Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread

[sunshine269]

So I have been lurking around this thread trying to gather information on the whole Marathon Weekend thing. I participated in the 2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon and have completed 2 othe half marathons. My PR the the half is 2:34...I know it's not great but at least it's something right??
The whole idea of completing a full marathon is so intriguing and exciting to me but I just don't know if I coiuld do it. How does one know if they are ready to take on such a feat?
I have a very busy family life and I'm not sure if I can fit in the intense training schedule either so that is something else I would have to consider.
At the very least I'm going to sign up for the Half and the kids will be participating in the kid's races so we are all very excited about our trip.
Just wanted to hear other's opinions on the subject. Thanks anyone who cares to respond.

That's a great time, much faster than mine. I've also done 3 half's and decided to just go for it and signed up for the full since its the 20th anniversary. I've had many panicky moments since, but too late to back out now

Jennifer

 

[maganda]

From what I read online, that 1/2 was somewhat of a disaster, so definitely don't let it discourage you from doing big races!

Thanks for the encouragement, Jimandami That half in Vegas taught me a lot! Looking forward to seeing how Disney does it and I'm pretty sure I'll be impressed!

 

[ColleenG]

I am doing that one, it runs right past my house every year, and I always say I will run it, so this is the year. PLUS I grew up with Kevin, whose memory this race is being run, so it is extra special!

There are some others in my radar, but nothing I committed to yet. I am doing the Spring Lake 5 next weekend, and some mud runs in July. That is it so far!

I was hoping to do the Spring Lake 5, but I'm on call all next week end.

 

[DisGirlAllie]

My dad and I will be doing the half

 

[KrazyPete]

The course has been officially revealed. A map and video is up on the Marathon site.

This is my first marathon so I don't know what the course was like before... but I'm excited!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

!!!!!

Sweet lord, is the out and back before DHS GONE???

 

[Ariel484]

I have mixed feelings about the new course.

- Really disappointed that it doesn't seem to go through New Fantasyland
- Even more disappointed that they cut out the early-morning run through Epcot. That was my favorite part of the race last year
- Nervous to run on the sloped/banked Speedway...my knees may not like that

However...

- It seems like there are less "back roads" overall, which is nice
- The out-and-back at mile 20/21 from last year's race is gone...even nicer
- Love the 20th anniversary logo


Still super pumped to run this!

 

[Ariel484]

!!!!!

Sweet lord, is the out and back before DHS GONE???

SO excited about that. I about wanted to shoot myself at that part this year! It was easily the worst part of the course for me. UPGRADE!

 

[Goofed98]

The bottom of the Speedway shouldn't be any more banked than the rest of the roads.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I will be a new marathoner in 2013 and hope the course will be an improvement. I ran the first half of the Chip and Dale relay last year and enjoyed getting to MK late in my race (mile 11ish.....) However, this looks interesting since it includes all the parks and ESPN WWS. So....excited and nervous too!

 

[ADP]

Question for you experienced WDW runners out there...Is there a way or a process for upgrading from the half to the full? I've signed up for the half, but might consider upgrading to the full. TIA!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Question for you experienced WDW runners out there...Is there a way or a process for upgrading from the half to the full? I've signed up for the half, but might consider upgrading to the full. TIA!

Yes, e-mail Disney Sports. I think you have to pay a $30 change fee.

 

[DVC_Chris]

Hi everyone,

I checked in a while ago, but think I am ready to to commit to going Goofy. I have done three halves, and just completed my first full earlier this month. While the full did not go as well as I would have liked (I went out too fast and ran out of steam around mile 18), I finished it and that was the important thing.

Looking forward to it.

 

[disney_runner]

Wow, interesting changes to the course! Looks like we're gonna get to know the WWoS a little better! That's a welcome change for the most lacking portion of the race. I do agree though that I'll miss the first part at Epcot in the dark. That was neat. Plus, this puts my usual bathroom break at mile 10 outside of MK now! I rather liked that mile marker being near real facilities! I'll have to re-work that....

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Yeah, apparently my mile 3 bathroom break will be in a bush somewhere. Oh, well.

 

[jmasgat]

The out and back on Osceola isn't really gone. Just interrupted by the new stretch in WWoS.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

They are so tempting me to do the full in a couple years. I've done one half, and I'm just starting to train for my second. If they keep this course after 2013, I'll be VERY tempted for 2015.

 

[BigEeyore]

I have mixed feelings about the new course.

- Really disappointed that it doesn't seem to go through New Fantasyland
- Even more disappointed that they cut out the early-morning run through Epcot. That was my favorite part of the race last year
- Nervous to run on the sloped/banked Speedway...my knees may not like that

However...

- It seems like there are less "back roads" overall, which is nice
- The out-and-back at mile 20/21 from last year's race is gone...even nicer
- Love the 20th anniversary logo


Still super pumped to run this!

I was thinking the exact same thing about that Speedway! That's too early in the race to screw up my knees and ankles.
Also sad to see the first run thru Epcot cut out, but otherwise it looks like a great course (and LONG - I don't think about just how far 26.2 miles actually is until I see it laid out like that...)

 

[cobbler]

There are lots of races that have some of the course go through speedways. Yes they are banked but the infield area is very flat and isn't a concern, just stay on the flat part and you'll be fine...

I haven't run the marathon before so I can't judge this course compared to others but I am a little sad we will be hitting MK so early in the morning when it's pretty dark yet. Doing the half this year I was in at dawn and it was nice but still seemed kinda darkish.

I really should have no opinion one way or the other since I have nothing to compare to so I'll just be excited

 

[cloudnut220]

I'm excited about the new course! I ran the second leg of Chip and Dale last year and that out and back on Osceola was brutal. I'm excited to see that they're breaking it up somewhat.