Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend - The Dark Side 2017

[bryana]

Randomly thought about maybe signing up to volunteer for the 10K (maybe that will keep me from changing from the half to the challenge). In case anyone else was interested, it looks like registration for volunteers is Tuesday January 24th at 2pm.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Randomly thought about maybe signing up to volunteer for the 10K (maybe that will keep me from changing from the half to the challenge). In case anyone else was interested, it looks like registration for volunteers is Tuesday January 24th at 2pm.

Give yourself to the Dark Side Challenge. It is the only way you can fulfill your runDisney Dark Side weekend.

 

[DisSconnie]

Randomly thought about maybe signing up to volunteer for the 10K (maybe that will keep me from changing from the half to the challenge). In case anyone else was interested, it looks like registration for volunteers is Tuesday January 24th at 2pm.

Is there any bonus or discount for volunteering for the 10k?

 

[drummerwife]

Give yourself to the Dark Side Challenge. It is the only way you can fulfill your runDisney Dark Side weekend.

Yes. I just signed up yesterday to run the Dark Side Challenge again. The force is strong with this one...

 

[wehrengrizz]

Is there any bonus or discount for volunteering for the 10k?

I believe it is some point system, for the 5k/10k, the half is worth more for reward compensation...I bet after @MommaoffherRocker recovers from crushing Dopey she can explain, she volunteered at W&D!
ETA I'm just bummed you have to be older to volunteer, my DS11 and I would have loved to do that!

 

[bryana]

Give yourself to the Dark Side Challenge. It is the only way you can fulfill your runDisney Dark Side weekend.

I want to so badddddddddd. The whole "sign up for the challenge then get refunded what you paid for the half" part of upgrading is just so annoying. I wish I could just pay the difference. (AKA: I don't want DH to see how much the challenge costs )

 

[KateP85]

I'm running my first half next month for the Princess Half, and I'm debating registering for the Dark Side half too. My biggest concern is the heat in April, so I was wondering if anyone could comment on that if they've run it before? I live here in Central Florida, so I'm used to running in the heat and humidity, but I'm a bit nervous it might be too much for only my second race of this distance.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Is there any bonus or discount for volunteering for the 10k?

You get a one day ticket, a shirt that you wear for the event and the same snack box as the runners.

I think the points are just for the expo and 5k now.

 

[opusone]

I'm running my first half next month for the Princess Half, and I'm debating registering for the Dark Side half too. My biggest concern is the heat in April, so I was wondering if anyone could comment on that if they've run it before? I live here in Central Florida, so I'm used to running in the heat and humidity, but I'm a bit nervous it might be too much for only my second race of this distance.

I live up north in Illinois, and I ran the Dark Side half last year with no problems. However, I was done before the sun came up. I think I remember folks saying it was a little warm with the sun. I'm not sure if we had average temperature and humidity for that time of year or not. Hopefully, someone else remembers and can let you know.

 

[bryana]

According to Weather.com, the average high/low temperature for race day is 83°/63°. Last year, the average high/low for the 17th was 82°/62°, and the actual temperatures ended up being 81° /63° (with 57% humidity). With how wacky our weather can be now, I guess it doesn't really mean much but that's a little lower than I was expecting it to say.

I feel like I remember people saying last year was really hot. Both of the previous rD events I've done (GSC '14; Marathon '15) have been HOT (10 degrees warmer than average). So I'm not expecting anything less because that's just my luck.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

It was hot. I run in Florida but I'm slow so I was finishing in the sun and I overheated at the end last year. This year I will be carrying my own water in addition to getting powerade at every water stop.

 

[camaker]

I'm running my first half next month for the Princess Half, and I'm debating registering for the Dark Side half too. My biggest concern is the heat in April, so I was wondering if anyone could comment on that if they've run it before? I live here in Central Florida, so I'm used to running in the heat and humidity, but I'm a bit nervous it might be too much for only my second race of this distance.

If you are used to living and training in the heat and humidity down here, you'll be fine on race day. There's no way to predict where the temps will end up this far out, just look at the range for the Marathon Weekend races across 4 days this week. It could be hot, it could be cold. Just plan on adjusting your pacing if it turns out to be hot. I'm from NC and found last year's race temps to be quite comfortable, if that helps.

 

[KateP85]

If you are used to living and training in the heat and humidity down here, you'll be fine on race day. There's no way to predict where the temps will end up this far out, just look at the range for the Marathon Weekend races across 4 days this week. It could be hot, it could be cold. Just plan on adjusting your pacing if it turns out to be hot. I'm from NC and found last year's race temps to be quite comfortable, if that helps.

Thank you - I'm definitely used to the heat, it's just the distance is still a bit scary! I think go ahead and register, fingers crossed I'll have some hotter weather to train in before the race itself.

 

[Chaitali]

Thanks for the Saratoga Springs information!

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

I am not doing this race but question for future planning. Do the Star Wars races ONLY have Star Wars characters?

 

[cavepig]

I am not doing this race but question for future planning. Do the Star Wars races ONLY have Star Wars characters?

Yes, based on last year & how Lightside has been. Just Star Wars characters & props.

 

[DisSconnie]

According to Weather.com, the average high/low temperature for race day is 83°/63°. Last year, the average high/low for the 17th was 82°/62°, and the actual temperatures ended up being 81° /63° (with 57% humidity). With how wacky our weather can be now, I guess it doesn't really mean much but that's a little lower than I was expecting it to say.

I feel like I remember people saying last year was really hot. Both of the previous rD events I've done (GSC '14; Marathon '15) have been HOT (10 degrees warmer than average). So I'm not expecting anything less because that's just my luck.

Ugh, this terrifies me as a Northerner who doesn't tolerate heat all that well. I'm contemplating joining a hot yoga place in March so at least I can know I can spend at least an hour in unbearable heat and not pass out.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

The Inaugural Star Wars 1/2 at Disneyland in 2015 had Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Stormtrooper Donald, Darth Goofy, and Chip and Dale as Ewoks at the finish line. However, you could not pose for photos with them and they were not seen at all on the 2016 course. Plan on Star Wars characters only.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I am a bit concerned about the weather in April as well being a Northerner, but I find that I am more affected by beating sun than humidity. The races start at 5:00 am though, so depending on corral placement and time between corral starts, I anticipate getting in most, if not all, of the 10K and an hour or so of the half before sunrise. If it starts getting too hot, I'll have to slow it down for the second part and take advantage of all the water stops.

Edit: I actually see that the 10K starts at 5:30. I could have sworn it used to say 5:00. It does still say 5:00 for the half.

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

The Inaugural Star Wars 1/2 at Disneyland in 2015 had Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Stormtrooper Donald, Darth Goofy, and Chip and Dale as Ewoks at the finish line. However, you could not pose for photos with them and they were not seen at all on the 2016 course. Plan on Star Wars characters only.

That is so disappointing. I would absolutely choose this race just to get a picture with all of those characters tbh. Jedi Mickey is my FAVORITE.