Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[opusone]

that is very interesting, i didn't catch that either. I just pulled up google maps and did some measuring. Its very consaevable that starting on floridian way they could go through MK, down world drive to DHS, through DHS and along canal and through Epcot to make the 13.1. That could be really cool. I loved running thru AK both times that I have but AK is the furthest from anything str wars themed, would love if I am right on going through the other three instead. They could do a lot more in the SW them of things.

Oh, I really like this thought. MK, DHS, Boardwalk & Epcot. That would be a great route!

 

[courtneybeth]

I'm wondering if the less-than-stellar reports from last year's race have anything to do with nothing being on hold today (which - I would think most of those issues will be addressed for 2017).

This, combined with the warmer temperatures in Florida for April is why we've decided to sit this one out.

 

[MyFavEeyore]

For the half marathon, if they start at about mile 8 of the WDW Marathon route (on Floridian Way by MK/TTC parking lot) and cut out ESPN WWOS completely, they could go to Animal Kingdom, Osceola Parkway, World Drive, Buena Vista Drive, Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk Path, Epcot, and finish in Epcot parking lot. That would be about 13 miles.

For the 10k, I have no idea what they would do for the route... maybe Floridian Way straight to World Drive, then to Epcot for one complete loop around Epcot with the finish in the Epcot parking lot. Any other guesses?

In any case, this may change my thoughts on where to stay.

Do you mean on-site vs. off-site Disney property, or a Disney resort itself?

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

Interesting that nothing is on hold or sold out yet, not even the 10K. It's either price or maybe the fact that race weekend is the week after Easter that is holding people back. Perhaps it's too close to people's kids' Spring Breaks and they can't commit to it. I'll be curious to see when the early registration sells out and how general goes next week. Hoping my sister can get into the 10K. My Dad is a DVC member but we have a different address so it doesn't sound like a good idea to risk signing up today and getting kicked out if they check.

This plus runDisney race sales have seemed to be slowing down. Perhaps they are offering to many. Perhaps, runners have already allocated their money to a different runDisney race and then Disney announces a new one. I think runDisney has reached their tipping point. Tink wasn't even sold out this year.

 

[opusone]

Do you mean on-site vs. off-site Disney property, or a Disney resort itself?

I was referring to which Disney resort, not on-site/off-site. Poly will likely be very near the start (i.e. walkable). Grand Floridian may even be close depending on exactly where the start line is.

 

[cavepig]

It doesn't mention what parks or how many on the half, does it? So, yeah could be anything, I was thinking start at TTC or the old speedway area maybe.

For the 10k it says: "The Star Wars 10K is packed with 6.2 miles of running excitement. The thrills begin on Floridian Way where you will head to Disney's Hollywood Studios® running down Hollywood Boulevard past Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and on to Epcot® where you will complete your journey!" I'm just glad no gravel road with Wide World...my parents ran it this year and that was their least favorite part and maybe people will be more spread out hitting the tight spots of the parks and the Yacht/Beach area that I read about this year.

Looks like though they realized finished at ESPN was not the best idea in the long run.

 

[opusone]

For the 10k, I have no idea what they would do for the route... maybe Floridian Way straight to World Drive, then to Epcot for one complete loop around Epcot with the finish in the Epcot parking lot. Any other guesses?

Okay, I'm an idiot. For the 10k, the website states "The thrills begin on Floridian Way where you will head to Disney's Hollywood Studios® running down Hollywood Boulevard past Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and on toEpcot® where you will complete your journey!" So, it seems we now know the rough 10k route; therefore, it is likely that @tkbk is on the right track since they will likely end the half with a similar route as the 10k. So, add on miles by going through MK first!

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Edit: @cavepig, you beat me to the 10k quote.

 

[MyFavEeyore]

I was referring to which Disney resort, not on-site/off-site. Poly will likely be very near the start (i.e. walkable). Grand Floridian may even be close depending on exactly where the start line is.

Huh...yes, you're right. I guess that wouldn't matter for me and my family though as the funds aren't there to stay at the high-end resorts. So it's back to CBR for us. LOL

 

[wehrengrizz]

Interesting that nothing is on hold or sold out yet, not even the 10K. It's either price or maybe the fact that race weekend is the week after Easter that is holding people back. Perhaps it's too close to people's kids' Spring Breaks and they can't commit to it. I'll be curious to see when the early registration sells out and how general goes next week. Hoping my sister can get into the 10K. My Dad is a DVC member but we have a different address so it doesn't sound like a good idea to risk signing up today and getting kicked out if they check.

I'm in the "lucky" spot of my kids' school district having no spring break for 2 yrs running. BUT that means I have no issues with pulling DS out of school for a surprise trip...haha Meanwhile the other kids will probably cast curses on us while we're away.

 

[wehrengrizz]

I'm in for the 5k! @wehrengrizz and I decided to make this a momma & 1st born trip!

So now I get to sweat it out for the next week until regular registration opens! Luckily we're pretty sure it will still be slow to sell out...after I get DS and myself in, it can sell as fast as it wants but I'm TOTALLY cool with low crowds
I'm also possibly delusional.

 

[opusone]

AP/DVC 10k on hold.

 

[The Expert]

Looks like though they realized finished at ESPN was not the best idea in the long run.

I wonder, too, if the pending construction there to build the mega cheerleading HQ is a factor? Either way, glad to see them cutting out WWOS from these routes!

 

[cavepig]

10k says SOLD OUT (3:33pm eastern on my computer)

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I'm in the "lucky" spot of my kids' school district having no spring break for 2 yrs running. BUT that means I have no issues with pulling DS out of school for a surprise trip...haha Meanwhile the other kids will probably cast curses on us while we're away.

No Spring Break? Ugh, that sounds awful. For the sake of the teachers and the students, I hope your school district at least has some other shorter breaks or days off throughout the late winter and spring.

 

[cavepig]

So, just registered for the 5k too! We don't do ADRs or special parties and no other races during the year, so yeah I justified the cost and my Mom told me "You Only Live Once".

 

[tlmadden73]

Hi all ..
A potential new runner here and I am debating trying out this 5k. (Can't register until next week I think).

Any feedback from anyone doing the 5k last year?

What is the cancellation policy? My wife is pregnant and we are still deciding if we want to go to WDW with a 6 month old.

It says the 5k is in EPCOT .. so do I (and my guests) need a park ticket for the race day? What is the spectating like (for say my relatives?).
WAIT .. did I just read the race starts at 6:00 AM?? Hmm .. while I think this would be fun .. I don't know about a 6:00 AM race ..LOL.

Also .. is there concerns on the crowd levels (of the parks before/after the races) as this is the week after Easter (and a week after the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando?)

 

[PrincessV]

I'm wondering if the less-than-stellar reports from last year's race have anything to do with nothing being on hold today (which - I would think most of those issues will be addressed for 2017).

This race sold sort of slowly for them last year, so I'll be interested to see what happens this year.

I think so, too - anecdotally I've seen a number of people in my running groups say they're skipping it in 2017 or will only do the 10K or only the half this time because last year was such a hot mess. I'm remaining cautiously optimistic that it can't be tht bad two years in a row and went for the challenge again, lol!

Looks like though they realized finished at ESPN was not the best idea in the long run.

I'm SUPER happy to see them ending in EP this time - much better! And starting on Floridian Way has to mean pre-race staging at the TTC lot. Between EP and TTC, they should be able to handle buses and traffic substantially better then WWOS did.

 

[Tasmen]

I'm SUPER happy to see them ending in EP this time - much better! And starting on Floridian Way has to mean pre-race staging at the TTC lot. Between EP and TTC, they should be able to handle buses and traffic substantially better then WWOS did.

I'm definitely amped about this apparent change given all I read about last year. It also really makes me wish we were staying at the Poly instead of BCV. Being able to walk to the run in the morning sounds absolutely divine.

 

[PrincessV]

Hi all ..
A potential new runner here and I am debating trying out this 5k. (Can't register until next week I think).

Any feedback from anyone doing the 5k last year?

What is the cancellation policy? My wife is pregnant and we are still deciding if we want to go to WDW with a 6 month old.

It says the 5k is in EPCOT .. so do I (and my guests) need a park ticket for the race day? What is the spectating like (for say my relatives?).
WAIT .. did I just read the race starts at 6:00 AM?? Hmm .. while I think this would be fun .. I don't know about a 6:00 AM race ..LOL.

Also .. is there concerns on the crowd levels (of the parks before/after the races) as this is the week after Easter (and a week after the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando?)

I LOVED the 5K! It was an absolute blast for this Star Wars geek. So. Much. Fun.
There is no cancellation policy - all registrations are final and no refunds, so if you opt not to go, you'd just eat the registration fee.
No park ticket needed - the race starts and ends in the parking lot, so you run through EP and back out.
6am isn't the half of it - you'll need to board a bus about an hour and a half to two hours before start time. VERY early mornings for Disney racing!
Crowd levels should be about the usual non-Spring Break spring level: nothing like Easter/Christmas/NYE/July 4, but certainly not empty. Busy, but manageable.

 

[wehrengrizz]

No Spring Break? Ugh, that sounds awful. For the sake of the teachers and the students, I hope your school district at least has some other shorter breaks or days off throughout the late winter and spring.

Yeah it's pretty much the worst. We have snow make up days (it's insanely rare to get snow days here, they even have outdoor recess until it's COLDER than -15*F), but if we don't have snow days then those are days off. They took away fall break and spring break, it's a short holiday break...I don't really understand but I guess it's pretty much "can't please everyone EVER". My friends who are teachers kind of hate it too but :-/

Hi all ..
WAIT .. did I just read the race starts at 6:00 AM?? Hmm .. while I think this would be fun .. I don't know about a 6:00 AM race ..LOL.

It's DEFINITELY earlier than a 6AM race haha, like PP said, you're on a bus on the way there WAY before that unless you want to miss out. Only my race at DLR was not so early.

Also .. is there concerns on the crowd levels (of the parks before/after the races) as this is the week after Easter (and a week after the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando?)

My TA said that since it's the week after Easter and almost every spring break is over at that point then it will be much lower than usual spring (whatever that means?)