NOW which DVC resort for WDW Marathon?

[Simba's Mom]

Originally, when the start was near Epcot we reserved at OKW for convenience. But now that they've changed the start to near the MK, being at OKW doesn't seem to be a convenience. DH had wanted to stay at AKL sometime, and I'm thinking that weekend may be a good time. OKW still is a better place to run a few miles a day, but it seems to be "the" place for the marathon runners to stay and as a result, I'm thinking that the buses on race day will be packed. But, if we stay at AKL, where can he run? Which resort would you recommend?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Originally, when the start was near Epcot we reserved at OKW for convenience. But now that they've changed the start to near the MK, being at OKW doesn't seem to be a convenience. DH had wanted to stay at AKL sometime, and I'm thinking that weekend may be a good time. OKW still is a better place to run a few miles a day, but it seems to be "the" place for the marathon runners to stay and as a result, I'm thinking that the buses on race day will be packed. But, if we stay at AKL, where can he run? Which resort would you recommend?

The start is in the same place, on Epcot Center Drive, not too far from Disney Vacation Club Way (just down from the entrance to OKW).

There is no place to run at AKV. Same with BLT. We're staying at VWL, so the guys can run over at Ft Wilderness if they like.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The start is in the same place, on Epcot Center Drive, not too far from Disney Vacation Club Way (just down from the entrance to OKW).

There is no place to run at AKV. Same with BLT. We're staying at VWL, so the guys can run over at Ft Wilderness if they like.

Not according to the video we received last night-or maybe I misunderstood it?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Not according to the video we received last night-or maybe I misunderstood it?

I just pulled up the course map and it starts near OKW. Runners do not run through Epcot at the beginning for the next marathon. They run straight to MK. After they exit MK near the GF, they run around the track at the racetrack, then head to AK on Bear Island Road (just like always). After leaving AK, runners head to WWOS and run through the fields and tracks there before heading to DHS. Then on to Epcot entering near Canada and Great Britain and exiting out the front of Epcot to the parking lot.

The new course gets the runners out of the MK earlier and adds the two other courses.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Woops! I totally misunderstood when I saw the video. I see that the start and finish are in the same place, but they're adding a few things along the course. The Castle comes up kind of quickly, it seemed. Frankly, I'd like to get DH to try AKL, but I guess it's not to be. Oh well-thanks for straightening me out.

 

[Breyean]

Woops! I totally misunderstood when I saw the video. I see that the start and finish are in the same place, but they're adding a few things along the course. The Castle comes up kind of quickly, it seemed. Frankly, I'd like to get DH to try AKL, but I guess it's not to be. Oh well-thanks for straightening me out.

In 2010 we did a split stay for the marathon. Stayed at OKW until Monday for the convenience of being right at the start, then moved to AKL.

There is NOWHERE to run at AKL. We wound up running up and down the parking lots early in the mornings just to get out and do something. The only thing that kept us sane was looking at the different license plates from various states.

For the F&W 1/2 later this year, we're staying at SSR since it's s host resort and will have buses to/from the expo/race, then we're moving to VWL where there are supposed to be GREAT running paths. Never stayed there before and we're really looking forward to it.

 

[bigtony777]

We stayed at Kidani in March and there is no place outdoors to run there except for the path to Jambo. It is very short though, maybe 1/2 mile, so if you are looking for anything over 2 miles that would get old really fast. I used the treadmills in the gym. This may not work for you, but I put in many miles on a treadmill since we have 3 young children, it is hard to get outside to run except for weekends, very early in the morning or very late at night.

I guess I am more worried about the pool and dining since I don't plan on doing much other than the races and taking it easy the rest of the weekend. We are currently booked at BWV, but may try to move to BLT if available at the 7 month mark.