Official Avengers Half Marathon Weekend 2015 Thread

[tiffjoy]

Costumes.

Ok, so I wanted to dress up as Black Widow but life has been insanely busy and I'm just happy to have gotten in my training as much as i have. I didn't even think about a costume until this past weekend. I discovered that apparently, black running gear is totally over for women! I have a pair of black compression leggings (hoping I won't be too warm????) and I am trying desperately to find a black tank. I was going to buy a black sleeve shrug but can't find one except online, and shipping is too slow. Is there anything else I could add to try to make my outfit look more Black Widow like?

 

[Kathymford]

Costumes.

Ok, so I wanted to dress up as Black Widow but life has been insanely busy and I'm just happy to have gotten in my training as much as i have. I didn't even think about a costume until this past weekend. I discovered that apparently, black running gear is totally over for women! I have a pair of black compression leggings (hoping I won't be too warm????) and I am trying desperately to find a black tank. I was going to buy a black sleeve shrug but can't find one except online, and shipping is too slow. Is there anything else I could add to try to make my outfit look more Black Widow like?

What about black sleeves? I know Sparkle Athletic sells them at the expo. Also, they are having expo pick-up right now. http://sparkleathletic.com/shop/midnight-sparkle-sleeves/ They might be shinier than you want though. I loved wearing the sleeves last year since i could roll them down when i got too hot.

 

[frisbeego]

Were the official race shirts short sleeved last year? I plan to wear them each day (I will be getting 3), but if they are long sleeve I guess I will have to pack other clothes!

I assume you're doing the 10K and half because you mentioned getting 3 shirts (10K + half + challenge shirts). But, just in case you meant to include the 5K, that shirt is short sleeve.

 

[frisbeego]

Did anyone else get this email today?

You've been selected for a Secret Mission with an elite group of Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Participants.

To enhance your runDisney experience, we're making the following exclusive services* available to you on Thursday, November 12th. We invite you to join our mission experience free of charge, and should you elect to participate, we'll be asking for your feedback for future opportunities at runDisney Events.

6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
• Early Shopping Hours for runDisney Merchandise in the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Access to runDisney Race Concierge
• Packet Pick-Up in one private location for all of your Race Packets, gEAR Bags, and pre-purchased Commemorative Items
• Light Refreshments in a private lounge area for Secret Mission Participants

* Event times are subject to change. This runDisney experience is only valid for the person receiving this email, as this offer is non-transferable.

My question: Would I be able to pick up my 6 yo son's packets at this private location too??

 

[tiffjoy]

What about black sleeves? I know Sparkle Athletic sells them at the expo. Also, they are having expo pick-up right now. http://sparkleathletic.com/shop/midnight-sparkle-sleeves/ They might be shinier than you want though. I loved wearing the sleeves last year since i could roll them down when i got too hot.

Soo cute! But sparkle doesn't really jive with Black Widow, and I didn't see any plain black ones. I was wondering if I might be able to find sleeves at the expo, though.... how long are lines for things like that?

 

[courtneybeth]

Did anyone else get this email today?

I did not get that email. It sounds awesome!

 

[Kathymford]

Did anyone else get this email today?

You've been selected for a Secret Mission with an elite group of Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Participants.

To enhance your runDisney experience, we're making the following exclusive services* available to you on Thursday, November 12th. We invite you to join our mission experience free of charge, and should you elect to participate, we'll be asking for your feedback for future opportunities at runDisney Events.

6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
• Early Shopping Hours for runDisney Merchandise in the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Access to runDisney Race Concierge
• Packet Pick-Up in one private location for all of your Race Packets, gEAR Bags, and pre-purchased Commemorative Items
• Light Refreshments in a private lounge area for Secret Mission Participants

* Event times are subject to change. This runDisney experience is only valid for the person receiving this email, as this offer is non-transferable.

My question: Would I be able to pick up my 6 yo son's packets at this private location too??

I did not get this one, but I have been getting ZERO of the race-specific emails. I sure get the ones from them when they want to tell me about new races though!

Soo cute! But sparkle doesn't really jive with Black Widow, and I didn't see any plain black ones. I was wondering if I might be able to find sleeves at the expo, though.... how long are lines for things like that?

There are also these, but I'm not sure if they will be bringing them to the expo http://sparkleskirts.com/collection...cts/sparkleprincess-sleeves?variant=358692239

It depends on the booth on how busy it is. Nothing like the official merchandise lines though.

 

[DVCFan1994]

Did anyone else get this email today?

You've been selected for a Secret Mission with an elite group of Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Participants.

To enhance your runDisney experience, we're making the following exclusive services* available to you on Thursday, November 12th. We invite you to join our mission experience free of charge, and should you elect to participate, we'll be asking for your feedback for future opportunities at runDisney Events.

6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
• Early Shopping Hours for runDisney Merchandise in the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Access to runDisney Race Concierge
• Packet Pick-Up in one private location for all of your Race Packets, gEAR Bags, and pre-purchased Commemorative Items
• Light Refreshments in a private lounge area for Secret Mission Participants

* Event times are subject to change. This runDisney experience is only valid for the person receiving this email, as this offer is non-transferable.

My question: Would I be able to pick up my 6 yo son's packets at this private location too??

I got it. I had the same questions. Can I get my kids 5k and maybe even DHs 5k packets at the same time? I won't be there in time for the shopping, but I am all over the possibility of not going for my 5k, the IGC packet, my coast-to-coast wristband etc. I am going to reply with that question and see what they say.

Just out of curiosity, are you going Coast to Coast? Just curious how they picked people for this.

 

[frisbeego]

I got it. I had the same questions. Can I get my kids 5k and maybe even DHs 5k packets at the same time? I won't be there in time for the shopping, but I am all over the possibility of not going for my 5k, the IGC packet, my coast-to-coast wristband etc. I am going to reply with that question and see what they say.

Just out of curiosity, are you going Coast to Coast? Just curious how they picked people for this.

I got my coast-to-coast at Star Wars this year (that seems SOOOO long ago), so I won't get it again. Maybe we were chosen randomly.

 

[SeaPic]

I haven't gotten any of the emails either although DH does. "OMG Sarah, they want us there at 4am!" Thankfully I knew this from this thread and didn't freak out. I can't see us getting there that early. He may be in A but I'm in E and am already contemplating wearing a trash bag to keep warm. I wonder how well their warning will work.

 

[Davidg83]

According to someone posting on the FB run group, is that the earlier time warning is for something new they are doing: security/bag check before you enter the corrals. Similar to the FL races and the ones you encounter at the esplanade to get into the parks.

"The lines will be mandatory and will be setup supposedly before the corrals, near the finish line, and before entering the family reunion area." Again, I don't know this person, but she seems to have the information, so I thought I would share it.

Selfie stick check! Lol

 

[Ariel484]

So this "secret mission" is essentially that thing they offered for Wine & Dine that cost $200 right? They must be trying to get a bigger sample size to get some feedback on the event. I'm glad they don't seem to be charging for it anymore. If I got that opportunity I would ABSOLUTELY take advantage of it, assuming it worked with my travel plans. Though they're sending it out so late it's impossible for anyone to adjust unless you'll be there anyway...

 

[DVCFan1994]

So this "secret mission" is essentially that thing they offered for Wine & Dine that cost $200 right? They must be trying to get a bigger sample size to get some feedback on the event. I'm glad they don't seem to be charging for it anymore. If I got that opportunity I would ABSOLUTELY take advantage of it, assuming it worked with my travel plans. Though they're sending it out so late it's impossible for anyone to adjust unless you'll be there anyway...

I didn't hear about the $200 dollar thing they offered for the Wine and Dine, I will have to look it up! While it sounds interesting and convenient, I have not had issues with any of my previous packet pick-up experiences, so I can't imagine paying $200 for this. I RSVP'd, so I will do it regardless if I can use it to pick up my family's packets as well.

 

[RnbwSktles]

I assume you're doing the 10K and half because you mentioned getting 3 shirts (10K + half + challenge shirts). But, just in case you meant to include the 5K, that shirt is short sleeve.

I did mean just the challenge. I wish I had signed up for the 5k though since it seems to be Thor themed this year! I love the medal

I guess I will pack some extra tshirts and hope some of the official merch is worth buying! I really want to wear Avengers-themed shirts around with my medals!

 

[DVCFan1994]

So I am curious, do all the DL race vets plan on following the 4:00 Am arrival advice, or do you think that is overkill?

 

[Ariel484]

I didn't hear about the $200 dollar thing they offered for the Wine and Dine, I will have to look it up! While it sounds interesting and convenient, I have not had issues with any of my previous packet pick-up experiences, so I can't imagine paying $200 for this. I RSVP'd, so I will do it regardless if I can use it to pick up my family's packets as well.

This is the thing they had at Wine & Dine...a ticket cost $199:

Welcome Reception
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: hp Field House, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

We're rolling out the red carpet and putting on our white gloves for Disney's exclusive, first-ever Disney Wine & Dine Welcome Reception. This Disney premium event is an amazing evening of fabulous food and wine, private shopping, hassle-free packet pickup and more!

Sample four delicious wine and food pairings with American Olympian and runner Jeff Galloway. Pose for pictures with your favorite Disney characters. Get an hour of pre-opening shopping before the rush at the runDisney Official Merchandise Store. Pick up your runner's packet early without the hassle. And take home some very special gifts to remember the magic including a runDisney rolling duffel bag and a Wine & Dine Half Marathon luggage tag. Make your plans now for the new Disney event that's got everyone talking!

Disney Wine & Dine Welcome Reception Ticket*

• $199.00 (ages 3 and up)
• Children under 3 do not need a ticket

Disney Wine & Dine Welcome Reception Ticket Includes:

• Concierge Style Packet Pickup
  • Your race packet and all pre-purchased merchandise will be hand delivered to you as you check in
• Four Tapas Style Wine Pairings with host Jeff Galloway*
  • Deconstructed Chicken Tamale / Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
    
    • Pan Seared Halibut – White Chocolate Beurre Blanc – Fava Bean Hash / Chalone Monterey Chardonnay
    • Sliced Beef Tenderloin – Shiraz Demi – Candied Bacon Brussel Sprouts / 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Falafel Gyro – Naan Bread – Tzatziki / Tangent Sauvignon Blanc
• Exclusive, pre-opening shopping at runDisney Official Merchandise Store
• Disney Character Meet and Greet with International Flair
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Luggage Tag
• runDisney rolling duffel bag

So I am curious, do all the DL race vets plan on following the 4:00 Am arrival advice, or do you think that is overkill?

So, I'm not going to this race, and I wouldn't consider myself a DL race vet (seeing as I have only done one race weekend at DL), but I AM a rule follower - I would do that they say. After all of the money spent I wouldn't want to take any chances of not getting to participate.

 

[RnbwSktles]

• 
  

So, I'm not going to this race, and I wouldn't consider myself a DL race vet (seeing as I have only done one race weekend at DL), but I AM a rule follower - I would do that they say. After all of the money spent I wouldn't want to take any chances of not getting to participate.

I also like to be early to these type of events just in case, but I don't think I'll be following this advice. I think I'll leave my hotel on Harbor around 4. I'm not checking a bag so I don't have to worry about that. I honestly feel like there is so little that can go wrong when you're not driving in and dealing with traffic. At WDW, they had a "go around" at security for people who didn't have bags, so I assume it will be similar here. If not, I'll let everyone tell me "I told you so!"

 

[Castle2Castle]

So I am curious, do all the DL race vets plan on following the 4:00 Am arrival advice, or do you think that is overkill?

We've only done one Disneyland race before, but we've done several WDW races with the same early start time. As for Dumbo in September, I seem to recall a lot of complaints revolving around traffic being backed up and trouble getting into the pay lots -- along with complaints about the fact that the lots were the standard pay rates, before they finally just started waving people in without the charge to get everyone parked.

Between our past experiences and what I think contributed to DL issues recently, I think we're going to treat this 4:00 AM arrival time as being comparable to the WDW request to be on the buses by 4:00 AM, or in this case for those driving to the start to be arriving by then. Since we'll be walking over from Katella, I think we should be able to leave our hotel and make it into our corral without leaving the hotel before 4:00 AM.

 

[DVCFan1994]

I got my coast-to-coast at Star Wars this year (that seems SOOOO long ago), so I won't get it again. Maybe we were chosen randomly.

I never get picked randomly for anything Thats probably all it is though.

I also like to be early to these type of events just in case, but I don't think I'll be following this advice. I think I'll leave my hotel on Harbor around 4. I'm not checking a bag so I don't have to worry about that. I honestly feel like there is so little that can go wrong when you're not driving in and dealing with traffic. At WDW, they had a "go around" at security for people who didn't have bags, so I assume it will be similar here. If not, I'll let everyone tell me "I told you so!"

We've only done one Disneyland race before, but we've done several WDW races with the same early start time. As for Dumbo in September, I seem to recall a lot of complaints revolving around traffic being backed up and trouble getting into the pay lots -- along with complaints about the fact that the lots were the standard pay rates, before they finally just started waving people in without the charge to get everyone parked.

Between our past experiences and what I think contributed to DL issues recently, I think we're going to treat this 4:00 AM arrival time as being comparable to the WDW request to be on the buses by 4:00 AM, or in this case for those driving to the start to be arriving by then. Since we'll be walking over from Katella, I think we should be able to leave our hotel and make it into our corral without leaving the hotel before 4:00 AM.

I was planning on leaving VGC at 4:30, now I am thinking we should leave at 4 as well. Especially for the 5k, my daughter (then 6) did fine with the Frozen 5k in February, but we drove, and sat in the car to stay warm for a while. But my son, 9, has never done one of these and although I think he'll be fine, I really don't want to get there so early we are literally standing around for 90 minutes. I don't care if I am there super early for the 10k and half, if I have any concerns after Friday, thats what I will do. But my feeling is this suggestion is aimed more at people driving in or relying on bus transportation to get them there.

Does anyone have any insight into the 5k corrals? How many there are and predictions on where the bib number cut-offs are? And am I the only one stalking this site and rD social media for merchandise reveals?

 

[RnbwSktles]

And am I the only one stalking this site and rD social media for merchandise reveals?

No I am too! Constantly refreshing everything (this, facebook, twitter). I wouldn't really care except that I want to see if anything is worth purchasing so I can adjust how I pack, which needs to be done tonight!