Official 2014 Dopey Challenge Thread!

[John VN]

I hope they roll out the 5:30 start time as an option but I can see why it's being thrown around for dopey runners. We start at 5:30 and must keep a 16 min pace because if the timing rules. All dopey runners would they theoretically be off the course in 48-50 minutes right as the 6:15 5k starts.

Unless there is a dramatic change with the actual pace time requirements compared to the last 3 years, there would not be a 16mpm pace needed in any race to be Officially Dopey. There had not been any checking of finishing within the 3:30 for the half and 7:00 for the full in order to receive the Goofy Medal for 2011, 2012 or 2013.

 

[camandjacksmom]

My response had nothing to do with qualifying for medals but to the fact that if dopeys started earlier we would be off the course so families could enjoy the family fun run without 6000 plus dopey runners.

 

[John VN]

My response had nothing to do with qualifying for medals but to the fact that if dopeys started earlier we would be off the course so families could enjoy the family fun run without 6000 plus dopey runners.

I can see where you are coming from regarding clearing the course but a 5:30 start would not be needed for 6,000 extra people since waves could have 2,000 to 2,500 per wave with a 5 minute interval start even if all 6,000 were Dopey specific.

As homerjay316 alluded to since he wants to be with his wife for her 5K, a 5:30 specific Dopey start would not allow for it if the mats only worked for that start and finish. A 6:15 start would be fine for Dopey specific in corral A, 6:20 for corral B, 6:25 for corral C then at 6:30 the start for the Family 5K plus remaining Dopey racers who want to be with family members with mats still working until the last person starts and finishes.

 

[Stroller Boy]

I'm wondering if they are going to time the 5k at all. I get why people would think this, but they haven't been all that strict about time for Goofy's so I'm wondering if it'll be like that where as long as you finish and don't get swept, then you get your medals. Why enforce the rule for a small % of those that might not make the time. Sure it's the principle of the thing but for the extra cost in managing and tracking it...probably not worth it for them.

Personally, I'm not one to take advantage of the lax rules but it doesn't take away from my accomplishment either. I am curious to how they handle this as well as the stricter qualifying times for corral placement. Time will tell I suppose.

 

[John VN]

I'm wondering if they are going to time the 5k at all. I get why people would think this, but they haven't been all that strict about time for Goofy's so I'm wondering if it'll be like that where as long as you finish and don't get swept, then you get your medals. Why enforce the rule for a small % of those that might not make the time. Sure it's the principle of the thing but for the extra cost in managing and tracking it...probably not worth it for them.

Personally, I'm not one to take advantage of the lax rules but it doesn't take away from my accomplishment either. I am curious to how they handle this as well as the stricter qualifying times for corral placement. Time will tell I suppose.

The unofficial Dopey I have completed the last 3 years has been based on the honor system in that I completed the 5K along with the half and full both completed within required time limits.

Now that Dopey is being officially recognized and it includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon, I would think the timing requirements of maintaining a 16mpm pace and finishing within the time limits will finally have to be met with the only way to substantiate this is the use of timing mats and timing chips to worn by the racers. Without the verification by computer, it would be possible for racers to never show up for a race and still be considered as a finisher.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

The unofficial Dopey I have completed the last 3 years has been based on the honor system in that I completed the 5K along with the half and full both completed within required time limits.

Now that Dopey is being officially recognized and it includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon, I would think the timing requirements of maintaining a 16mpm pace and finishing within the time limits will finally have to be met with the only way to substantiate this is the use of timing mats and timing chips to worn by the racers. Without the verification by computer, it would be possible for racers to never show up for a race and still be considered as a finisher.

Even if they did have timing mats, picking up a medal for Goofy/Dopey is always going to be on the honor system.

 

[dburg30]

Yea, we will need to know for sure if they are doing anything special for dopey on the 5k and 10k. Since there really hasnt been a pace requirement for the 5k, I wonder how they will really do that for the dopey except maybe chip it just to prove you took the start and finish and who cares what the time is so it wont mess people up that are possibly even walking the 5k, and maybe even the 10k at a slow running pace perhaps with some other family members. Guess we shall see.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

What they could do is to require Dopey runners to get a bracelet at the end of the 5k, 10k and half, and to exchange them in for their medal after the full.

 

[Haas4Concern]

What they could do is to require Dopey runners to get a bracelet at the end of the 5k, 10k and half, and to exchange them in for their medal after the full.

Isnt that how they did the goofy a few years ago? It sounds like a solid plan to me.

 

[John VN]

Even if they did have timing mats, picking up a medal for Goofy/Dopey is always going to be on the honor system.

Hopefully this would not continue to be SOP. I'm all for time verification except for the 5K. It makes the event more challenging and meaningful but I can foresee troubles arising.

 

[Stroller Boy]

You realize that they have been giving finishers medals to people that have been swept for the past couple years, right? All I'm saying is that I think they have gone with the feeling that you paid your money and its really on you to try and meet the requirements. I haven't heard them giving goofy medals to swept folks, but wouldn't be shocked..

I'd love to see them enforce corral qualifying times and finishing times only giving medals to those who meet the requirements but again, it never took away from my accomplishment. I remember them doing the check-in wristband thing for goofy a couple years back but guessing they had a lot of cost and overhead along with problems... I handle registration for a race so I definitely get that! Can't make everyone happy no matter what ya do.

Anyhoo, I'm really excited about the official Dopey and seeing what kind of combined time I can do, safely.

 

[tmahaffey]

I have a question, unrelated to time limits for the Dopey. I may be in the wrong spot though. I am signed up for the Dopey Challenge and I have never been to Disney before. With that being said, I am not a rollercoaster/ride person. Is there plenty to do without going to the theme parks? I hate to pay $80+ to just walk around and kill time...and I am completely unfamiliar with the area. I'm mainly concerned with having something to do on Thursday and Friday, since I will be finished and back to the room before my family wakes up

Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I have a question, unrelated to time limits for the Dopey. I may be in the wrong spot though. I am signed up for the Dopey Challenge and I have never been to Disney before. With that being said, I am not a rollercoaster/ride person. Is there plenty to do without going to the theme parks? I hate to pay $80+ to just walk around and kill time...and I am completely unfamiliar with the area. I'm mainly concerned with having something to do on Thursday and Friday, since I will be finished and back to the room before my family wakes up

Thank you for any suggestions!

It depends where you are staying, but yes, of course. A lot of the resorts have marinas if you like boating, you can rent bicycles, horseback ride, do archery or other activities, check out the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, swim, go fishing, etc. There is lots and lots to do on property without going to the parks.

 

[FFigawi]

What they could do is to require Dopey runners to get a bracelet at the end of the 5k, 10k and half, and to exchange them in for their medal after the full.

I think a lot of us would like to see them go back to this approach. It not only helps cut down on the people who get swept that still show up for their Goofy medal on Sunday, it also makes you feel like part of a private club as you walk around at night nodding at people with a similar wristband.

 

[jeanigor]

What they could do is to require Dopey runners to get a bracelet at the end of the 5k, 10k and half, and to exchange them in for their medal after the full.

Isnt that how they did the goofy a few years ago? It sounds like a solid plan to me.

This is how they marked the Coast to Coast racers in DLR in 2011 and 2012. Makes sense to me. Which, using Disney Logic means that this will be the complete opposite of what they do.

 

[ironz]

I think a lot of us would like to see them go back to this approach. It not only helps cut down on the people who get swept that still show up for their Goofy medal on Sunday, it also makes you feel like part of a private club as you walk around at night nodding at people with a similar wristband.

At least in 2012, when I DNF'd the marathon and rode a sweeper bus back to Epcot, they gave me a Mickey medal (I didn't want it, but they were very persistent, and I didn't want to be rude to the volunteers, as they were just doing what they were instructed---I obviously don't count it as a finish), but they specifically said that I would NOT get a Goofy medal after being swept. Nor did I want a Goofy medal...I didn't even want the Mickey...just wanted a margarita and ice on my injured foot and hip.

I liked the wristband system of 2010.

 

[swimfly]

I hated the wristband system! I can't stand having anything on my body when I'm running especially not the scratchy papery wristband. It also didn't work. They were handing out medals to people who did not cross the finish line on their own merits and people were running under "purchased" bibs. I can wear my medal after the race to be a part of the "club." I guess I really don't care if people are receiving the medals who didn't complete the challenge. That's on them and doesn't diminish my medal or accomplishment in any way.

Strange timing note... I was out for sushi w/hubs this weekend and saw someone wearing the Goofy Challenge tech shirt. Struck up a conversation about whether they would run the Dopey Challenge and we just chatted away. When she left the table her boyfriend admitted she had scored the tech shirt from the lost and found at the gym. Really?!?!

 

[Stroller Boy]

Strange timing note... I was out for sushi w/hubs this weekend and saw someone wearing the Goofy Challenge tech shirt. Struck up a conversation about whether they would run the Dopey Challenge and we just chatted away. When she left the table her boyfriend admitted she had scored the tech shirt from the lost and found at the gym. Really?!?!

Now THAT's pretty shady! I've seen a Goofy shirt or two here in CT, but think its still a relatively exclusive club. I know it's bad to think this, perhaps the competitive side of me, but I'd like to see a ranked combined time listing for it. Of course, then you'd have people dropping dead from pushing too hard...but I still secretly would like to see it. ;-)

I've only done one Goofy but more of a cost thing than anything. I was just going to sign up for anniversary years, but couldn't hold off with the Dopey going official.

 

[DoctorK]

I was out for sushi w/hubs this weekend and saw someone wearing the Goofy Challenge tech shirt. Struck up a conversation about whether they would run the Dopey Challenge and we just chatted away. When she left the table her boyfriend admitted she had scored the tech shirt from the lost and found at the gym. Really?!?!

They sell those at the outlet stores after race weekend, so there will be plenty of non-runners wearing them.

 

[jeanigor]

They sell those at the outlet stores after race weekend, so there will be plenty of non-runners wearing them.

I've seen the ones that they sell at the expo at the outlets, but never the race shirt.