Question about relay...

[AquaDame]

I'll also be sad if they don't do this one again... we already had a vacation planned for later in the year and decided to run the Tink since its on my birthday this year (and closer to home) or else we would have done it since we are suckers for chip n' dale!

 

[cloudnut220]

I did the half and the relay and I REALLY liked the relay. I think it would be a shame for them to cancel it so soon. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it, and the course was much nicer than the regular half course!

 

[jimandami]

DH and I also did the relay and really enjoyed it....I hope they continue it bc we would love to have all the Chip and Dale medals. As far as issues, I actually thought for an inaugural race, it went well. A runner in my corral told me her runner A backed out and they told her she could go at 2 hours so I think that is the announcement many people heard and misinterpreted as "any runner can go" bc DH heard it after I left and that is what he thought they said. As far as the timing, our volunteer at our corral told us our timing mat was out on the course so I knew I wasn't timed until mile 13 so I jogged til then. However, this did bring our transition time up (which was long anyway bc DH had to give me his headphones bc I forgot mine) so in overall placement, it evened out.

 

[jeanneg]

I wanted to let everyone know that I heard back from Disney Running yesterday. If you took off before your partner arrived, you will have an official time but you won't be able to access it online. Everyone who finished in regulation time -regardless of when they took off - is eligible for the coast to coast medal. They were able to give me my precise net time which is something I didn't have since I never signed up for runner tracking. Glad to know that this issue is resolved.

 

[Kristi1357]

I really, really hope they keep the relay! I did leg 2 and had a absolute blast. I already decided I need to find a partner for next year. Please Disney - keep this!!

 

[Optimator]

My favorite part of the relay (other than seeing my DW's smiling face waiting in the corrals) was getting to turn left while those poor suckers running the full had to keep going.

 

[WDWFAN9]

Just got home yesterday from another awesome marathon weekend. Jim and I did the half on Saturday and the relay on Sunday - we thought the weather was wonderful and the WISH team support amazing.

I agree about the lack of merchandise for the relay - and - I had another issue. I pre-ordered two commemorative pins when I registered us for the relay. At the expo the volunteer handed me two marathon pins. When I pointed out that I was doing the relay he informed me that there were no relay pins! I sure didn't want marathon pins since I wasn't doing the marathon and asked for my money back. He directed me to the commemorative solution booth. After waiting in another line the person there told me she couldn't help me since I pre-ordered and didn't have the right kind of receipt. She directed me to the official merchandise area and suggested I try there. Hmm... wait in another huge line and hope someone can help?? Nah, we just didn't bother and I have two pins for a race we didn't do. Bummer.

As far as the relay itself - I did the first part with another WISHer and our hubbies did the second leg. Karen and I started in the back and as we came down that ramp outside Epcot we saw the sweeper bus up above. Yikes! Karen texted the guys to let them know we were relatively on the edge; so when they heard an announcement that you could leave - they left. We aren't concerned about official online results (don't need the race for half2run or halffanatics) but it might be important to other people.

After Karen and I finished we headed to DHS to join wall of WISH green cheerers. It was great to see so many people headed for their well-earned medals!

We liked the relay and will be sorry if it is gone.

 

[jmasgat]

My favorite part of the relay (other than seeing my DW's smiling face waiting in the corrals) was getting to turn left while those poor suckers running the full had to keep going.

I hear ya! I was tired and ready to be done. Nice to chat with you on the bus to DHS.

Maura

 

[jeanigor]

Ahh...never done a relay before, so didn't know it would even be a possibility. My partner was running her first half marathon though so I'm glad I was there to congratulate her and make a big deal out of it!

That was my feeling as well. I wanted to congratulate her on finishing.

I did the half on Saturday and then the second leg of the relay.

Just a couple of things. It was darn cold waiting that long. I wish I would have thought about going to the Poly... I don't understand why we had to be there so early.

The DJ was .... can't find the right word...
"Time to get up! the first runner is nine minutes away!"
Well, my partner was not going to be the first runner. The music was really loud.

Really!?! They were that worried about us using the race blankets? I made sure I handed mine off to the first leg runner.

And lastly, I was there the entire time. At no point did they have tell us that our start was no where near the transition point. I ran out.. saw mile marker 13.. realized then that I hadn't actually crossed a timing pad. Our time didn't start until the halfway point of the marathon. Pretty far from where the first leg runner finished. We should have been told.

I agree. With the cold parking lot. The DJ. The race blankets. And the timing mat.

I used my toosh pad as a pillow, brought along a few towels and cocooned myself in my race blanket from the Donald and tried to take a nap as I knew my partner would be coming in much toward the 3 hour mark. When the DJ started harping at us to get into our corrals at 1½ hours in, I had a few choice words (which I kept to myself) and rolled over and tried to nap a little longer.

I did really enjoy seeing something other than the Donald/Princess course again.

And I really really really really enjoyed the amount of WISH supporters that were on the course. Made it a great time.

And the lovely WISHers handing out sponges and cool wash cloths....

 

[chimera]

My favorite part of the relay (other than seeing my DW's smiling face waiting in the corrals) was getting to turn left while those poor suckers running the full had to keep going.

gee, Mike, I'm hurt you weren't happy to see me there too

 

[liznboys]

My favorite part of the relay (other than seeing my DW's smiling face waiting in the corrals) was getting to turn left while those poor suckers running the full had to keep going.

I felt that way too (who wouldn't?!) and I was thinking, Oh I bet there are some fullers who are cursing me in their heads right now... Lol

What I was thrilled with though, is that although I was happy I was done at that point, I felt like I could keep going. Next year I'm going for the Goofy so I WILL have to keep going!

... I agree about the lack of merchandise for the relay - and - I had another issue. I pre-ordered two commemorative pins when I registered us for the relay. At the expo the volunteer handed me two marathon pins. When I pointed out that I was doing the relay he informed me that there were no relay pins! I sure didn't want marathon pins since I wasn't doing the marathon and asked for my money back. He directed me to the commemorative solution booth. After waiting in another line the person there told me she couldn't help me since I pre-ordered and didn't have the right kind of receipt. She directed me to the official merchandise area and suggested I try there. Hmm... wait in another huge line and hope someone can help?? Nah, we just didn't bother and I have two pins for a race we didn't do. Bummer. ...

Same here, preordered two pins and was very bummed when they handed us the Full pins. I ended up returning them at the POP gift shop with no problems! They gave me two merchandise cards (basically gift cards) with the amounts which my partner and I each used to buy generic Chip and Dale pins and since that was cheaper than the Full pin we had some leftover for whatever (I used mine up at the food court). Next time you're in WDW I would try to return yours!

 

[kmorganj]

I was Runner 1 and came in around a respectable 2:10 only to hear the DJ announcing "here come a few stragglers." um, STRAGGLERS??? From there I tried to go over to TTC to get back to my resort, only to be sent to DHS to catch a bus to the resort from there. Except the resort busses weren't running since it was 8 in the morning. Thank goodness a kind cast member took pity on me and called a bus to come get me. Got a nice private bus ride back to the room, restoring some of that Disney magic.

After doing Goofy last year, and five previous fulls, it was fun to have something new and I love the medal, but I felt second-class the entire weekend. At least put Chip and Dale on stage for the start! (or have Mickey or Donald say SOMETHING about all the relay runners out there!)

I'll be back in the full next year!

 

[mousemgr2]

I wanted to let everyone know that I heard back from Disney Running yesterday. If you took off before your partner arrived, you will have an official time but you won't be able to access it online. Everyone who finished in regulation time -regardless of when they took off - is eligible for the coast to coast medal. They were able to give me my precise net time which is something I didn't have since I never signed up for runner tracking. Glad to know that this issue is resolved.

Thanks! Do we have to call them to get our times? I didn't sign up for runner tracking either.

 

[jeanneg]

I think this is the number I called: 407-896-1160. It is for Track Shack which does all the timing for the Disney races. You can also email them at Disneysports@trackshack.com

Hope that helps.

 

[Sam G]

I did the half on Saturday and then the second leg of the relay.

Just a couple of things. It was darn cold waiting that long. I wish I would have thought about going to the Poly... I don't understand why we had to be there so early.

The DJ was .... can't find the right word...
"Time to get up! the first runner is nine minutes away!"
Well, my partner was not going to be the first runner. The music was really loud.

Really!?! They were that worried about us using the race blankets? I made sure I handed mine off to the first leg runner.

And lastly, I was there the entire time. At no point did they have tell us that our start was no where near the transition point. I ran out.. saw mile marker 13.. realized then that I hadn't actually crossed a timing pad. Our time didn't start until the halfway point of the marathon. Pretty far from where the first leg runner finished. We should have been told.

I forgot to say how much I enjoyed the actual race. I hope they do this relay again next year. It wold be nice if they reconized those who did both day's halfs.. Maybe a "nutty" medal. (I'm stealing that from somebody at the hot tub on Sunday)

If I was only going to run one day's half; I would choose the relay. Fewer people and more spread out.

 

[Optimator]

gee, Mike, I'm hurt you weren't happy to see me there too

Mel - I didn't want to start any soap opera drama so I didn't mention how happy I was to see you. You know the truth though!

 

[scion5220]

I was Runner 1 and came in around a respectable 2:10 only to hear the DJ announcing "here come a few stragglers." um, STRAGGLERS??? From there I tried to go over to TTC to get back to my resort, only to be sent to DHS to catch a bus to the resort from there. Except the resort busses weren't running since it was 8 in the morning. Thank goodness a kind cast member took pity on me and called a bus to come get me. Got a nice private bus ride back to the room, restoring some of that Disney magic.

After doing Goofy last year, and five previous fulls, it was fun to have something new and I love the medal, but I felt second-class the entire weekend. At least put Chip and Dale on stage for the start! (or have Mickey or Donald say SOMETHING about all the relay runners out there!)

I'll be back in the full next year!

I know...it was crazy...those DJs were completely out of touch with what time it was and what pace is considered "normal" LOL!

It's almost as if someone misled them about how long they would have to be out there!