Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[Hokiegal]

I have been a long time lurker-but now I have a question. If our flight arrives at 3 on Friday, would that be enough time to check in at POP and then get to the packet pick-up?
DH and I are walking the 1/2, and he is running the full on Sunday.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Reep]

I have been a long time lurker-but now I have a question. If our flight arrives at 3 on Friday, would that be enough time to check in at POP and then get to the packet pick-up?
DH and I are walking the 1/2, and he is running the full on Sunday.

Thanks for your help.

I don't know how long the expo stays open that evening. If you run late you might need to hit the expo first.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I have been a long time lurker-but now I have a question. If our flight arrives at 3 on Friday, would that be enough time to check in at POP and then get to the packet pick-up?
DH and I are walking the 1/2, and he is running the full on Sunday.

Thanks for your help.

The website says the Expo on Friday is open from 9am to 7pm. Unless you're significantly delayed, you should have enough time.

 

[jimandami]

I have been a long time lurker-but now I have a question. If our flight arrives at 3 on Friday, would that be enough time to check in at POP and then get to the packet pick-up?
DH and I are walking the 1/2, and he is running the full on Sunday.

Thanks for your help.

You could always just get off ME at the first stop, catch a bus to Expo, then catch a bus to Pop!

 

[steves1019]

Sorry if this is in the thread somewhere, there are a TON of posts and I'm not sure when I'll get through them all. This is my first half marathon. And to be honest probably my last. I actually despise running but I wan the challenge and figured if you're going to do it, DO IT! SO off to Disney we go.

Well now to my actual question, my family HATES the morning. I can't see them coming with me at 3:30 am to wait till I run at 5:30 am and probably finish at 8:00am. Any special ideas where they can come see me and not have to wake up SO early?

Here is my current plan, thoughts? We are booked at the Art of Animation the night before the run. I also have a rental car (as we'll be doing non-Disney parks the rest of the week). I plan to take the Disney bus during the 3-4am period. I was thinking the family could drive to Magic Kingdom, park and head in to see me run at the castle, then take the monorail to Epcot to see me finish. After the race we can monorail back to Magic Kingdom to the car. This seems logical but the site says all sorts of roads are closed and that spectators should go over early. I don't want them to miss my one and only half marathon but I don't want to drag them out so early.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[dburg30]

I may have watched this Do the Galloway video 100 times so far this morning.

lol i just watched that, that mickey and goofy have some moves

 

[Reep]

Sorry if this is in the thread somewhere, there are a TON of posts and I'm not sure when I'll get through them all. This is my first half marathon. And to be honest probably my last. I actually despise running but I wan the challenge and figured if you're going to do it, DO IT! SO off to Disney we go.

Well now to my actual question, my family HATES the morning. I can't see them coming with me at 3:30 am to wait till I run at 5:30 am and probably finish at 8:00am. Any special ideas where they can come see me and not have to wake up SO early?

Here is my current plan, thoughts? We are booked at the Art of Animation the night before the run. I also have a rental car (as we'll be doing non-Disney parks the rest of the week). I plan to take the Disney bus during the 3-4am period. I was thinking the family could drive to Magic Kingdom, park and head in to see me run at the castle, then take the monorail to Epcot to see me finish. After the race we can monorail back to Magic Kingdom to the car. This seems logical but the site says all sorts of roads are closed and that spectators should go over early. I don't want them to miss my one and only half marathon but I don't want to drag them out so early.

Any advice is appreciated!

I would avoid the car as much as possible. If they are up for it, I would have them take the bus from the hotel to the transportation station. From there they can monorail to the MK, see you, then monorail back to Epcot.

If they don't care about the finish as much, then they could just get to the transportation center, watch you at mile 4.3, walk W on Seven Seas Dr (short) and then catch you at mile 7.9 (possibly and catch the monorail back to see you finish).

There is no point bringing them to the start because they close off the waiting area to non-runners anyway, and there is no real way for you to be together.

If they do come to see you make sure you know exactly where they are supposed to be (which side of the road, etc.) and they know exactly what you are wearing. It is a sea of people in the race and watching at some points and can be very hard to spot someone. Might have them carry a big decorated bike flag or something that stands high so you can see them as you approach.

 

[kaj1436]

Sorry if this is in the thread somewhere, there are a TON of posts and I'm not sure when I'll get through them all. This is my first half marathon. And to be honest probably my last. I actually despise running but I wan the challenge and figured if you're going to do it, DO IT! SO off to Disney we go.

Well now to my actual question, my family HATES the morning. I can't see them coming with me at 3:30 am to wait till I run at 5:30 am and probably finish at 8:00am. Any special ideas where they can come see me and not have to wake up SO early?

Here is my current plan, thoughts? We are booked at the Art of Animation the night before the run. I also have a rental car (as we'll be doing non-Disney parks the rest of the week). I plan to take the Disney bus during the 3-4am period. I was thinking the family could drive to Magic Kingdom, park and head in to see me run at the castle, then take the monorail to Epcot to see me finish. After the race we can monorail back to Magic Kingdom to the car. This seems logical but the site says all sorts of roads are closed and that spectators should go over early. I don't want them to miss my one and only half marathon but I don't want to drag them out so early.

Any advice is appreciated!

I presume spectators will need a ticket to get inside MK?
Will spectators be able to drive right to Epcot and see the finish or will they need a ticket to access that area?
I am in a similar situation as you. We are staying at AofA as well! I guess I might see you on the bus! I would like my family to see me finish and not sure what to arrange to make that happen.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

I presume spectators will need a ticket to get inside MK?
Will spectators be able to drive right to Epcot and see the finish or will they need a ticket to access that area?
I am in a similar situation as you. We are staying at AofA as well! I guess I might see you on the bus! I would like my family to see me finish and not sure what to arrange to make that happen.

RunDisney has all spectator info listed on their page:

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/#pip-5

Print Page

Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna
Spectator Resources
As a spectator, you play a huge part in supporting your runner by cheering them on and motivating them throughout their training. Below is a guide to help you watch your runner during their magical race at the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend.
The Online Planning Tool is designed for spectators to plan their route along the race course so they can see their runner at key milestones. The ChEAR Squad offers several spectator packages from reserved viewing areas to VIP treatment in the Race Retreat.
Make sure you read the helpful tips on arriving to the race and parking on race day as well as the additional information about viewing your runner in the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.
ChEAR Squad
Be a part of the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend when you join the CHEAR Squad!
CHEAR Squad packages are available for purchase and include:
Marathon Weekend E-newsletter containing information for race weekend
Reserved viewing location at the Finish Line
Much more!
For package details and to sign up to be a ChEAR Squad member, visit the ChEAR Squad page in the Event Overview section.
Runner Tracking
Family and friends will be able to track participants with live online runner tracking for the half marathon and marathon. Participants will have the opportunity to send split times via email and text messaging by registering for this service on the website. You can also sign up for runner tracking at Disney's Health & Fitness Expo.
Check back later for runner tracking information.
Parking
Athletes and spectators should plan on arriving at Epcot® by 4:00 a.m. on Half Marathon or Marathon race morning. The main entrance of Epcot® from World Drive will be closed to all traffic from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the mornings of the Half Marathon and Marathon. All traffic will be directed to the Magic Kingdom® Park Parking Lot where they will be transported to Epcot® via monorail. Traffic will not be affected for the Disney Family Fiesta 5K featuring the Three Caballeros race.
Parking at Epcot® is free before 7:00 a.m., and if you arrive afterward, you will be charged the daily parking fee.
Viewing Your Runner
You can view your runner in a number of different areas along the Marathon and Half Marathon course including the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and the Finish Line area.
Magic Kingdom® Park
Spectators will be able to see their runner run through the Magic Kingdom® Park near Cinderella Castle (Mile 5.3 for the Half Marathon and Mile 10.5 for the Marathon). This location will be open at 5:30 a.m. You do not need a ticket to enter the Magic Kingdom® Park, but to enter the ChEAR Zone area, you will need a ChEAR Zone wristband.
To reach the Magic Kingdom® Park spectator area from Epcot®, walk from the start of the monorail station at Epcot® and ride it to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Exit the monorail, walk down the ramp and follow the overhead signs for the monorail to Magic Kingdom® Park. Ride the monorail to Magic Kingdom® Park and exit the platform heading towards the Magic Kingdom® Park entrance. Proceed through the entrance and Main Street U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle, where you will find the spectator area.
Other Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
If you want to watch your runner in another Walt Disney World® Theme Park, you will need to purchase a Theme Park ticket once that park is open for the day. Transportation to these parks is available through the monorail and bus system at the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Finish Line
Spectators can see their runners again at the Finish Line. There will be a limited number of complimentary seats along the Finish Line available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserved seating is available for purchase through our ChEAR Squad.
The Finish Line is located in the Imagine Lot of Epcot®. To reach the finish line from Magic Kingdom® Park, take the monorail back to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Exit the monorail and follow the signs for the monorail to Epcot®. Ride the monorail back to Epcot® and upon arriving, walk down the ramp and exit to your left towards the parking lots. The Imagine Lot and Finish Line area will be on your right.

 

[kaj1436]

RunDisney has all spectator info listed on their page:

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/#pip-5

Print Page

Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna
Spectator Resources
As a spectator, you play a huge part in supporting your runner by cheering them on and motivating them throughout their training. Below is a guide to help you watch your runner during their magical race at the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend.
The Online Planning Tool is designed for spectators to plan their route along the race course so they can see their runner at key milestones. The ChEAR Squad offers several spectator packages from reserved viewing areas to VIP treatment in the Race Retreat.
Make sure you read the helpful tips on arriving to the race and parking on race day as well as the additional information about viewing your runner in the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.
ChEAR Squad
Be a part of the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend when you join the CHEAR Squad!
CHEAR Squad packages are available for purchase and include:
Marathon Weekend E-newsletter containing information for race weekend
Reserved viewing location at the Finish Line
Much more!
For package details and to sign up to be a ChEAR Squad member, visit the ChEAR Squad page in the Event Overview section.
Runner Tracking
Family and friends will be able to track participants with live online runner tracking for the half marathon and marathon. Participants will have the opportunity to send split times via email and text messaging by registering for this service on the website. You can also sign up for runner tracking at Disney's Health & Fitness Expo.
Check back later for runner tracking information.
Parking
Athletes and spectators should plan on arriving at Epcot® by 4:00 a.m. on Half Marathon or Marathon race morning. The main entrance of Epcot® from World Drive will be closed to all traffic from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the mornings of the Half Marathon and Marathon. All traffic will be directed to the Magic Kingdom® Park Parking Lot where they will be transported to Epcot® via monorail. Traffic will not be affected for the Disney Family Fiesta 5K featuring the Three Caballeros race.
Parking at Epcot® is free before 7:00 a.m., and if you arrive afterward, you will be charged the daily parking fee.
Viewing Your Runner
You can view your runner in a number of different areas along the Marathon and Half Marathon course including the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and the Finish Line area.
Magic Kingdom® Park
Spectators will be able to see their runner run through the Magic Kingdom® Park near Cinderella Castle (Mile 5.3 for the Half Marathon and Mile 10.5 for the Marathon). This location will be open at 5:30 a.m. You do not need a ticket to enter the Magic Kingdom® Park, but to enter the ChEAR Zone area, you will need a ChEAR Zone wristband.
To reach the Magic Kingdom® Park spectator area from Epcot®, walk from the start of the monorail station at Epcot® and ride it to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Exit the monorail, walk down the ramp and follow the overhead signs for the monorail to Magic Kingdom® Park. Ride the monorail to Magic Kingdom® Park and exit the platform heading towards the Magic Kingdom® Park entrance. Proceed through the entrance and Main Street U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle, where you will find the spectator area.
Other Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
If you want to watch your runner in another Walt Disney World® Theme Park, you will need to purchase a Theme Park ticket once that park is open for the day. Transportation to these parks is available through the monorail and bus system at the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Finish Line
Spectators can see their runners again at the Finish Line. There will be a limited number of complimentary seats along the Finish Line available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserved seating is available for purchase through our ChEAR Squad.
The Finish Line is located in the Imagine Lot of Epcot®. To reach the finish line from Magic Kingdom® Park, take the monorail back to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Exit the monorail and follow the signs for the monorail to Epcot®. Ride the monorail back to Epcot® and upon arriving, walk down the ramp and exit to your left towards the parking lots. The Imagine Lot and Finish Line area will be on your right.

Thank you so much! And just to be clear...anyone can go and be a spectator in MK as long as you are there early(before park opening)..and NOT have to purchase the Chear Squad? I presume the Chear Squad just gives you a secured area to view.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I may have watched this Do the Galloway video 100 times so far this morning.

Do you think they were rehearsing for the 20 mile spectacular???

 

[steves1019]

Reep - thanks for the thoughts! Its always nice to get some 1st hand info. When you say avoid car and take the bus. Do mean the 4am bus? Or catch the "normal" non-marathon bus? They start 1 hour before park opening I think, so an 9:00 open means an 8:00 bus. I HOPE I'm past the MK by then. do busses run sooner to the transportation center? Ive been to Disney twice but have never used the transporting center.

Kaj - Ill be on the lookout for you . I saw the whole Cheer Squad thing. I think we're giving Disney enough $, I'll just have the family find a spot to see me. If I were going to set a world record maybe I'd have them get a VIP spot, but let's just say I'll be well behind and world, state, county, town records

 

[Reep]

Reep - thanks for the thoughts! Its always nice to get some 1st hand info. When you say avoid car and take the bus. Do mean the 4am bus? Or catch the "normal" non-marathon bus? They start 1 hour before park opening I think, so an 9:00 open means an 8:00 bus. I HOPE I'm past the MK by then. do busses run sooner to the transportation center? Ive been to Disney twice but have never used the transporting center.

Kaj - Ill be on the lookout for you . I saw the whole Cheer Squad thing. I think we're giving Disney enough $, I'll just have the family find a spot to see me. If I were going to set a world record maybe I'd have them get a VIP spot, but let's just say I'll be well behind and world, state, county, town records

I've never tried to drive before/during the race, but the transportation center is in the middle of the course. They may have ways of letting cars through, but it looks like a headache. The busses seem so much easier.

It could be interesting to hear comments from those who have tried to drive around then.

 

[KSBelle77]

Getting up @5 am to run my 10K on Manhattan, KS! How is every one else celebrating the weekend?

 

[Bephus]

Can you run the 12 miler on Saturday (4 x 3-mile loop)? Then Sunday you can run a slow 6-8 miles as a recovery run.

Well, I found out her neighborhood is only 2 miles. Going to try something Sunday but seeing as it is after 11 and I just got here tomorrow will not be a run day since the heat will not be doable by the time I get up. May try to run Monday as a recovery to Sunday instead of XT. Not going to stress about it

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[ColleenG]

I've never tried to drive before/during the race, but the transportation center is in the middle of the course. They may have ways of letting cars through, but it looks like a headache. The busses seem so much easier.

It could be interesting to hear comments from those who have tried to drive around then.

Not sure how marathon weekend varies from the Princess, but I think the course is pretty similar, so this may work. This year for the Princess, DH drove to the TTC around 6:30ish, I think by then they were directing traffic to the TTC. He went to MK (but didn't stick around long enough to see me ) then he took the monorail back to Epcot to the finish. My mom was staying with the kids and they took a resort bus to Epcot and saw me as we went into Epcot through a backstage enterance. They were the only ones I saw. DH said he saw me cross the finish line but I didn't see him. A sign of some sort or flag would be great to help the runners find their spectarors.

 

[randomiam79]

Just fyi...trying to drive from MK to Epcot to catch the finish is not a great idea. Use the monorail.
I did the relay last year, staying at BLT. After my leg, went back, showered, then decided to drive to Epcot instead of using the monorail. Bad idea. Huge traffic jams leaving MK toward anywhere after the runners finish coming through.

 

[pix13dust]

I love reading this thread! It is so inspiring . Me and the kids ( DS 11 and DD 9 ) just finished our first week of the Galloway method. We are working towards a 5K!

 

[jimandami]

Getting up @5 am to run my 10K on Manhattan, KS! How is every one else celebrating the weekend?

Good luck! Funny, I was actually born in Manhatten, KS but have never actually been there as an adult! I ran an 8-miler this morning, and did ok for 80 something degrees and 97% humidity! I did manage a negative split and that is something I have been working on so I was happy. DH and I still haven't decided if we are doing Mickey or Donald!

 

[tedhowe]

Getting up @5 am to run my 10K on Manhattan, KS! How is every one else celebrating the weekend?

I'm off a bit later for a 10 mile race on the beach! Can't wait