Official 2016 Star Wars Half Marthon - The Dark Side Weekend

[opusone]

…we booked at POR as I was told it was best to book at an official race resort.

Is this a good option - and if we can get a discount at another resort (AP holders and FL resident) is it really important to be at an official resort?

All Disney resorts are host resorts for the Star Wars Dark Side weekend, so you are safe to book at any resort.

 

[bcarey2k]

Help - been to Disney many times but this will be a first for a race. My dd and niece are running the 5k, both runners but just getting started with Disney races. They have the bib and we booked at POR as I was told it was best to book at an official race resort.

Is this a good option - and if we can get a discount at another resort (AP holders and FL resident) is it really important to be at an official resort?

Also - I am not running but would like to participate - spectate - carry their stuff - cheer them on and just be with them as much as possible! Is there a spectator package I can purchase?

Maybe you could point me to a thread/website for first time runner families so I don't pepper you with those type of questions here

Thanks in advance.

POR is great. Easy transportation. Our 'go to' resort for reservations .... Then we stalk the AP discounts.

Just stalk the AP discounts for there ... Might be some ... Might not ... But I do the same!

You're in good shape.

Brian

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks - I will stick with POR unless I can get a great rate at an Epcot resort.

Any info on spectators - Do I need a spectator pass or other type of ticket to cheer them on in the actual race? Its early Friday as they are doing the 5K.

TIA

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks - I will stick with POR unless I can get a great rate at an Epcot resort.

Any info on spectators - Do I need a spectator pass or other type of ticket to cheer them on in the actual race? Its early Friday as they are doing the 5K.

TIA

No, you don't need to purchase anything to go to the 5K to watch. Just hop on the bus with them!

There will be a point where you can't go with them to the corrals, but that will be clearly marked. Beforehand you can wait with them, and then you can head to the finish.

 

[tjmw2727]

No, you don't need to purchase anything to go to the 5K to watch. Just hop on the bus with them!

There will be a point where you can't go with them to the corrals, but that will be clearly marked. Beforehand you can wait with them, and then you can head to the finish.

Thanks! can't wait

 

[PrincessV]

Is this a good option - and if we can get a discount at another resort (AP holders and FL resident) is it really important to be at an official resort?

It's only critical to be at a host resort IF you want to use race transportation. I'm also AP/FL and drive to WDW, so it's no problem for me to stay wherever I can get the deal I want and drive to races. If you don't mind driving, it doesn't matter at all where you stay.

Also - I am not running but would like to participate - spectate - carry their stuff - cheer them on and just be with them as much as possible! Is there a spectator package I can purchase?

Yes - check the rD website for Marathon weekend under Spectators - you can get an idea there as to what is included in spectator packages. But you really don't need it for the 5K, and I'm not sure they even have it for that race: you can only see runners in that at the start and finish.

Hope that helps!

 

[RookieLady]

Yesterday was the first training run under Galloway's plan. It warmed up to 65 degrees, and we had a beautiful run. I had taken a week off running because of hip pain (I now think its the elliptical machine, not running, aggravating it). What a way to get started. I was miserable training for the Wine and Dine, but yesterday reminded me why I love to run.

 

[opusone]

I start the Hansons Half Marathon plan tomorrow (well, I guess today since Wednesdays are days off in this plan ). Looking forward to hear how everyone's training goes.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I start the Hansons Half Marathon plan tomorrow (well, I guess today since Wednesdays are days off in this plan ). Looking forward to hear how everyone's training goes.

Did you end up making any customizations to it, or did you decide to go by the book?

 

[opusone]

Did you end up making any customizations to it, or did you decide to go by the book?

I decided to stick with the Advanced Program as written since I don't have any other races planned between now and then, plus the fact that there are several weekends were I will have a 6 mile run on Saturday followed by a 14 mile run on Sunday, so I should feel very comfortable with the back-to-back Dark Side Challenge mileage.

 

[flvy]

The fights for me for this race went down a ridiculous amount today. If they stay that way by the time I get paid tomorrow I'm just going to bite the bullet and do the half. I'll take it as a sign from the universe. I just wish I knew the percentage that sold out for the race.

 

[NileNellie]

Is anyone else surprised that the half hasn't sold out yet?

 

[leaf44]

I am surprised it hasn't sold out, but I am hoping it stays open for a few more days. I had to defer Dopey this year, and I need to use my plane tickets this Spring, so I was hoping to sign up for this. I am waiting for my room refund from Disney before I can pay for it though, so I hope it does't sell out! I also wish I could see the percentage that sold.

 

[opusone]

Is anyone else surprised that the half hasn't sold out yet?

I am as well, but it is fortunate because I just convinced a friend to register today.

 

[okw2012]

Hello,
This will be my first runDisney event, I can't wait!
My son and I will be doing the 5k.
My parents want to come to! (as supporters)
I do not know how to register them for the Chear Squad.
Is this possible/necessary for the 5k?

 

[Z-Knight]

Hello,
This will be my first runDisney event, I can't wait!
My son and I will be doing the 5k.
My parents want to come to! (as supporters)
I do not know how to register them for the Chear Squad.
Is this possible/necessary for the 5k?

No chear squad except for half marathon
Meaning no reserved seats or any tshirts etc.

 

[Ariel484]

Hello,
This will be my first runDisney event, I can't wait!
My son and I will be doing the 5k.
My parents want to come to! (as supporters)
I do not know how to register them for the Chear Squad.
Is this possible/necessary for the 5k?

As @Z-Knight said, no cheer squad for the 5K, and really not a ton of spectator options. They could come with you to the start, watch the start and then grab some seats for the finish (the start and finish lines are next to one another).

 

[Ariel484]

@okw2012 this is from the marathon weekend program but I'm pretty sure the Dark Side 5K course is the same:

 

[okw2012]

Thank you @Ariel484 and @Z-Knight, I am sure my parents will come with us anyway, even if they have to stay in the parking. At least it's free!

 

[Shrunkenzombiehead]

Going solo to my first Disney run event and really psyched for it. I am staying offsite and did see in an earlier post that parking woould be free for the runners at epcot. Will i get a parking pass to use at other theme parks those two days? The medals look sooo awesome!!!!