POFQ to race start

[Hockeychic]

Is it possible to walk from any of the moderates to the race start for marathon weekend?

Thanks
Kim

 

[bunnyfoo]

I believe you can but whether you're suppose to ... From POFQ, I'm thinking you'd come out the front of the resort and cross the street and the walk to the highway. You'd have to dodge cars but I'm not sure how many would be out at that time of day.

 

[Hockeychic]

Vicky where are you staying? Did you decide yet?

 

[bunnyfoo]

I'm thinking the Poly. I wanted something on the monorail since it's just me. I figured it would be easy to get back to the resort after the full. The jury's still out on whether I should be spending the money but I wanted to treat myself so I'll probably just go with it.

 

[VernRDH]

We stayed at POFQ this year for the half. I would not recommend walking. The bus ride was quick and easy and dark, cause hey its still REALLY dark out at 3:30am in January.

Getting back was a bit trickier, with the wait to get back on the bus after the race. Of course, this year was worse with the weather situation.

 

[cewait]

There is more traffic that one would think. The intersection of Bonnett and Vacation Club is a big kiss and drop area for local runners. In addition, many cast members will be whipping up Bonnett to avoid the huge traffic on World.

It is not advised from a safety perspective.

If you choose to do so, remember that most Orlando mornings are like a spring/summer morning in the rest of the country. The grass is wet from dew and from sprinklers. You may end up with wet shoes before the gun even goes off.

In the event you do choose to walk from PO understand that you will be entering the start area from the incorrect direction. I have read reports of years when security blocked that entrance path. Understand that you must cross an easily patrolled crossing of a canal that is two lanes wide. If they opt to control the intersection the year you decide to walk you may be shut out. If not expect to be challenged at least 2 times if not 3-4 times for a bib. Make sure you can show the bib easily.

You will not be able to drop a bag if you walk as the bag drop is a good .6 miles upstream of where the start is. The benefit of walking would be to wait to close to the start. So you will be without any post race stuff. Then you will be riding a bus back to the resort post race any way.
The bus service works well. Driving works well. Why take a risk of injury/wet shoes for the short cut.

 

[JimB.]

I'll second everyone's opinion. It's not a really good idea & there is TONS of traffic at spots.

The buses (believe it or not) run very smoothly and efficiently for the races. Take those. They are quiet, safe & (As was needed last year) WARM!!!

 

[Hockeychic]

Thanks everyone for the input!!!!

 

[escape]

I'm thinking the Poly. I wanted something on the monorail since it's just me. I figured it would be easy to get back to the resort after the full. The jury's still out on whether I should be spending the money but I wanted to treat myself so I'll probably just go with it.

The Poly is now 40% off for marathon weekend. We stayed there this past Jan. when I did the Goofy and I'm soooooo glad we did. We caught the monorail around 4:45am each day which allowed us to sleep in a little longer. It was a little pricy but it was worth it!!!