marathon

[dansyr]

Does anyone know the best place to stay during the marathon in Jan. Will they be offering any special rates for this? My bf's co-workers are participating and we may go as a b-day present for me. We are planning a major trip in March to Disney and wondered if there will be good enough deals to be able to go 2x that close together.

 

[Luv2Roam]

There are Disney marathon packages. I checked out the first year we went, 2001. Then, they were offering NO discounts for the package. And the only perk I could see was being able to attend the pre-race pasta dinner. I figured then that pasta dinner would have cost me $400.
We stayed at ASMo January '02 for $55 (w/tax) using the AP rate. We really enjoyed our stay there.
The marathon in January '01, we stayed at CSR. We liked that too. But as a word of warning, the runners took all the hot water that morning.
DH is a Dead Runner. We ate last pre-pasta dinner with the Dead Runner's off site pasta buffet at Macaroni Grill.

 

[Disneydenise]

What is a dead runner? My DH would love to do this some day but we have a college age child and one who will be there in 2 years so old Dad doesn't get to do this just yet. DS is a fencer so we are going to the NAC tournament at the WWof Sp this October. The package they have for that is as expensive as if you were staying at the moderates so we are taking the Poly with a code. I will be interested in seeing the venue for these events. When it is just DH and I once again I think we will be going to this marathon if he still likes to run. We have talked about it for years and now it seems like if they don't discontinue it we may do it. I hear that it is tons of fun for the runners and the spectators. I can't imagine that running 26.2 miles can be fun but that is what DH says it is??? I know I know,endorphines ,blah blah, blah. I just hate waiting for him. I guess it will be better if your in DW. Boston is not fun I don't care what anyone says.

 

[Luv2Roam]

The Dead Runner's Society is just an internet running group as the Dis is an internet Disney group.
Here's a link to the Disney Deads:
http://hollyt.customer.jump.net/disneydeads.html
Dh has run marathons all over the U.S. He once even was greeted at the finish line at the Rock N Roll Marathon (San Diego) by Elton John! We got a photo. I just can't imagine anyone like Elton John wanting to be dressed nice standing next to a sweaty, stinky man.
DH even likes the WDW marathon over the S.D. marathon! He says they really have their act together.

 

[tarmand]

Hi guys,

I am training for the Disney marathon in January. This will be my first marathon. I read on the Disney website that anyone not able to keep up a 16 minute mile will be removed from the course. Do you guys know how strict they are about that? Right now, I don't think I will have that problem, but a couple of the people in the group I am training with will. I have told our leader about it, but they say that Disney isn't that strict with the marathon. However, I called Disney and they said that they are that strict. I would love input from someone who has been there.

Thanks,
Tammie

 

[Luv2Roam]

I asked DH, not that he is a WDW marathon expert. He said he didn't have any knowledge of that, but wouldn't be surprised only that they don't want people on the course when the parks are open as usual.
I have helped at marathons and races. I know many, for insurance reasons will say volunteers, etc are on the course until a set time (Example noon). After that you are on your own. (disclaimer)
You might look around on the Disney Dead site and see if there is someone to ask.
Just go, enjoy and do what you can to the best of your ability.

DH had *run* the last two, with each time getting worse. The last one he was sicker than a dog half way through and said he walked the last half. And he looked pale and bad when I did meet him at the finish line. He wasn't booted out, and I am sure it took him over 5 hours to finish. Rather than his PB (personal best), it was his PW!
He has run other marathons. He enjoyed WDW the best!
DH said the only marathon he ever heard of that was VERY strict on their time limit was the Marine Corps marathon, when one year a man DIED at the start, which delayed the race. And once runners reached a certain marker, if was past a certain time, they were pulled from the race. NOW THAT'S STRICT!
The runners start EARLY at WDW. Disney has runners out there very early before the race even starts. Be prepared for Cold weather, because it is C-C-COLD!
Good luck and have FUN!

 

[rla5d]

Most marathons are pretty strict about this. A van will drive the course at the designated cut-off pace and pickup any stragglers, then take them to the finish line. Remember that for this marathon, the participants enter and leave each park and that much of the rest of the course is on backroads. So if you're slower than the minimum allowed, at some point Disney will have to cut off park access for these late walkers and open traffic on the roads, meaning that they will have to transport you to the finish.

 

[tarmand]

Thanks for the replies. Like I said, I'm pretty confident that I will be able to keep the pace, but some of my team mates don't seem to be taking this very seriously and I would hate for them to be disappointed.