questions about watching the DW marathon in Jan.

[sgaudin]

Hi everyone: My husband just signed up for the DW marathon in January. It will be his first marathon and our first trip with the DVC which we just joined a month ago, so we are very excited.

My questions are about where and how the kids and I will be able to see him run? Obviously, we'd like to be at the start and at the finish line, so any tips about either of these locations would be appreciated. Apparently the starting line is maybe in the Epcot parking lot??? Is the finish line there as well?

I'm also looking for two or three points [he'll probably run it in four hours, so at the 1, 2 and 3 hour marks] that are easy to get to, given the transportation issues that day. I assume they would have to be outside the parks as we would need a ticket to get in the park right??? [I'm going to have a non-park hopper ticket to Epcot for that night].

Thanks for your help!

 

[mkymsehi]

Hi everyone: My husband just signed up for the DW marathon in January. It will be his first marathon and our first trip with the DVC which we just joined a month ago, so we are very excited.

My questions are about where and how the kids and I will be able to see him run? Obviously, we'd like to be at the start and at the finish line, so any tips about either of these locations would be appreciated. Apparently the starting line is maybe in the Epcot parking lot??? Is the finish line there as well?

I'm also looking for two or three points [he'll probably run it in four hours, so at the 1, 2 and 3 hour marks] that are easy to get to, given the transportation issues that day. I assume they would have to be outside the parks as we would need a ticket to get in the park right??? [I'm going to have a non-park hopper ticket to Epcot for that night].

Thanks for your help!

I've run the marathon, so I can give you the runner's point of view on spotting your husband.

At EPCOT parking lot, there is the bag drop. Once he goes through there, you won't be able to accompany him to the corrals and start line. You'll have to make your way out to the main "highway" to see him. Keep in mind, there are two different routes at the start of the race, which go in opposite directions. You'll have to figure out if he's blue or red course.

Then, catch the monorail to the Ticket & Transportation Center, or to Magic Kingdom. One other location is in front of the Contemporary hotel. After he passes there, you can walk over to the road that fronts the Grand Floridian. Medium length walk past the Polynesian.

You have the option of going to Animal Kingdom parking lot, Hollywood Studios, and Boardwalk/Beach & Yacht Club. This will be by bus or private vehicle. Vehicle traffic is bad, so expect delays.

If you skip Animal Kingdom, Hollywood studios, and Boardwalk/Beach & Yacht Club, from Grand Floridian take the monorail back to EPCOT. You can catch inside the park to see him come in thorough the World Showcase.

The finish line is fenced off, so if you're going to wait there, be ready to sit or stand for a really long time. Or pay the extra for the Disney Spectator experience (read "expensive").

There are older threads, and new ones will pop up asking the same question you asked. At the race EXPO, you'll be able to pick up a spectator guide.

Have your husband either carry his phone to keep in contact with you, or wear a really bright shirt and/or hat.

Make sure you have a sign, balloon, cowbell, etc. So he can pick you out of the crowd. Be sure he memorizes what clothes you're all wearing so he can spot you more easily.

 

[Sandy321]

CONGRATULATIONS!

We did the Marathon in '08 - -

I did the Half, dh the full marathon -

the lesson I learned to get up EARLY dont miss the BUS! The last bus left at 5am I believe to take the runners to Epcot - I was running to catch that bus! When you get to Epcot you will take the monorail over to MK - you dont need a ticket to get in - and Casey's is open for breakfast - it takes awhile for them to run in tho - but they close roads so you have to know times - I hung out with dh till about 6am - -

at MK stay by Casey's cheer - then move over to the castle - they come running out of the castle -

then hustle to the monorail and go to GF and stand on the road to cheer - then head back to Epcot (I go to the GF monorail, then to the TTC and epcot monorail)

back by BCV - the stormalong bay pool pathway - there is Hurricane Hannahs to get something more to eat - and wait...

or you can just go to Epcot (you'll need a ticket to get in) and wait inside - the place I'd suggest is by the walkway between futureworld and world showcase - you can sit on the planters and watch for them to round the way - -

then go to the finish area and to the pre planned place to met up with dh!

HTH