the “good job”. I find them both annoying and condescending and has an opposite intended effect on me mentally.

 

[RuntheMouse]

SAFD: I love noise from spectators. Bells, screaming, clapping, music (not at Disney of course) I love it all. I also love a good funny sign. I saw a great one at a race this fall and DH is going to copy it for MW.

2. Love all the insights on spectating. We’re at RIV, DH is planning on taking the last runner bus. He’s then heading to the TTC to spectate, then have breakfast at Kona before heading back to EPCOT for the finish.