Spectator Logistics for 2011

['ohanaof5]

I really need some help guiding my family to see me running. I am doing the Goofy in January. I am hoping they will still be asleep during the 1/2 on Saturday so no problems there. BUT I would like them to have a place to cheer for me on Sunday during the full. This will be my third full and crowd/weather circumstances have kept them from seeing me run in a race. This is really important to me b/c my kids 12, 9, 7 watch me train all the time and are so loving and encouraging. Last race I did in Nashville they had made signs and were really looking forward to cheering for mommy. It was my youngest birthday and unfortunately there was terrible hail and bad thunderstorms that ended the race at mile 20 for me

We are staying at AKV so here is my plan please advise if it will work. It looks as though the runners come fairly close to AKV and I was going to have them walk there for cheering at MM 18, then I was hoping they could either (a) drive to Epcot to see me finish OR (b) take the bus from AKV to Epcot to see me finish. I am planning on enjoying this run which equals 11 min pace for me. I imagine from 18-26 it will take me ~1.5 hrs. Surely they will have enough time to make it to the finish line right?? Should they drive or take the bus?

Thanks for your input!

 

[jmasgat]

When the marathon exits AK, it doesn't really come close to AKV, so I don't think walking from AKV would work (distance-wise or safety-wise).

Depending on how early your family gets up, they could try to see you at mile 13 (past the Grand Floridian). Then they could walk to TTC and catch the monorail at Epcot---or even stop and have some Tonga Toast at Polynesian before they head over to Epcot!

One other possibility--suggested by Coach Charles (cewait) is the following....

Actually, a really GREAT place is McDonald’s Hill. Here is why…

It is approximately Mile 19.5 in the race. Most runners are facing the end of their training distance and need some loving. A friendly face, kind word, twizzlers, noise will help.

Where is McD Hill? It is the overpass over Buena Vista Drive. It is the exit off Osceola for the All Star Resorts, Blizzard Beach and Coronado Resort. I am not sure how well McD protects their lot from bandit parkers but if they post towing signs you could always park at All Stars and walk up. You will be on a bridge that is protected from vehicle traffic as all traffic from AK is forced to exit at the same exit.

That should also leave time to get to Epcot.

Maura

 

[scoolover]

Can they take a bus to AK? My family has always seen me there and then they hop a but to EPCOT to see the finish. They get there quickly and have to wait a while till I come lumbering in.

 

[Bephus]

I agree that they should take to bus over to AK, see you in the parking lot there and then head over to Epcot via the bus. Taking their car would be longer from AKV since they would have to go all the way around the parking lot, walk to the entrance, see you, walk back to the car... The buses are right there at the entrance and the race goes around the circle there at the front and then through the parking lot.

 

['ohanaof5]

Thank you all for the suggestions/replys. Good to know now b/f we tried that they won't be able to see me at AKV and should bus over to AK with the option to bus to EP for the finish.

 

[rubato]

Slightly off topic, but is bussing to Epcot going to be a nightmare for our spectators? Mine will be coming from breakfast at Chef Mickeys so I was hoping the monorail would make it easier.

 

[BatonrougeDisneyfan]

I don't know about other locations but the lines for the busses to Epcot at AK are terrible! We've watched my husband the past 2 years in front of AK and we took the TTC bus and then the monorail to Epcot. I highly recommend watching the marathon in front of AK, lots of room to see the runners and close to the bus station. Also, AK is around mile 18- a time when runners are really happy to see a familiar face! Hopefully, it will be warmer this year and the ice stations will not be freezing over!

 

['ohanaof5]

I don't know about other locations but the lines for the busses to Epcot at AK are terrible! We've watched my husband the past 2 years in front of AK and we took the TTC bus and then the monorail to Epcot. I highly recommend watching the marathon in front of AK, lots of room to see the runners and close to the bus station. Also, AK is around mile 18- a time when runners are really happy to see a familiar face! Hopefully, it will be warmer this year and the ice stations will not be freezing over!

I noticed this was your first post!



I appreciate your sharing your experience. I will make sure to put this in their notes to go to TTC bus line if the EP line is too long.