Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[tlmadden73]

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.

Thanks ...
I just don't know if I am that devoted of a runner to do a 5k at 6:00 AM (even if it is Star Wars themed). I understand they obviously want this done before the park opens (and for heat reasons), but goodness STARTING at 6:00 AM? Is it even light at that time of year? Just seems way too early for a "fun" event.

I don't think my family would want/be able to get up that early to see that ... that could be the deciding factor of whether I decide to do this (or wait until some other race years later).

 

[opusone]

Thanks ...
I just don't know if I am that devoted of a runner to do a 5k at 6:00 AM (even if it is Star Wars themed). I understand they obviously want this done before the park opens (and for heat reasons), but goodness STARTING at 6:00 AM? Is it even light at that time of year? Just seems way too early for a "fun" event.

I don't think my family would want/be able to get up that early to see that ... that could be the deciding factor of whether I decide to do this (or wait until some other race years later).

If it makes 6:00am sound any better, the half marathon starts at 5:00am.

And for both the SWDS 10k (5:30am start) and half marathon this year, I started and finished in the dark. If I remember correctly, sunrise was at about 7:00am.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I wonder what these apparent course changes for Star Wars mean for Wine and Dine. I wonder if those courses are still being determined and could change as well. The Star Wars description mentions Hollywood Studios, but Wine and Dine doesn't. I really want Wine and Dine to include it, even if it's just a small part!

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

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 :-/

I'm a teacher myself (not a classroom, but I work with the students) and I see this firsthand. Our stretch of time between Winter Break and Spring Break this year (January to early April) was the worst, and everyone was feeling it. The kids had a couple random days off for things, but the teachers didn't. I can't imagine if we didn't have that Spring Break week. It was desperately needed. I'm not sure what my situation will be for this coming year (they didn't have enough funding to keep my position at my current school) but if I'm back in the district somewhere else, that stretch of time will be even longer. The Spring Break isn't until the week of April 17th.

 

[SuperRob]

Got my wife all registered this morning. 10K is already sold out for early registration, but at 12:30 Pacific, there were still 1/2 and Challenge registrations left.

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!

I didn't realize they had changed the race path, but if this puts us closer to the Grand Floridian (where we're staying), that will make my wife VERY happy!

 

[MissLiss279]

I really enjoyed last year's course, and I really enjoy running through Animal Kingdom, so I will be a bit disappointed if that is cutout.

I will say that I think I had a better experience last year than a lot of people. When I went through the boardwalk area, for the most part, everyone was going the pace I wanted to go. It was pretty tight but it worked out okay for me. I can see how (like the castle can get) it could get to the point of everyone having to walk or stop to get through there. I would say I'm not speedy, but a middle of the packer. So I agree that it would be best to have that portion later in the race.

Also, I think I was pretty lucky with the All Star buses, because each time I needed one, if one had just left another had already arrived and I didn't really have an issue at all with the buses. I did see the long lines for other buses.

Anyways, I say all this to say, I really had fun last year and enjoyed this weekend. It wasn't all bad, but I do see (from other's reports) that things did need to be fixed. So I am hoping that I will have as much fun this year as last year and that most everyone will have a great experience!

 

[lovingeire]

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.

My kids are in a new school district this year with the weirdest spring break! It starts the Wednesday before Easter and they return a week later on Wednesday, so right before the races! Ugh. I had planned to bring my kids, but I don't think I want to pull them out of school for the days right after break. Plus, our finances have been tight since DH retired from the military so while we think he has secured a job, and I started a 2nd job part time to help, it's probably best they sit out. But I'm already feeling a lot of mommy guilt and this just adds to it. If only their spring break weren't so weird! (or lined up with my race schedule!)

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.

Ok, if they add in MK it will be awesome!!!!!! I would be so happy!

 

[opusone]

I really enjoyed last year's course, and I really enjoy running through Animal Kingdom, so I will be a bit disappointed if that is cutout.

I will say that I think I had a better experience last year than a lot of people. When I went through the boardwalk area, for the most part, everyone was going the pace I wanted to go. It was pretty tight but it worked out okay for me. I can see how (like the castle can get) it could get to the point of everyone having to walk or stop to get through there. I would say I'm not speedy, but a middle of the packer. So I agree that it would be best to have that portion later in the race.

Also, I think I was pretty lucky with the All Star buses, because each time I needed one, if one had just left another had already arrived and I didn't really have an issue at all with the buses. I did see the long lines for other buses.

Anyways, I say all this to say, I really had fun last year and enjoyed this weekend. It wasn't all bad, but I do see (from other's reports) that things did need to be fixed. So I am hoping that I will have as much fun this year as last year and that most everyone will have a great experience!

I pretty much have the exact same view as you from last year. I really enjoyed it and didn't have the problems that others had. That being said, there were enough folks with issues that they definitely need to change a few things for this year. Like you, I hope I have as good a time as I had last year.

As far as Animal Kingdom, I enjoyed running through it as well, but getting there and back definitely took a while. I wouldn't mind going through Magic Kingdom this time just to mix it up (plus, I haven't ever run though MK).

 

[AThrillingChase]

Grand Floridian way...so essentially it starts at or around the TTC. At first when I read that I started thinking they would just copy the Princess or Marathon weekend Half course, but that wouldn't make sense starting there (and thank goodness because I got really aggravated thinking it was another copy!)

I just had to get out my event guide from 2016 (which I won't have handy to reference for next year since they won't print them anymore!) I remember it was a very crowded course, but I just thought it was because I dropped back to run with a friend in a later corral. From what others are saying, it was like that all over. So, I would be happy with a half going through Tomorrowland in MK to HS to EP course. So I guess here are some of my random course location thoughts based on last year's course and my hopes for this year...

-- TTC - has the square footage to pull it off. And a monorail to help with overflow parking for guests. It could start slow running past the resorts with plenty of room for the crowds to start spacing themselves out. Enter MK in the back and make our way through Tomorrowland and out down main street (a partial reverse of Princess).
-- Tomorrowland - aka the only area SW really could fit in at MK. Unless they put Princess Leia in front of the castle taking it over. Because I would support that funny placement too.
-- World Drive - for heaven's sake. Call the 501st. Beg them to line this road. Or dig up every stormtrooper costume you have and line them up. 2016 had such long stretches without entertainment, or with just a music truck. I mean, Princess had a pirate ship here. A SHIP.
-- Hollywood Studios - this portion I really liked. They utilized the stage at one point and put characters on it, they had the music playing, they had 2 stops with the 501st who were absolutely fantastic. This year, they should really look into using the nighttime show projections! At least during the early portions of the race while they can. Maybe the fire shooters once it is light out. I know, I know, we are all going to melt.
-- Walkway to Epcot - I can't even.
-- Epcot - World show case is always fun to run around. Whether it fits the theme or not. Put a Tatooine set in front of Morocco. Hoth in Norway?? Just have fun with it. But. Last year someone here mentioned how they should look into projecting the Death Star onto Spaceship Earth. They did not. And I am not exaggerating when I say that it was such a fantastic idea that I was absolutely crushed when it wasn't there. When we got off the busses, I actually said to my friend "well, maybe they will turn it on once the first runners go??" Crushed.

The theme really was fantastic, and even if they changed nothing I would still be excited to run it. But here is to hoping they really outdo themselves this year!

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

My kids are in a new school district this year with the weirdest spring break! It starts the Wednesday before Easter and they return a week later on Wednesday, so right before the races! Ugh. I had planned to bring my kids, but I don't think I want to pull them out of school for the days right after break. Plus, our finances have been tight since DH retired from the military so while we think he has secured a job, and I started a 2nd job part time to help, it's probably best they sit out. But I'm already feeling a lot of mommy guilt and this just adds to it. If only their spring break weren't so weird! (or lined up with my race schedule!)



Ok, if they add in MK it will be awesome!!!!!! I would be so happy!

That is a very strange structure for Spring Break. I'm sorry it means you can't take your kids with you.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

With the new start/finish spots - guess my hotel plan needed to change. Glad I was able to still get in at VGF with my DVC Points before the Deluxe Studios were completely gone

 

[wehrengrizz]

I'm a teacher myself (not a classroom, but I work with the students) and I see this firsthand. Our stretch of time between Winter Break and Spring Break this year (January to early April) was the worst, and everyone was feeling it. The kids had a couple random days off for things, but the teachers didn't. I can't imagine if we didn't have that Spring Break week. It was desperately needed. I'm not sure what my situation will be for this coming year (they didn't have enough funding to keep my position at my current school) but if I'm back in the district somewhere else, that stretch of time will be even longer. The Spring Break isn't until the week of April 17th.

that seems nuts too! Sorry to hear about the budget cuts...my father taught for over thirty years and I thought id heard it all...but man oh man so many friends in many states are teachers and it's ROUGH.

 

[lovingeire]

That is a very strange structure for Spring Break. I'm sorry it means you can't take your kids with you.

Thanks! It's not the end of the world. I could bring the younger two, but our oldest will be a junior this year and had some issues with his grade last year so I don't want to pull him out this year. And I'd feel mean bringing the younger two and not him.

And I'm sorry about the budget cuts. I really wish education was a higher priority and got a bigger slice of the pie!

 

[DOOM1001]

Is the course changing for both the 10K and the half??I know the finish line at WWoS was somewhat of a disaster but I liked the course and the course is a major reason I run these races,its the reason the Disney half in January has little appeal to me because I find running up and down World Dr.pretty dull.Starting outside Epcot and running through Epcot and the Boardwalk at night was a big draw for me having never run through there in the dark as I never did the full when it ran through Epcot at the start.I'm not saying the rest of the course was amazing but overall I liked it more than running World Dr.I did the Dark Side challenge and on both days and after I finished I just went to cheer the other runners inside WWoS,I ate the items in my RunDisney box and when I finished even though I parked at Epcot I would just get on the bus with the shortest line and I would eat breakfast at whatever resort the bus went to,then I would take the bus to Epcot to get my car.These races are expensive and unique courses and race times like the Night Wine and Dine are what's going to get me to sign up,changing Wine and Dine to another morning race just made that race a whole lot less interesting,the same would be true if you change the Star Wars courses.I would need a better look at what the courses will look like but this just was my rant on how I don't want all RunDisney races to look the same,there has to be new routes they can come up with for their races.

 

[cavepig]

Is the course changing for both the 10K and the half??I know the finish line at WWoS was somewhat of a disaster but I liked the course and the course is a major reason I run these races,its the reason the Disney half in January has little appeal to me because I find running up and down World Dr.pretty dull.Starting outside Epcot and running through Epcot and the Boardwalk at night was a big draw for me having never run through there in the dark as I never did the full when it ran through Epcot at the start.I'm not saying the rest of the course was amazing but overall I liked it more than running World Dr.I did the Dark Side challenge and on both days and after I finished I just went to cheer the other runners inside WWoS,I ate the items in my RunDisney box and when I finished even though I parked at Epcot I would just get on the bus with the shortest line and I would eat breakfast at whatever resort the bus went to,then I would take the bus to Epcot to get my car.These races are expensive and unique courses and race times like the Night Wine and Dine are what's going to get me to sign up,changing Wine and Dine to another morning race just made that race a whole lot less interesting,the same would be true if you change the Star Wars courses.I would need a better look at what the courses will look like but this just was my rant on how I don't want all RunDisney races to look the same,there has to be new routes they can come up with for their races.

Yes, both the 10k & Half are listed as starting on Floridian Way and finishing at EPCOT, so new courses. No way to know exactly what the courses will be until the guide comes out right before. Doesn't sound like it will be Wine & Dine's course as that still says starts at WWOS and no mention of Studios for it where Studios is mentioned at least for the Darkside 10k.

 

[WhereInFlorida]

Grand Floridian way...so essentially it starts at or around the TTC. At first when I read that I started thinking they would just copy the Princess or Marathon weekend Half course, but that wouldn't make sense starting there (and thank goodness because I got really aggravated thinking it was another copy!)

I just had to get out my event guide from 2016 (which I won't have handy to reference for next year since they won't print them anymore!) I remember it was a very crowded course, but I just thought it was because I dropped back to run with a friend in a later corral. From what others are saying, it was like that all over. So, I would be happy with a half going through Tomorrowland in MK to HS to EP course. So I guess here are some of my random course location thoughts based on last year's course and my hopes for this year...

My first thought on this start location was that the course would head south towards AK, following the marathon route to AK, then skipping WWOS to HS and Epcot.

 

[DOOM1001]

My first thought on this start location was that the course would head south towards AK, following the marathon route to AK, then skipping WWOS to HS and Epcot.

I think you're right as the mileage seems to add up.

 

[opusone]

My first thought on this start location was that the course would head south towards AK, following the marathon route to AK, then skipping WWOS to HS and Epcot.

I think you're right as the mileage seems to add up.

That was my first thought as well, but after reading the 10k route, plus thinking about road closures, I'm now leaning towards the route heading north to MK before heading south on World Drive and finishing similar to the 10k route. I think you can get to the correct mileage that way as well (with less major road closures).

 

[Ariel484]

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!

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

Agreed - seems like they'd want to set up the start/finish areas just once for the entire weekend (not counting the 5K since it starts in the Epcot lots) - similar to how the marathon and half marathon start/end in the same places in January. I could see the 10K and half starting and ending in the same place...if they can figure out a way to make that happen it seems smarter to now have to set up/tear down multiple areas.

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks ...
I just don't know if I am that devoted of a runner to do a 5k at 6:00 AM (even if it is Star Wars themed). I understand they obviously want this done before the park opens (and for heat reasons), but goodness STARTING at 6:00 AM? Is it even light at that time of year? Just seems way too early for a "fun" event.

I don't think my family would want/be able to get up that early to see that ... that could be the deciding factor of whether I decide to do this (or wait until some other race years later).

If you look at the runDisney website, all of their races start this early or earlier (with the occasional 6:30AM start or something like that). They used to have night races but stopped doing them.

As you said in your post, heat is a factor, but the #1 priority is getting the parks ready to open. Every single person needs to be cleared, mile markers need to come down, water/Powerade cups and throwaway clothes need to be cleaned up, roads that were closed need to open back up, etc. In addition to whatever routine maintenance Cast Members need to do before the parks open.

And as @PrincessV pointed out, you'd actually need to arrive by probably 5AM at the latest for the race. These are HUGE events - if you're looking to run the 10K I think there will be about 12,000 total runners in that race. So Disney wants to make sure all 12,000 get there on time and all 12,000 are cleared from the parks to open. The 10K looks to be going through Epcot toward the end of the race, and while the first runners start at 6AM, the runners in the later corrals won't start until probably 7AM...so that's 2 hours from the last runners starting until Epcot opens at 9. And with the 16:00/mile pace requirement, the very last runner that starts the race at 7 has about 1:40 to finish...so that's 8:40ish when the last runner goes through Epcot. They really cannot start it much later.

As for whether it's light out or not - as someone who has done a few of these races, it is SO fun and special to run through the parks in the dark. They have everything lit up like they do in the evenings...it's really a treat.