Official 2016 Star Wars Half Marthon - The Dark Side Weekend

[Cindy Lopez]

Hi There! I'm new to this forum but like you me and my bf are so excited for the Dark side challenge!!! We are both rundisney lovers

 

[AThrillingChase]

I have some ADR's to cancel for race weekend that are runner friendly so I wanted to offer them to you guys first!

Tutto Italia Ristorante Dinner
Date: Friday, April 15, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM
Guests: 3 Adults

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano Dinner
Date: Saturday, April 16, 2016
Time: 5:20 PM
Guests: 3 Adults

I managed to switch some days around so we will be doing our carb loading at Trattoria al Forno Friday before the 10k, and at Tutto on Saturday before the half since I have eaten here before long races pretty often and feel more confident

 

[clemsondisneygirl]

Hi all! So glad I found this group because I know my husband is already tired of hearing me talk about our Disney trip my quick trip details: this is my 2nd 1/2 marathon, running with my dad, sister and future brother in law, my mom and husband will also be going on the trip, staying at POFQ and have a few ADRs booked and just did FP+!!!

So running question: has anyone heard or seen anything about the course for this? Sorry if this has already been asked! Just wonder if it will be the same as other WDW halfs or if they will mix it up for more star wars stuff!

Happy Running everyone!

 

[opusone]

So running question: has anyone heard or seen anything about the course for this? Sorry if this has already been asked! Just wonder if it will be the same as other WDW halfs or if they will mix it up for more star wars stuff!

Below is what I posted a while back on the course, and we have had no new information since then...

The original Disney announcement of the race stated the following: "Among its many features will be a unique 13.1-mile course that propels runners through Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex."

 

[clemsondisneygirl]

Below is what I posted a while back on the course, and we have had no new information since then...

This is good to know! Sorry I didn't make it through all the pages before I posted or I would have seen this haha! I'm glad there should be lots of park time then, though a little bummed I wont get to run through the castle...oh well, just a reason to sign up for another one right

 

[Z-Knight]

This is good to know! Sorry I didn't make it through all the pages before I posted or I would have seen this haha! I'm glad there should be lots of park time then, though a little bummed I wont get to run through the castle...oh well, just a reason to sign up for another one right

No one can make it through all of these pages, don't feel bad. It is good to get repeat questions because it is usually a long wait for us so we also forget.

Yeah it sounds cool that it is mostly through the parks, although with the start being at Epcot and endin at ESPN, it might be tougher for those staying off-site and coming by car.

Btw, more disney races is a great thing

 

[heyitsmejosh]

Just so everyone knows you can register for any of the dark side races at the expo this week.. They will even upgrade you to the challenge and refund your half fee minus 30 bucks (transfer fee)

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Did you guys see the post on the parks blog about the new shows and fireworks coming to HS in April just in time for the race! I wonder if any of it will be used during the races? https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...lar-announced-set-to-make-theme-park-history/

 

[opusone]

Speaking of courses, I really haven't focused on the 10k course and didn't even realize that they give a brief description on the rD website (which they don't give for the half marathon), but I really like the description:

"The thrills begin at Epcot® where you'll wind your way through Future World and World Showcase, then on to Disney's Hollywood Studios® running down Hollywood Blvd and on to the ESPN Wide World of Sports for an exciting Star Wars 10K finisher celebration."

Sounds like it could very well be the exact reverse of the last 6.2 miles of the WDW marathon course, so we get Epcot (the long way around), Boardwalk path, Hollywood Studios, then on to ESPN. I guess it could get crowded on the Boardwalk path given that it will be early in the 10k.

 

[acbshada]

Did you guys see the post on the parks blog about the new shows and fireworks coming to HS in April just in time for the race! I wonder if any of it will be used during the races? https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...lar-announced-set-to-make-theme-park-history/

I just now heard about that! I'm pretty darned excited about it, honestly. I tried not to fangirl squee all over the place at work. I succeeded...mostly.

 

[NileNellie]

Whenever I dread the long training runs on the weekend (which is most of the time) I always think about what I'm going to eat later in the day. Knowing that I've burned enough calories to have dessert is great motivator.

Speaking of long runs, we have a 9.5 mile tomorrow. Temps are supposed to be in the upper 50s (Midwest) and I'm actually almost looking forward to it! Going to be weird not having to wear gloves and layers.

 

[acbshada]

Speaking of long runs, we have a 9.5 mile tomorrow. Temps are supposed to be in the upper 50s (Midwest) and I'm actually almost looking forward to it! Going to be weird not having to wear gloves and layers.

You 1/2 marathoners have no idea the amount of respect I give you for your dedication. I read "9.5 miles", and I felt like my heart was going to stop. Training for the 10K has been difficult enough given the time of the year, illness, etc. Kudos to you and go out and enjoy that weather!!

 

[Z-Knight]

You 1/2 marathoners have no idea the amount of respect I give you for your dedication. I read "9.5 miles", and I felt like my heart was going to stop. Training for the 10K has been difficult enough given the time of the year, illness, etc. Kudos to you and go out and enjoy that weather!!

You'll get there too, soon enough. It just takes time and dedication and that endurance will get there.

 

[clemsondisneygirl]

Whenever I dread the long training runs on the weekend (which is most of the time) I always think about what I'm going to eat later in the day. Knowing that I've burned enough calories to have dessert is great motivator.

Speaking of long runs, we have a 9.5 mile tomorrow. Temps are supposed to be in the upper 50s (Midwest) and I'm actually almost looking forward to it! Going to be weird not having to wear gloves and layers.

Are you following Jeff Galloway and rD website training plan? I am only planning like 6-6.5 this weekend. Also, here in Phoenix it should be a sweaty 80-something degrees so I have to get out early (which is harder for me than the run itself sometimes!)

 

[BigEeyore]

All races are open for registration online...thinking about adding on the 5K but I would have to change my flights, my hotel, etc just for a 5K...but that medal is pretty neat! Really surprised to see this 2 months out!

 

[maw]

All races are open for registration online...thinking about adding on the 5K but I would have to change my flights, my hotel, etc just for a 5K...but that medal is pretty neat! Really surprised to see this 2 months out!

We will be there in time, I'm just trying to figure out if it makes sense to do the 5k and 1/2. I haven't trained for the challenge or I would totally do that. So many decisions!

 

[opusone]

All races are open for registration online...thinking about adding on the 5K but I would have to change my flights, my hotel, etc just for a 5K...but that medal is pretty neat! Really surprised to see this 2 months out!

Seems really strange that many of the Star Wars Dark Side races, including the Dark Side Challenge, are now open again for registration after being closed for so long. In fact, if I remember correctly, the Dark Side Challenge closed for registration within 10-15 minutes or so of opening. I must admit that the whole rD registration/proof of time/waiver/expo pick-up process seems much more complicated than with most races.

 

[StartedByAMouse]

I had no intention on running this race and was jealous of all who were ... until today. With the registration open again, I somehow talked myself into going (and my family into letting me go!). So now I'm in for the half, which also means getting my Kessel Run medal since I did the Disneyland leg in January, as well as a Coast-to-Coast later in the year when I run the Dumbo Double Dare. Just flying in to pick up my bib on Saturday morning, staying overnight at the Yacht Club, running on Sunday and back on a plane later that evening. Crazy! I still can't wrap my head around it all.

 

[hotblooded]

Seems really strange that many of the Star Wars Dark Side races, including the Dark Side Challenge, are now open again for registration after being closed for so long. In fact, if I remember correctly, the Dark Side Challenge closed for registration within 10-15 minutes or so of opening. I must admit that the whole rD registration/proof of time/waiver/expo pick-up process seems much more complicated than with most races.

How odd! The 10K course sounds awesome, but I'm already pretty set on just the half, arriving Saturday and leaving Tuesday. Even a month ago, I would have considered changing my plans to accommodate the challenge. On the bright side, I'm not in back-to-back race shape, so my body will thank me.

I had no intention on running this race and was jealous of all who were ... until today. With the registration open again, I somehow talked myself into going (and my family into letting me go!). So now I'm in for the half, which also means getting my Kessel Run medal since I did the Disneyland leg in January, as well as a Coast-to-Coast later in the year when I run the Dumbo Double Dare. Just flying in to pick up my bib on Saturday morning, staying overnight at the Yacht Club, running on Sunday and back on a plane later that evening. Crazy! I still can't wrap my head around it all.

Way cool! Sounds like my kind of trip. Glad you got a spot.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I ran the Princess 5k yesterday and afterwards, regretted not signing up for SW 5k or 10k until I saw 5k has reopened! I jumped on it and I'm looking forward to another race in April! Any Disney race is better than no Disney race!