Princess 1/2 and a Disability question.

[MAGICX2]

I am not sure where the best place to post this would be (search function not active yet) so please bare with me. A friend of mine and her mother have been planning for several years to do the Princess 1/2 together. They were finally able to book for this year. Unfortunately, her mother had emergency back surgery about 10 days ago. They called to see if there was anything they could do and "Dennis" the CM she spoke to was very rude and just said "If she drops below a 16 min mile she will be corralled and will be waiting for you at the finish line in a staging area." It has been a dream of my friends to do the Princess 1/2 and cross the finish line holding her mothers hand. Does any one know what options she has at this point? I was thinking if she could manage it, she could push her mother in a wheelchair and cross the finish line that way. Do they allow motorized scooters? What about her mother stepping out when my friend nears the finish line so they can cross together? Any ideas or past experiences would be appreciated!

 

[yulilin3]

I've done about 6 Run Disney events and the CM is right (even though there was no need for him being rude). they do not allow the regular type of wheelchairs, there is a wheelchair division but it requires a lot of training on the athletes part because it's a special type of wheelchair and they push it by themselves. They would've been able to deffer it but it's too late for that now.
The only option is for her to try her best (if she can) and then if she gets picked up she can wait for her daughter at the staging area. Sorry that there are no other options.
There's a WISH board that deals with these events if you look further down on the main forum menu.

 

[MsPoppinsTX]

I ran the Princess 1/2 last year and I don't recall seeing anyone pushing someone else in a wheelchair, definitely not motorized scooters. I was kind of towards the front, so maybe they let wheelchairs in the back, but I doubt it since most races like this don't otherwise allow it (although there is sometimes a wheelchair category that goes first but those are the special kind of wheel chairs that look more like racecars). I would say that it would have been very easy for someone to be on the sideline cheering and jump in and run to the finish with someone else at certain points during the race (although that is probably not something Disney wants you to do). I don't remember seeing barricades keeping spectators completely off the course the entire way, but there might have been some as you make the final mile through Epcot and to the finish. Your friend should still do the race (it's really cool) and celebrate with her mom at the finish line. I don't know what kind of back surgery it was, but sounds like she probably should really be taking it easy.

 

[cavepig]

They don't allow any wheelchairs or scooters at all on the race course (unless you're one of the ones registered as a push wheelchair racer, who go first). It gets way too crowded & congested in areas and wheelchairs & scooters would be a hazard to everyone. She can attempt to walk it & try to stay ahead of pace until the sweepers come.

 

[yulilin3]

I ran the Princess 1/2 last year and I don't recall seeing anyone pushing someone else in a wheelchair, definitely not motorized scooters. I was kind of towards the front, so maybe they let wheelchairs in the back, but I doubt it since most races like this don't otherwise allow it (although there is sometimes a wheelchair category that goes first but those are the special kind of wheel chairs that look more like racecars). I would say that it would have been very easy for someone to be on the sideline cheering and jump in and run to the finish with someone else at certain points during the race (although that is probably not something Disney wants you to do). I don't remember seeing barricades keeping spectators completely off the course the entire way, but there might have been some as you make the final mile through Epcot and to the finish. Your friend should still do the race (it's really cool) and celebrate with her mom at the finish line. I don't know what kind of back surgery it was, but sounds like she probably should really be taking it easy.

this is a definite no no. I've also volunteered for many of the races and we are told to look out for people jumping in and running with someone. It's a safety issue