Official 2015 Disney Marathon Thread

[thill]

This year will be my first ever Disney races. I've run the Savannah Rock N' Roll half before and had no problems with that so I'm going super ambitious and signed up for the Goofy this year. I'm already training and feel good about being able to finish both races but I'm not sure what to expect with everything that goes into a Disney race. Hopefully this is a good place to post these questions as it seems the best place to have people experienced with this weekend.

- I want to make my running weekend into a week Disney trip for the family as well. It seems it would be smarter to do that after the weekend instead of before, is that correct?
- Do the resorts all book early so that I should get something now instead of waiting for room or dining discounts to be announced?
- Does it really matter what resort I stay at in terms of getting to/from the races on the weekend?

 

[Weluvdisny]

Hi All! I am running the 10K on Friday and this will be my first time at Marathon Weekend.The posted race time is 5:30am. Do you think we have enough time to run the 10K and get over to breakfast at Crystal Palace for an 8:45am reservation? My husband says no, but I think yes. Opinions? This is my first time going down on Marathon Weekend so when it says 5:30am does the race actually start at that time?

I made reservations for Crystal Palace on Saturday too in case we couldn't make it on Friday.

Thanks!

Along the same line, we are checking out of one DVC resort and checking into another the day of the 10k. We shouldn't have a problem after the run to return to our room, take a shower and pack up before 11:00 right?

 

[Castle2Castle]

- I want to make my running weekend into a week Disney trip for the family as well. It seems it would be smarter to do that after the weekend instead of before, is that correct?
- Do the resorts all book early so that I should get something now instead of waiting for room or dining discounts to be announced?
- Does it really matter what resort I stay at in terms of getting to/from the races on the weekend?

First of all, welcome to runDisney running!

Making a vacation of the run, different strategies will work and appeal to different people. For us, we like doing the trip on the back end so that we don't wear our legs/feet out walking all over the park before the race. Sure, we're a bit more tired after the race then when walking all over the parks, but we also have the weight of preparation and running off our shoulders and can take pictures with the new medal throughout the parks.

Resorts book at different rates, but if there's a place in particular you want to stay, you may want to consider a room-only reservation to at least hold your spot. With a room-only reservation you have more flexibility to change it later by either switching resorts, applying a discount, or changing it to a package. If there's going to be any dining discount, I'd think it will be after the run (you can check historical maybe), but with the check-in rules I'm not sure how feasible it might be for you to grab it.

ALL Disney hotels are host hotels for Marathon Weekend, and they will all provide transportation to and from the expo and races. Some will be a shorter bus ride than others, but they're otherwise equal. The first bus should be there at 3 a.m. on race day, and while you don't have to be on the first bus, we like being on one of the first buses to avoid any potential issues with traffic delays and not making it to the corral on time (less stress).

I'm sure others will chime in with advice, but hopefully this helps some and good luck with your training!

 

[AaronF]

EMERGENCY!!! My Lady and I are signed up for the Castaway Cay challenge! BUT, we wanted to sign up for the Family Fun Run 5K in order to complete the challenge BUT it sold out way too quick! Is there anyone unable to participate that could transfer their registrations to us?!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

EMERGENCY!!! My Lady and I are signed up for the Castaway Cay challenge! BUT, we wanted to sign up for the Family Fun Run 5K in order to complete the challenge BUT it sold out way too quick! Is there anyone unable to participate that could transfer their registrations to us?!

Unfortunately, runDisney does not allow you to do this.

 

[AaronF]

Unfortunately, runDisney does not allow you to do this.

I've seen this in the past, but the way around it is to purchase the BIB from someone once they pick up their packet. That's always been a pet peeve of mine with Run Disney since there is always a way to adjust finishing times and run speeds for the event.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I've seen this in the past, but the way around it is to purchase the BIB from someone once they pick up their packet. That's always been a pet peeve of mine with Run Disney since there is always a way to adjust finishing times and run speeds for the event.

This is against Disney's rules, and they regularly ban people for it.

 

[AaronF]

This is against Disney's rules, and they regularly ban people for it.

Really? I did not know that. Seems kinda greedy on Disney's part to not allow it to be transferred.

 

[AaronF]

Really? I did not know that. Seems kinda greedy on Disney's part to not allow it to be transferred.

Don't get me wrong though. I Love Disney and their races are some of the most fun I have had! I just wish there ways to make things more...idk...customer friendly in case of unforseen circumstances. A lot if not most other race holders allow you to transfer bibs or registrations to other people. It'd be easy enough to change your completion times and or corals in the computer system.

 

[thill]

First of all, welcome to runDisney running!

Thanks! I'm following the Galloway training program and I'm not going for a new PR on the 1/2 so I think I should be fine. I chose this one so that I could have some fun while still completing my 2nd half and 1st full.

Making a vacation of the run, different strategies will work and appeal to different people. For us, we like doing the trip on the back end so that we don't wear our legs/feet out walking all over the park before the race. Sure, we're a bit more tired after the race then when walking all over the parks, but we also have the weight of preparation and running off our shoulders and can take pictures with the new medal throughout the parks.

That's good information. I was really just thinking about crowds being better after the races are done but that's a really good point about not walking so much before running 39.3 miles in two days!

Resorts book at different rates, but if there's a place in particular you want to stay, you may want to consider a room-only reservation to at least hold your spot. With a room-only reservation you have more flexibility to change it later by either switching resorts, applying a discount, or changing it to a package. If there's going to be any dining discount, I'd think it will be after the run (you can check historical maybe), but with the check-in rules I'm not sure how feasible it might be for you to grab it.

I'm never made a reservation just to hold onto a room and add to it later but I have heard that mentioned before so it's a good idea. Regardless of discounts I'm going on the trip but any discounts I can get will help of course and may influence what all we do or where we stay.

ALL Disney hotels are host hotels for Marathon Weekend, and they will all provide transportation to and from the expo and races. Some will be a shorter bus ride than others, but they're otherwise equal. The first bus should be there at 3 a.m. on race day, and while you don't have to be on the first bus, we like being on one of the first buses to avoid any potential issues with traffic delays and not making it to the corral on time (less stress).

Thanks for confirming that for me as I wasn't 100% that all resorts qualified. It sounds like you can't just take the monorail or boat if you are at one of those resorts so it's a bus regardless of where you stay. That's good to know. Once I figure everything out I'm going to have to figure out how I can wake up that early two days in a row and try not to wake up the rest of the family! Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Castle2Castle]

Thanks! I'm following the Galloway training program and I'm not going for a new PR on the 1/2 so I think I should be fine. I chose this one so that I could have some fun while still completing my 2nd half and 1st full.

Galloway got us through our first Goofy and we didn't have our first half until well into our training (October), so it sounds like you'll be in good shape if you don't have any complications with your training.

There are some people who shoot for PRs and more power to them, but for me, runDisney races are for the sights and the experience. I figure that's what they think, too, since photo stops aren't usually conducive to PRs.

That's good information. I was really just thinking about crowds being better after the races are done but that's a really good point about not walking so much before running 39.3 miles in two days!

The crowds are also better IMO. Part of the timing of all runDisney races is to bring people in during slow times, and a lot of runners head on home afterward. But you'll probably have fun seeing and talking with the other runners who do stay in the days after, since you'll be able to identify one another by your medals!

I'm never made a reservation just to hold onto a room and add to it later but I have heard that mentioned before so it's a good idea. Regardless of discounts I'm going on the trip but any discounts I can get will help of course and may influence what all we do or where we stay.

Check not only with Disney Resorts but also the travel number for runDisney reservations. They have some discounts available for rooms already, although the number of rooms at each resort is limited. Those reservations work similar to a package I believe, where you have until around 45 days prior to check-in to make any changes. . .so if the resort rate gets discounted for any reason, you could switch to that provided you're outside the necessary window. Beyond that, I think there are tiered fees which apply to make changes, so just make sure you're aware of those so you know what you are most comfortable with.

 

[thill]

Galloway got us through our first Goofy and we didn't have our first half until well into our training (October), so it sounds like you'll be in good shape if you don't have any complications with your training.

There are some people who shoot for PRs and more power to them, but for me, runDisney races are for the sights and the experience. I figure that's what they think, too, since photo stops aren't usually conducive to PRs.

Yeah, I think if I stick with my training I should be fine as I did better than expected with my first half (1:44) even though this will be my first full combined with my second half. I think I'll need to take advantage of some of the extras they have along the course just to make sure I slow my pace down a little and don't burn out. Overall, I'm excited about the opportunity to do this and think it will be something I'll never forget.

The crowds are also better IMO. Part of the timing of all runDisney races is to bring people in during slow times, and a lot of runners head on home afterward. But you'll probably have fun seeing and talking with the other runners who do stay in the days after, since you'll be able to identify one another by your medals!

Less crowds is always a good thing!

Check not only with Disney Resorts but also the travel number for runDisney reservations. They have some discounts available for rooms already, although the number of rooms at each resort is limited. Those reservations work similar to a package I believe, where you have until around 45 days prior to check-in to make any changes. . .so if the resort rate gets discounted for any reason, you could switch to that provided you're outside the necessary window. Beyond that, I think there are tiered fees which apply to make changes, so just make sure you're aware of those so you know what you are most comfortable with.

I will check with runDisney as well and likely make my reservations soon just be safe. I appreciate the tips and advice and hope that your runs go smoothly and that you have fun.

 

[Weluvdisny]

If anyone is looking for a studio at a DVC, only Saratoga Springs is available. I have BWV booked for the 9th on, but need it for the 7th and 8th also. I waitlisted there but I'm sure the odds are slim to none that it will come through.

Thought for the day:

So what are you waiting for? Go out there and pound the pavement. THE INTERNET WILL BE HERE WHEN YOU GET BACK. Promise.

 

[cukal6]

Anyone know what day the kids races are on? On the website it says Thursday - Saturday. Just wondering about the exact day so I can make plans for the rest of the day. Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

Anyone know what day the kids races are on? On the website it says Thursday - Saturday. Just wondering about the exact day so I can make plans for the rest of the day. Thanks!

They are run Thursday through Saturday! Each day.

 

[lovingeire]

Are we going to regret not having a hot tub for my husband after he completes the marathon. We had wanted to stay at the Contemporary, but there was no military rate available so we are booked in at Art of Animation. We love that resort and the space, but I'm nervous about getting the kids to and from the parks by myself on marathon day and about him not having a hot tub. Thoughts?

P.S. He does not seem bothered by the lack of hot tub and likes saving about $500 or so more than a hot tub it seems!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Are we going to regret not having a hot tub for my husband after he completes the marathon. We had wanted to stay at the Contemporary, but there was no military rate available so we are booked in at Art of Animation. We love that resort and the space, but I'm nervous about getting the kids to and from the parks by myself on marathon day and about him not having a hot tub. Thoughts?

P.S. He does not seem bothered by the lack of hot tub and likes saving about $500 or so more than a hot tub it seems!

I literally spend half of my waking hours in or near the hot tub marathon weekend, especially doing Dopey.

 

[Fruto76]

Are we going to regret not having a hot tub for my husband after he completes the marathon. We had wanted to stay at the Contemporary, but there was no military rate available so we are booked in at Art of Animation. We love that resort and the space, but I'm nervous about getting the kids to and from the parks by myself on marathon day and about him not having a hot tub. Thoughts?

P.S. He does not seem bothered by the lack of hot tub and likes saving about $500 or so more than a hot tub it seems!

If he doesn't seem bothered by it, then I wouldn't try to argue it.
It will be my first marathon, but when I run a half at Disney I spend the night prior to race and alot of time the day after, in the hot tub. I stayed at Poly once during Marathon weekend (without a hot tub) and I missed it. The tub is not the same.

 

[FFigawi]

Are we going to regret not having a hot tub for my husband after he completes the marathon.

I never miss one if it's not there. I can do my ice bath in a regular tub just as easily.

 

[Nole95]

2015 packages were released today.

We just booked a preferred room at Port Orleans Riverside for marathon weekend. Loved staying there last year. Easy to get to DTD by boat, and the bus ride to the start line was relatively quick and easy.