pace for 5k and 13k - why are some races 16 min. and some 18 min?

[MichelleB]

Apparently the TOT 5K and 13K are an 18 min. pace but many others are 16 min. How come? Any others that are an 18 min. instead?

 

[Steffwalks]

There are no other races that are an 18 minute pace. As I recall, it was a coalition of Wishers spearheaded by Windwalker and UnltraMickeyMouse that got Disney to change that race to an 18 minute pace during the Inaugeral run.

Because it's an odd number of kilometers, we were all thinking of it as a fun race and asked Disney to think of it that way too. Dave also wanted it to be an inclusive race, one in which the new racer could compete without fear of being swept, which made it more Family friendly.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Apparently the TOT 5K and 13K are an 18 min. pace but many others are 16 min. How come? Any others that are an 18 min. instead?

I don't know for sure, but my guess would be that it is because the ToT races take place late at night, and so there's no pressure to get runners out of the way. The other events all happen in the morning, and so Disney needs to have stricter pacing requirements so that runners aren't tying up the roads and parks all day. That is really the purpose of the pacing requirements, not to penalize slower runners/walkers, but simply to ensure that the race is completed on time to impact other guests as little as possible.

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

I don't know for sure, but my guess would be that it is because the ToT races take place late at night, and so there's no pressure to get runners out of the way. The other events all happen in the morning, and so Disney needs to have stricter pacing requirements so that runners aren't tying up the roads and parks all day. That is really the purpose of the pacing requirements, not to penalize slower runners/walkers, but simply to ensure that the race is completed on time to impact other guests as little as possible.

This was my thinking too, no need for them to get rid of us for paying customers because they will have all gone home

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Actually most Disney races under 1/2 marathon have 15 min pace. The Half's & Marathon are 16 min. ToT is the exception to the rule. Disney wants people out of the way of their guests and limit impact on them.

 

[MichelleB]

Makes sense. Thank you!