So what is the 5K like for spectators?

[CarolynFH]

DD & DSiL just signed up to run in the 5K during our long-awaited family trip next January. I know we spectators can't go into Epcot to cheer them on while they're running, so what is it like for us non-participants? Is it worth riding the bus over and back with them and waiting while they run, to congratulate them when they finish? Or should we just sleep in and wait for them in our villa? Would their knowing we're waiting for them interfere with their enjoying the special events inside Epcot?

TIA!

 

[MrsDuck]

DD & DSiL just signed up to run in the 5K during our long-awaited family trip next January. I know we spectators can't go into Epcot to cheer them on while they're running, so what is it like for us non-participants? Is it worth riding the bus over and back with them and waiting while they run, to congratulate them when they finish? Or should we just sleep in and wait for them in our villa? Would their knowing we're waiting for them interfere with their enjoying the special events inside Epcot?

TIA!

My mom and I ran the Royal Family 5k last year. My dad was waiting at the finish line and he was a sight for sore eyes. That same year my dad and I ran EE-- seeing my mom cheering at the end was awesome.

It's worth it to go, IMO, from a runners perspective. Everyone appreciates an extra smiling face in the crowd and the 5k isn't as lengthy as other events.

 

[goofeygirl]

IMO I would sleep in. It begins at about 630 am but you need to be there at about 530am and its dark and cold and crowded.
Once the race starts I don't know where the spectators would go? They really cannot go anyplace but perhaps watch you cross the start line.

Unless the spectators are there as you cross the finish line...that would be nice.

 

[CarolynFH]

Do the special busses keep running, so that we could wait and leave BWV too late for the start but in time to be there waiting when they finish?

 

[homerjay316]

Hi, Carolyn. I'm not sure about the bus schedule. I'd say anything you find online, even on the official website, could be subject to change with the race being 220+ days away yet. All that said, the 5k should take your family less than 45 minutes from start to finish line. You could sleep in a bit, but not much.

I ran the Goofy Challenge in 2012. My wife stayed at the room. On Sunday she ran a load of laundry and sat by the pool until I returned. It would have been nice to see her at the finish line, but I wasn't carrying my phone during the run and finding her would have been a nightmare. I know she wanted to be there for me, but not really knowing what my pace would be, I'm glad she didn't try.

Its great to be encouraged by loved ones and even strangers when you are running, but its your vacation too. If you want to sleep in, you should. I can tell you first hand that I was just as glad to see the wife when I got back to my room as I would have been at the finish line. This year the wife and I will do the 5k and 10k together (I'm going back to try the Dopey Challenge).

Best of luck to your DD and DSiL!