Spectators at TTC for Princess 1/2--which side?

[Koda]

Hi,

DH hopes to get to TTC to watch me during Princess 1/2. I'm not sure what the set up is there. Can spectators stand on both sides? Is one side better viewing than the other? I want to know which side he will be standing on so that we both see each other. I would hate for him to go to all the trouble of getting there, and then miss me because I was on the other side of a wall of runners!

 

[Figment1990]

I would like to know more about the TTC set up as well. My family will be coming by monorail from the grand Floridian to the TTC and then on to Epcot finish line. I hear there can be a big wait at the monorail, can you see runners from the line for the monorail?

 

[dminnie]

I would also like to know more about being a spectator for the PHM. I don't think we'll try to see them in MK as it sounds like it's really busy there (and that probably isn't where they'll need the encouragement.

How easy is it for spectators to get around to view? How do you get from the start to someplace good on the course to view them. Where are the good spots(outside of MK) to view?

Can you see them at the start? Can you see them finish?

Thanks!

 

[flatlandcycle]

The ½ marathon route through the TTC goes under the parking tram underpass (Seven Seas Drive.) It passes between the ticket sales booths on the west side and the gift shop on the east side. Going through the TTC area spectators occupy the left side of the course, from the runners point of view. You are unlikely to see your specific runners from the monorail return line. Spectators can line the west side of the course well into the TTC parking lot. The EPCOT monorail return lines get very long after observing walkers at the Polynesian viewing point. I personally like the MK viewing over the Poly viewing sites. MK viewing should give you plenty of time to get back to EPCOT for the finish, if you skip the Polynesian viewing.

 

[flatlandcycle]

I would also like to know more about being a spectator for the PHM. I don't think we'll try to see them in MK as it sounds like it's really busy there (and that probably isn't where they'll need the encouragement.

How easy is it for spectators to get around to view? How do you get from the start to someplace good on the course to view them. Where are the good spots(outside of MK) to view?

Can you see them at the start? Can you see them finish?

Thanks!

The monorail offers the best transportation. That means getting to EPCOT parking before 5:00 a.m.

You are unlikely to see your runner from the Start viewing corral. It's basically a fenced area in the trees along EPCOT Center Dr. The finish is first-come-first-served bleachers. The paid seating is better. You can see your runner from the regular bus parking at EPCOT mile 11.7-ish. This is not the area used for Race Transportation. I can beat them back to the finish, since they go in EPCOT park proper.

I act as Sherpa for my wife and friends before they enter the bag check tents. After they go back to the corrals, I get in line for the monorail to TTC. They are walkers, so in the past I have been able to see them at TTC and MK. I skip the Polynesian viewing.

As a runner I have told family and friends to go do parks less traveled while I do my runDisney-thing and meet up with them later, after the race is over. There is a chance they will miss seeing me even with the best laid plans.

 

[dminnie]

The monorail offers the best transportation. That means getting to EPCOT parking before 5:00 a.m.

You are unlikely to see your runner from the Start viewing corral. It's basically a fenced area in the trees along EPCOT Center Dr. The finish is first-come-first-served bleachers. The paid seating is better. You can see your runner from the regular bus parking at EPCOT mile 11.7-ish. This is not the area used for Race Transportation. I can beat them back to the finish, since they go in EPCOT park proper.

I act as Sherpa for my wife and friends before they enter the bag check tents. After they go back to the corrals, I get in line for the monorail to TTC. They are walkers, so in the past I have been able to see them at TTC and MK. I skip the Polynesian viewing.

As a runner I have told family and friends to go do parks less traveled while I do my runDisney-thing and meet up with them later, after the race is over. There is a chance they will miss seeing me even with the best laid plans.

Thanks! This is helpful. As a frequent spectator, I've learned I need a good plan to try to see my runners. This one feels kind of frustrating, since I will be relying only on WDW transportation and we've never been to a RunDisney event.

I don't really want/need to see MY runners at the start...just see ANY runners there. I think DD will have to walk most of it because of an injury and I just want to text her with the amount of time she has as a cushion. That piece of information could really make the race more enjoyable for her!

The bus lot at mile 11.7 sounds really good. I know she'll need some encouragement about then.

 

[SunDial]

The crowds are not as bad as the January weekend. I had gone up to shoot friends running the half and full in 2011, 12, and 13. This year I decided to run with them. You will not see your runners in their corral's, but with a little bit of planning you can see them and take their pictures just after they cross the starting line.



Tell your runner that when they go to their corral to stay to the left side of forward motion. They will be easier to spot after they cross the starting line.

My friend that did the full just after the starting line (pink shirt) She did start at the front of the corral but you will still see as long as they start on the left side.




While on the monorail if you have really good "youthful" eyes you can pick your runner out of the crowd. I couldn't as the eyes are not that youthful



Now I said that I just ran the January 1/2 this year and I can tell you it was pretty cool running thru this instead of seeing it from above.

 

[SunDial]

Depending on the speed of your runner you should have plenty of time to get to the TTC for those that choose to go here. I have shot pics at both the TTC and MK. I prefer going to the MK and getting them running down Main Street and then coming out thru the castle.



2 friends coming out of the castle with hands up. Light blue shirt and girl on her right. It will help if your runner has something different than most.

 

[SunDial]

as soon as you see your runner at the castle and depending on the speed of the runner you can make it to the Poly as long as their are no issues with the monorail as I found a year ago. you will absolutely have time to get back to Epcot. have fun shooting from the monorail on the way back. Forget looking for them here

 

[SunDial]

Now when you get off of the monorail you can walk to the finish line or go to where the runners are in the parking lot and about to enter Epcot and then go over to the finish line. This is what I did when I was shooting the run. I have pics of this area on a external hard drive that is in another location otherwise I would post them.


Have fun and make sure you have good walking shoes on. you will be covering some good distance quickly