Phone conversation with Jon Hughes(WDW RD)

[ultramickeymouse]

Hi all,

Executive Summary:

I received a call from Jon on Monday. We talked for over an hour. The gist is he called when he discovered exactly what went wrong. A couple of logistical and communication issues cascaded into the issues on the course. I was reassured that this wouldn't happen ever again! I told him this is all we wanted to hear. He also admitted that there were more than one aid station without water, PowerAde, cups or food. He was quite contrite and truly sorry to have this happen. I think he now truly understands the scope of the issues. As he said, having no water should NEVER be an issue during the race!

We also discussed the new wave start for the 1/2. He gave the impression that he was going to do what most of us thought they should have done: Set up corrals for the different waves. This means that the B wave will have a B1, B2, and B3 corral to separate the runners. He will work to prevent people going into the different waves(ie Wave C runners in Wave A). We also discussed that the Goofy might have to increase the cap above 3,000.

I believe that there will be plenty of aid for many years to come. He doesn't want to have to deal with this again!

He also wanted me to let everyone know that if they email him (jon@emmi.com) their phone number, he would gladly call you to discuss your concerns. He apologized for his employee who sent the email response about the volunteers report from mile 19 aid station. The tone and message were not appropriate.

I think I am covering everything but might have left something out. I as a fellow RD can understand how some things can occur but expressed my stance that some things should never have occurred. He concurred.

Shoot me any questions!

 

[wtpclc]

Shoot me any questions!

But we would never shoot the messenger!

Thanks for the update Robert!!!!

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, and for being our voice!!!


Erica

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Thanks for the update Robert, and for being so proactive about it.

 

[keenercam]

Thanks for the update, Robert. Sadly, I have not had a response to my long, detailed email to Jon that I sent on Saturday. Perhaps as things quiet down a bit, he might have time to respond.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Thank you for letting us know about the conversation. It certainly was a distressing time and I am glad to know I won't ever have to be worried to have a recurrance of any of the bad things. I can only hope.

 

[Big Vic]

I received a nice reply from Jon reference my observations for the 1/2. I have confidence he'll get things fixed for next year.

 

[rKyDeX]

I'm still waiting for Jon to respond to my e-mails sent regarding the 2006 Disneyland Half Marathon.

Chester

 

[KeenHo]

I sent him a note today. I am not really expecting a response, I just wanted him to get my comments and suggestions for improvements.




Howard

 

[gruZ]

Thanks for the update on your conversation. I sent him an e-mail about a week ago and received a response today:

"...Thank you for contacting us regarding the Disney Marathon. As Race Director I take anything that adversely
effects the race seriously. I can tell you that we have identified the issue regarding water and I can assure you that it will
never happen again. If you would like to discuss anything else please send me phone # where I can contact you.

Thank you again for contacting us,

Jon A. Hughes"

The tone of the email matches your description of the conversation, and I believe he understands the issues and have no reason to doubt his commitment to prevent this in the future.

Thanks again for keeping us in the loop!