Official 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Thread

[ludari]

I registered yesterday for this race. I want to keep my legacy status so this race will be an annual event for me.

 

[kim3339]

Can anyone tell me about the 5K or the kids dashes? I'd like to get DD5 involved somehow. I was thinking the family could walk the 5K but the 5:45 start time probably wouldn't fly with DD But the dashes arent until 9:00. Are those usually fun for the kids?

The 5k started right at the Castle this year. B/c we were at the Castle instead of at the Parking Lot structure where we are for the DL 5k, we were lined up the way we were in line at the entrance and how fast we got to the start area. Usually the staging area starts going w/ dj and commentary about 30-45 min before the start. For the Neverland race there were a lot of pirates walking around the park and interacting w/ everyone. They usually have b/w 4-5,000 people doing the 5k. B/c it's family, there is a big mixture of runners and families walking together w/ their kids.

As for the course, we ran b/w the castle and the Matterhorn and around DL, both in the parks and backstage. We then went backstage over behind Splash and ran around near the entrance to behind the Dinorama to an underpass leading us to the backside of DCA. We then went in to DCA and the finish line was between LM and the lake where the area is for WOC. You were in the parks the entire time which was cool. There were also a lot of characters and tons of pirates out and chances for great photo opps/meet & greets. The lines weren't that bad either, maybe no more than a 5 min wait. They themed out the mile markers this year as well and they were incredible. It can get a little tight in the backstage area but for the most part, you have a lot of room.

Never watched the kids races, but they usually do them on the boardwalk/Paradise Pier part in the back of DCA by TSMM and the carnival games. I think the Fab 5 are at the kids races, but don't know if you have photo opp/meet them.

It is early, but last year it started at 10:30 and I hung around the finish line area until 11:45 or so and all the kids had a blast and didn't have a problem being up that late.

 

[longhorns2]

I'm in! My saint of a husband gave me the go ahead, so I registered. 51% made me panic slightly. Got a room, going to upgrade my WDW AP to a Premier one in July so my tickets will be covered, now just have to figure out airfare!

Totally excited. I plan on doing C2C with Princess in Feb.

 

[Keurigirl]

Well, I rather stupidly just signed myself up for this event!!!! I did a triathlon 1 1/2 years ago, but I don't run. I guess I will start now?!!

Somebody tell me it's possible to accomplish this in the next 7 months...

 

[VickiHD]

Can anyone tell me about the 5K or the kids dashes? I'd like to get DD5 involved somehow. I was thinking the family could walk the 5K but the 5:45 start time probably wouldn't fly with DD But the dashes arent until 9:00. Are those usually fun for the kids?

We've done the Kids races (dashes) twice now and they each have been completely different---one was great (at Tinker Bell) and last year at the DL 1/2 is was really bad. Picture 1000's of kids in the hot sun in DTD not near any bathrooms waiting and waiting for their turn.

Our little runner will be participating again in the kids race at the DL 1/2 so I hope it's better than last year. We also have signed him up for the kids race during Tinker Bell weekend.

Fun for the kids??? Our son likes it and it is fun to watch all the younger little runners. Hope that helps.

 

[DisNorth]

Well, I rather stupidly just signed myself up for this event!!!! I did a triathlon 1 1/2 years ago, but I don't run. I guess I will start now?!!

Somebody tell me it's possible to accomplish this in the next 7 months...

I hope it is! I just signed up too, and I need to get on training. I haven't jogged in 2 weeks, need to be more consistant and build up my distance.

 

[kirstie101]

Kim3339 and VickiHD - Thanks for the info!!!!! I hope the kids dash goes better at the Disneyland half this year. Keep me posted!

As for training I think I'm going to follow the Jeff Galloway plan that he has posted for Tink. I'm at a 5K distance now. I'm starting to train for a 10K in september that I'm registered for and after I run that I'll transition into Jeff Galloways program to get ready for the half!

 

[Msslaydbug]

I've started jogging in March of this year and have complete a 5K, 10K and have committed to the 2012 Disneyland 1/2 and Wine and Dine 1/2 this year. My 8yo daughter has become very interested in trying to jog as well. I had wanted to do the 1/2 Marathon but think I'm going to sign both of us for the 5K ( I wouldn't have anyone to watch her if I signed up for the 1/2) instead. I think it's important for me to dedicate one of these races to run with her even if it means I miss out on the Tinkerbell 1/2 myself !!

Girls Trip here we come !!

 

[disneyaway]

I was going to wait a bit to register for the race, and then I noticed on here everyone mentioning it's 51% full already! So I am signing up today after I get home. I really want to sign up for the 5k, but I am worried about whether I will be able to fly in early enough on friday to pick up my packet. Will have to register for each seperately, I guess.
And I am also trying to find hotel rooms-- the couple of places I called are already sold out! It seems like everyone is more on top of it than I am

ETA: For those that did the 5k last year-- was the course the same? I know it's in the morning this year, and I saw that it's through Disneyland resort. I don't know how excited I can get about running through hotel areas. Granted, I have never been so it may be really cool. I am planning on doing the princess this year ( really want the C2C!) and am thinking I might just do the 5k through Epcot. Thoughts?

 

[kim3339]

Actually, we don't run through any hotel areas for the 5k. The areas outside of the park were either backstage or around the outside of the park right behind carsland and DL but still w/in the boundary fence (the buffer zone b/w the fence that people see and the backstage area). And when you go over to DCA, hat part is backstage as well and you run and an underpass into backstage DCA! So no hotels for the 5k. They haven't posted the maps yet, but when they do, I'll be able to tell you better. But the Tink 5k was different than the DL 5k, different starting areas.

 

[Skpnw]

I registered for Tinkerbell as well. First half marathon - figured if I am only going to run one, might as well make it a good one! I also signed my 5yo and 4yo up for the kid dash. Hope they like it. We are also staying at the HoJo so it will be nice to know there will be a group to walk with on the Sunday morning.

Looks like the run Disney training program starts in September... might as well start practicing now...

 

[disneyaway]

Actually, we don't run through any hotel areas for the 5k. The areas outside of the park were either backstage or around the outside of the park right behind carsland and DL but still w/in the boundary fence (the buffer zone b/w the fence that people see and the backstage area). And when you go over to DCA, hat part is backstage as well and you run and an underpass into backstage DCA! So no hotels for the 5k. They haven't posted the maps yet, but when they do, I'll be able to tell you better. But the Tink 5k was different than the DL 5k, different starting areas.

Thanks! I guess I overthought it when it said the start/finish were at the Disneyland resort.

 

[kim3339]

If the course stays the same as this year's, we will start at the Castle and finish in DCA near the Little Mermaid ride. Hopefully it does, starting at the Castle was pretty cool.

 

[MouseFiend]

Hi Everyone,

Just ran across this site with the discounted room and ticket information. Hope it's the right one

http://www.gettravel.com/tinkerbellhalfmarathon/

Signed up for the 5k. My first ever race of any kind. I'm a new mommy with 50 pounds of baby weight to lose and nothing is more motivating than a trip to Disney!!

Booked the Hojo today. Can't wait to see you all there!!

 

[sumlee]

Hey! I have a question...

I noticed there is an option for registering as a 2-person team. What is the difference? Are there any extra perks or drawbacks? My sister and I will be running this together so we wanted to find out before we send in our registration. Thanks!

Keep up all the good work everyone! You are all so inspiring!

 

[kim3339]

Just ran across this site with the discounted room and ticket information. Hope it's the right one

Can't wait to see you all there!!

Yup, that's the right site!

See you there!!

I noticed there is an option for registering as a 2-person team. What is the difference? Are there any extra perks or drawbacks? My sister and I will be running this together so we wanted to find out before we send in our registration.

The only difference is that you are running as a team. Both have to run the 1/2, but you have a team name and you compete in a team division. Other than that, it's the same.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Went ahead and put down a deposit on a room this morning!

 

[sumlee]

The only difference is that you are running as a team. Both have to run the 1/2, but you have a team name and you compete in a team division. Other than that, it's the same.

Okay, Thanks! We'll do that, I think.

 

[sumlee]

Officially registered! WOO-HOO!

 

[longhorns2]

I registered last week and am really excited. First DL race for me.