Question re:checking in for 1/2 marathon

[KristinandChris]

Hi everyone,

Finally getting back on track to train for the WDW 1/2 marathon, woo hoo! Hubby and I are trying to finalize our airline/hotel reservations. We're thinking of flying in Friday night (landing in Orlando around 7:10) but then I noticed the thing about checking in at the Expo. I've obviously never done the race before so what does that entail? The hours are Friday are only until 8pm so I don't think we'll make it there in time. Is that checking in to get your goody bag or is it a requirement before the race? Do we check in before the race Saturday am? My parents are meeting us down there and they'll get there before us - could they check us in at the Expo or is that not allowed?

Sorry for all the questions! Apart from a few local 5ks I'm a newbie to this stuff TIA!

 

[syko]

Your parents can go to the expo for you and get your stuff, but they will havr to have your ID and permission in writting to do so.

You do need to go the expo to get your bib ect before the race if not you will not be running!!!

Landing at 7:10 is too late to get to the expo. Sorry.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I would suggest flying in on Thursday night if it's at all possible, and then visiting the expo on Friday morning to pick up your bib, timing tag, and goodie bag. The expo is quite interesting to go through if you've never been to a big race expo, and then you'll have the rest of the day to relax before your half. There is no race day packet pickup - you show up for your race with your bib pinned to your shirt and your timing tag on your shoe, and head to the start line.

Your parents can pick up your packet for you, but they will need a photocopy of your photo ID, written permission from you to pick up the packet, and your signed waiver form (Disney will email it to you a couple weeks before the race). They wouldn't want to do this much later than 5:00 on Friday, because it can take a bit of time to get a bus to WWoS from their resort, and the lines are often long on Friday night.

My DH is running the marathon and is not arriving until Saturday, but I am running the Goofy + the 5K, so I'm arriving Wednesday night to make Thursday packet pickup before the Friday 5K. I'm also picking up DH's packet for him. I would recommend giving yourself a day before the event, if at all possible, to unwind, get your stuff in order, and go to bed early (if you can sleep! ) before your race.

 

[wtpclc]

Have your parents pick up your stuff as Sarah instructed (ID copy, Permission and waiver) if you can't change your flight. While it will be a bit picked over, you can go to teh expo on Saturday after teh race to look at merchandise.

 

[FireDancer]

Another thing to think about: if you parents are close I would have them go to the expo on Thursday or early Friday before you are on your plane to pick everything up. That way if there is a problem then can get in touch with you and work it out, which is much harder if you are already in transit.

Send the original signed waver via mail, don't scan and email or fax it, send a color copy of your ID, and a signed letter giving your parents permission to get your packet. Make sure your parent check the number and chip (via a computer scanner in the area) to make sure that the chip and number are set to you. If they are a bit confused the people there can help them. If they can be there as close to opening either day as possible it will be less crowded and chaotic.

Ideally I would get in late Thursday or early Friday and do it yourself though, the whole process is part of the fun of doing the race.

 

[KristinandChris]

Thank you all so much! I knew this was the place to go for easy answers I'll take a look at the flights again and see if we can fly in Thursday night, otherwise I'll send the paperwork for DH and I with my parents.

I definitely will try and get to the Expo myself either Friday or Saturday. I'm really excited to participate in the race (hopefully I will finish!) and to bring our daughter for the first time. She'll be 15 months so she obviously won't remember anything but we should get some cute pictures I keep telling my parents to make sure they stake out a spot along Main Street so we can wave at her! We're also spending Christmas 2010 in WDW so she should be able to ride more stuff then

Thanks again!