Official 2017 Star Wars - Light Side Half Marathon Weekend (Jan 12th - 15th, 2017)

[Sleepless Knight]

I saw your reply on the running thread about the 10k photo ops being different (better?) than the half - care to elaborate? Was planning on running through the 10k, but now that I'm not allowed to go as fast as I'd like, maybe I'll stop for some pictures!

I think the mile marker signs for the 10K are vastly superior than the 1/2. If you've never run the 10K, each mile marker is a different location from Star Wars. Dagobah, Jakku, Tattooine, Cloud City, etc. to name a few. It's disappointing that the 10K markers are so themed compared to the 1/2 ones which are all the hands holding a lightsaber logo.

The next one may be a fuzzy memory on my part, but I don't remember the characters from Star Wars Rebels being on the 1/2 course last year and they were on the 10K course. Pretty cool backdrop, but between the line and that I got my picture with them the year before, it was an easy pass for me. I also get it if runners who don't watch Rebels don't care about those particular characters.

And my memory could be very bad on this one, but I don't recall the backdrops (trash compactor on the Death Star, speeder bike on the forest moon of Endor to name 2 of them) being available during the 1/2. But again, I may be forgetting they were since I took care of them during the 10K.

I'd love it if the BB-8 line is sensible this time around, but I'm not planning on it. I'm a slow runner so that's how it goes.

 

[courtneybeth]

Is downtown Disney closed? Does it still have 3 hours free parking? When I used to have Socal select annual passes, I'd go there for 3 hours exact on my days off. Ah, memories.

But yes, I'd love recs on where to park for bib pickup on Friday too!

It's now two hours parking for free.

I know DD and the roads are closed early in the morning but I was wondering what time they'd be open and if we could use that lot for bib pickup. I'm assuming since it's the 5K and it's a quick race morning that it shouldn't be a problem, unlike the 10K where essentially the lots are closed because of the events through the kids races and obviously the half marathon.

 

[94bruin]

Thanks @Sleepless Knight for the explanation.

For those of you running the the 10k, what kind of top do you run in? I've been trying to figure out what type of top to wear. With all the waiting around for either the start or possible character photos, I'm worried about being too cold if I go with a short sleeve shirt vs the long sleeve I've been running with. The thing is, when I wear my long sleeve top, by the time I get to mile 3, I'm rolling up my sleeve and unzipping my top a bit for some ventilation. I don't know if the lack of sun will play a big factor in how cold things will stay. For the past month, it's been mid-40s but sunny. I'm guessing that it'll be around the same temps but DARK.

I'm going to try running in a short sleeve today for my short run. However, it's currently in the 30s. Yikes! Will wait til it warms up to the 40s to try it out!

 

[dis_or_dat]

Well, I'm flying into LAX around noon on Friday and then off to my mom's house for lunch and then to put down the little guy. And then I'll drive to Disneyland hotel for bib pick up and then drive back to the (real ) south bay to spend more time with my guy, put him down to bed, and then back to Anaheim to crash with my friend. Thought about switching to SNA, but it's too expensive now. Wish me luck in Friday rush hour traffic that starts at 1pm!!!

@94bruin, I think it depends on how your run. I run really hot. If you look at my avatar, it's me running at the Tink half in a tank. For my recent Turkey Trot it was about 42 deg and I still ran in a singlet and shorts. I couldn't feel my legs or feet for the first half mile, but by the end, I was happy I was in a tank! Looking at the weather, the low is 50 over the weekend, sunrise is at 6:56am, and humidity 70s-80s. I think you'll be ok in a short sleeve, but you can look at running sleeves. You can also wear a garbage bag, mylar blanket, or sweater you don't mind donating while waiting at the corrals. I bought tanks for Light Side, but I won't be running too hard, so I'm also thinking about wearing a short sleeve. For RnR SF, I wore a jacket over my singlet and it was a huge mistake since I had to take it off by 0.25 miles and ended up running with it tied around my waist for the rest of the race.

 

[The Expert]

Thanks @Sleepless Knight for the explanation.

For those of you running the the 10k, what kind of top do you run in?

Have you tried arm sleeves/warmers? I've used them for a couple of races, paired with either a tank top or short sleeves depending on weather at the start. They're warm but thin, and easy to peel off and tuck into a pocket or waistband when you warm up.

 

[courtneybeth]

Thanks @Sleepless Knight for the explanation.

For those of you running the the 10k, what kind of top do you run in? I've been trying to figure out what type of top to wear. With all the waiting around for either the start or possible character photos, I'm worried about being too cold if I go with a short sleeve shirt vs the long sleeve I've been running with. The thing is, when I wear my long sleeve top, by the time I get to mile 3, I'm rolling up my sleeve and unzipping my top a bit for some ventilation. I don't know if the lack of sun will play a big factor in how cold things will stay. For the past month, it's been mid-40s but sunny. I'm guessing that it'll be around the same temps but DARK.

I'm going to try running in a short sleeve today for my short run. However, it's currently in the 30s. Yikes! Will wait til it warms up to the 40s to try it out!

i will probably wear either a throw away jacket or a pair of knee high socks from target with the feet cut off for my hands. They're $2 and when I'm too warm I can rip them off. Depends on how chilly of a morning it is. Throw away clothes can be purchased with good will.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I hate running with anything on my arms. The temperatures look to be the same as it has been the past two years. I'll be fine in my tank top. I may have a mylar blanket while hanging out in the corrals - if not, I may just deal with it like I usually do.

 

[Kathymford]

I was just going to suggest arm sleeves. I'm usually peeling them down at latest by mile 4 and I definitely use the "throwaway" hoodie in the corals. I've found that I don't mind my legs being cold, but the waist up I want to be warm. I'm still debating if I'm going to wear tights under my sparkle skirt for this run. I tried it last night and I was fine (58 degrees seems colder in January lol), but that was for less than 3 miles ...

 

[Mil leech]

I made my run to Goodwill last weekend for my $5 zip up hoodies. I usually "donate" them while walking to the start or if really cold, within the first mile. I laughed when I picked up a WDW hoodie for $5. I don't mind my legs cold while standing around but I like having a sweatshirt to keep my upper body warm. On really cold mornings I will use a pair of sweat pants as well.

 

[r2d2_runner]

I can't believe our race weekend is just one week away - I am getting so excited I am a bit behind in my training due to an extended illness in December but I am hoping to get one last long run in this weekend and then just trust that I am as ready as I can be! I live in the NorthEast but arrived in California a week ago and have been loving running in the warmer weather. I even ran in the rain and was just so glad it wasn't frozen stuff falling from the sky like I am used to LOL Based on the weather over the last week I think I will be OK running in a short sleeve shirt and capris next weekend, although I have a mylar blanket packed to use while waiting in the corrals if needed. Here is a pic of my running outfit ... can't wait to wear it next weekend!

 

[kirstie101]

I think the mile marker signs for the 10K are vastly superior than the 1/2. If you've never run the 10K, each mile marker is a different location from Star Wars. Dagobah, Jakku, Tattooine, Cloud City, etc. to name a few. It's disappointing that the 10K markers are so themed compared to the 1/2 ones which are all the hands holding a lightsaber logo.

The next one may be a fuzzy memory on my part, but I don't remember the characters from Star Wars Rebels being on the 1/2 course last year and they were on the 10K course. Pretty cool backdrop, but between the line and that I got my picture with them the year before, it was an easy pass for me. I also get it if runners who don't watch Rebels don't care about those particular characters.

And my memory could be very bad on this one, but I don't recall the backdrops (trash compactor on the Death Star, speeder bike on the forest moon of Endor to name 2 of them) being available during the 1/2. But again, I may be forgetting they were since I took care of them during the 10K.

I'd love it if the BB-8 line is sensible this time around, but I'm not planning on it. I'm a slow runner so that's how it goes.

I forgot about the 10k mile markers being themed. Thanks for the reminder.
I'm pretty sure SW Rebels were out for both races. I stopped during the Half to take a pic with them cause the line was shorter than it was during the 10k. I'm 90% positive.
I'd LOVE to get DD's pic with BB8 but I'm guessing the lines will be too long. If its at all reasonable we'll stop. For her first disney 10k our goal is just for her to finish but my 2nd goal is for us to get one character photo in there if possible.

 

[kirstie101]

Thanks @Sleepless Knight for the explanation.

For those of you running the the 10k, what kind of top do you run in? I've been trying to figure out what type of top to wear. With all the waiting around for either the start or possible character photos, I'm worried about being too cold if I go with a short sleeve shirt vs the long sleeve I've been running with. The thing is, when I wear my long sleeve top, by the time I get to mile 3, I'm rolling up my sleeve and unzipping my top a bit for some ventilation. I don't know if the lack of sun will play a big factor in how cold things will stay. For the past month, it's been mid-40s but sunny. I'm guessing that it'll be around the same temps but DARK.

I'm going to try running in a short sleeve today for my short run. However, it's currently in the 30s. Yikes! Will wait til it warms up to the 40s to try it out!

This will be my 5th time running this weekend (2 Tink, 3 star wars) and each time I've been fine in short sleeves. I do wear a sweatshirt or mylar blanket in the corrals that I toss before the race (mylar) or after the first mile. I run hot though. And I can't stand being too warm when I run.

 

[r2d2_runner]

I forgot about the 10k mile markers being themed. Thanks for the reminder.
I'm pretty sure SW Rebels were out for both races. I stopped during the Half to take a pic with them cause the line was shorter than it was during the 10k. I'm 90% positive.
I'd LOVE to get DD's pic with BB8 but I'm guessing the lines will be too long. If its at all reasonable we'll stop. For her first disney 10k our goal is just for her to finish but my 2nd goal is for us to get one character photo in there if possible.

For the character stops, is there any way to tell how long the line will take? Are there signs estimating the time based on the line length, or are CMs available to give an idea of how long the line will take, or do you just have to eye it up and guess how long you will be waiting? I would like to stop to get one or two character photos but it is my first runDisney race and I am totally unsure about how quickly the lines for characters move!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

For the official character stops inside the parks, there will be a CM there to tell you how long they estimate the line to be. Last year's line for BB-8 during the 1/2 was 25-30 minutes when I went by.

For the cosplay character stops during the 1/2, there will no way to know how long the line will take, but they're usually very short lines around 5 minutes max.

 

[alexce]

I ran the half last year, and the weather sounds like it will be about the same. I needed the throwaway hoodie before we started but was so glad to be in short sleeves by the mid-point. If you're really desperate for something once you get there, there's a Target not too far from DL.

I know it's too late for many of you at this point, but I've always valued the 5Ks for the character pics. I can usually fit one in during the half, but I've been much more comfortable standing in a long line during the 5K and can usually hit two or three. I waited for Chewie at the Dark Side 5K for 25 minutes (including his bathroom break) and was still able to grab the next line with the troopers.

Good luck to everyone!! Hoping to get back to this race weekend in a year or two.

 

[JediLeia]

I got my run in this morning. It was 28 degrees - too cold for me!

I was planning to wear a long sleeve tech shirt to the 10K, but now I'm questioning it with so many people wearing short sleeves. Maybe I'll bring both and see how it goes.

@r2d2_runner love your outfit! I'll have an R2-D2 theme too, but not as cute as yours. I found an R2-D2 tutu at an after Halloween sale a few years ago. Glad I finally get to wear it!

 

[CableKC]

Got in a 6 mile run yesterday and today.....back is hella sore right now cuz I'm so out of shape now.

It's set to rain all week long next week here in NorCal. Will have to find some time to run between now and then when it stops raining.

This being the Light Side Half Maraton, I blame Emperor Palpatine for the rain.

 

[courtneybeth]

Rain keeps waivering from 10k to half and back to 10k. Make up your mind, weather!

Shall we start sharing our running outfits? I am debating between shorts and capris under my sparkle skirts. If it is raining I definitely want to be wearing as little as possible and the skirts don't breathe well.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I'm probably going to repeat last year's 10K outfit.

Maybe the half as well..

These plans could change based off of if any of the shirts at the expo catch my eye! I may end up wearing one of those instead. I'm bringing like 6 of my sparkle skirts so I have options!

 

[Davidg83]

Anyone else out of shape cuz they can't go our to run because of the rain?

I'm in NorCal and it's been raining for the last couple of days and week. On top of that.....it's projected to rain in my area for all of next week

Gonna try to go out and run today and tomorrow while it's not raining.

What's worse is that I'm checking the weather and there's a 40% chance of rain in the Anaheim area on Sunday morning.

Sacramento here! I got a few miles in today during the break. I'm signed up for the Hot Chocolate 15k in San Francisco on Sunday so that should be lots of fun in the torrential rain. Looking forward to being back at Disneyland next week!