Marathon weekend crowds question....

[ColetteN]

Going to WDW weekend of Marathon (Jan 9-14, 2004). I know it's going to be busy, but was wondering when the weekend crowds die down. Is it busy through the entire week following the marathon?

Also curious about spectator transportation to the various race points, since the race starts at 6am, way before the parks open. I would like to see my DH at the start line. I'll post also on the transportation board about this question, but would appreciate any feedback if you have any.

thanks,
Colette

 

[TiggerFreak]

You are a trooper if you plan on watching the start.
The last 2 years I only remember 200 or so spectators at the start. My DW will catch me crossing the finish line, but no way is she getting out of bed at 4:00 am to watch 18000 crazy runners

When you DH recieves his registration packet it will include all the information for spectators, such as where you can watch, transportation and guidlines on how to be at the right place at the right time to see your runner at various stages along the course.
If I remember last year these were sent out sometime in september.

Good luck to your DH and tell him he's a lucky man

 

[garneska]

My DW ran the marathon this year and I went with her to the start.

First off, crowds are not bad at all the week after the marathon. Most people seem to leave soon after the race. Even the weekend of the race isn't bad for crowds.

Seeing my DW to the start and then trying to see her during the race was an experience. We were up at 3:30am to catch a bus to the meeting area in the Epcot parking lot. It was around 38-40 degrees that morning, not good for standing around. At around 5am the runners are taken about 1/2 mile away to the actual starting line. I went to stand in one of the two specator areas there. These areas are at mile 1 and mile 4 (the route loops back on itself). You can't really see the start, but about 5 minutes after the fireworks go off the first runner goes past. After about 20 minutes it is nothing but a huge crowd (it took my DW 15 minutes just to reach the starting line!). Forget about seeing individual people. With 22,000 runners it is nearly impossible unitl later in the race.
I missed seeing her at miles 1, 4, and 9 (@ TTC). My parents missed her at mile 10 (Main Street, MK), but her parents saw her at mile 18 (coming out of AK). It is easier to see people later in the race as the runners thin out.
Tell your DH to wear something loud and bright if you want to see him. There are so many runners wearing the standard white hat, light shirt, dark shorts, that it is hard to tell people apart.

The buses and monorails were up and running early, well before the parks opened. It became harder to travel as the race went on since the number of spectators seemed to grow.

Tell your DH good luck! My DW loved the race and can't wait to do it again!


Kris' DH.

 

[InstImpres]

Sorry to change topics on you.... I am looking for information on the route and would appreciate if anyone could post or e-mail it to me. I am trying to decide if I can do this. I am really not physically fit but thought if I could take my love of Disney and my need to exercise, I mught be inspired.

Thanks in advance
Sandy

 

[TiggerFreak]

Hi Sandy,

The course is very flat and fast. Only hills are some overpasses and the tunnel under the canal by the Contemporary. It is a great first distance running experience. They will be posting a link to a PDF file of the course map at the Official site very soon, so keep checking back. WDW Marathon
WDW Half Marathon


My first half was in 2001. Then my DS ran the half with me this year. My experiences in both gave me the courage to try the Flying Pig Marathon last May! My DS and his girlfriend are both running the WDW Half with me in 2004.

Great that you are considereing the Marathon/HalfMarathon. First ask your doctor if this is OK for you. Then start training! Please find a beginers training program at any one of the many online running sites.

I have used some of the training programs at this site:
Runners World

Just remember, don't get caught up in the "how fast can I do it" syndrome. Your goal is to finish