The 20th Walt Disney World Marathon - Course Reveal!

[thndrmatt]

Makes me wonder if they're going to do waves, because hitting that turn at mile 2 onto World Drive when it goes to 1 lane, instead of hitting it at closer to mile 6, is going to mean people running on the grass all over the place... It's basically the same thing the half does, but they space that race out with the wave system.

I do look forward to getting close to AK without feeling like garbage yet... But that means definitely no Expedition Everest riding.

 

[FFigawi]

I do look forward to getting close to AK without feeling like garbage yet... But that means definitely no Expedition Everest riding.

That's the worst part about the new course. Most people are going to be well past Everest by the time it opens at 9.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Sorry that you fasties won't get to ride Expedition Everest during the event. I really liked those stories. I'm wondering what ya'all will cook up to replace that adventure.

I will be happy with most any route. I am concerned about bottlenecks that will slow me even more than I need. Otherwise, I'm in WDW!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I'm loving this new route. It looks like there is always something interesting just around the corner to keep it fun!

 

[jimandami]

I agree the track in the Indy Mini is brutal...2 1/2 miles was a LONG way! The other bad part is it is very hard to pass people there bc everyone is trying to be on the inside....I ended up in the grass a lot!

 

[RunRookie]

I think the key about the Speedway is just to keep a steady pace, not worry about your speed or passing folks, and stay aware of the area around you.

 

[John VN]

Unless they have the track totally blocked off and thereby preventing us from moving up onto it, I plan on going up a banked section as fast as I can so I can feel like a Stock Car or Indy Car.

At 62yo I have a dream....VROOOOOOOOM.... I'm sure most guys made that noise when they were kids. Now I'll have the opportunity to live it.

Half marathon last Saturday, 7.5 miles Monday, 800yds. swim Tuesday, 10.5 miles Wednesday, 1500yds. swim Thursday, 4.5 miles today and 100 mile bicycle ride tomorrow with continued training for Marathon Weekend and a great GOOFY.

 

[crewmatt]

The Disney track is a little shorter, its a 1 mile loop assuming we follow the grass, so it looks like according to the map/video we'll be on it for about 0.8 miles. Probably will feel a lot like the TTC. I just hope we're not running on steep banks as that would be killer on the ankles.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

Sorry that you fasties won't get to ride Expedition Everest during the event. I really liked those stories. I'm wondering what ya'all will cook up to replace that adventure.

I will be happy with most any route. I am concerned about bottlenecks that will slow me even more than I need. Otherwise, I'm in WDW!

Maybe Rock n Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror?

 

[Calcio]

Hello Matt

I will point out that I, me, moi, did ride Expedition Everest in January of 2008 on Marathon Sunday. Of course, I had torn my hamstring at mile 16 and wasn't going to make my time goal, so Why Not? But you do have to be there after 9 a.m. to do this, and with this new course and a 5:35 start that isn't going to happen.

And how are you and Cheryl? Are you settling in your new home and city and job?

Best regards

Craig

 

[stitchfan18]

Maybe Rock n Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror?

I would definitely ride those if they were closer to the course and didn't have the pre ride videos. The beauty of Everest is that it is right off the course and a quick ride to jump on and off. I wish I would have kept my watch going last year and timed the detour, it probably took 3-4 minutes if I had to guess. I'm still going to hold out hope for morning EMH at AK on marathon morning. I know I'm not going to make it to AK any faster than 2:30 so theoretically if AK has morning EMH that day and opens at 8, the park will be open when I get there.

 

[Breyean]

The Disney track is 1 mile.

What I don't get is on the race video they say it will be the first time runners run on it, but that's just not true. Back in the mid to late 1990s we ran on it one year. It's very banked, stay to the inside if you can.

I think I even have a photo they took of me on the race track.

We also ran through the back of WWS one year. It's narrow and winding, along sidewalks. Best part was there are real bathrooms along that section for the events they hold there.

I know after both years I spoke with a lot of runners who hated the race track and the WWS sections, and they only used each for that one year's races.

 

[TEK224]

I've been on the fence about whether to sign up for 2013. I was thinking of taking a break from WDW marathon weekend. Then I get the email with the changed course, 20th anniversary, new Mickey Medal and now I'm wavering and may register. If I do, I may just sign up for the full and save Goofy for another year. Haven't had much Goofy success lately and need to devote more time to train for it.

Terri

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I would definitely ride those if they were closer to the course and didn't have the pre ride videos. The beauty of Everest is that it is right off the course and a quick ride to jump on and off. I wish I would have kept my watch going last year and timed the detour, it probably took 3-4 minutes if I had to guess. I'm still going to hold out hope for morning EMH at AK on marathon morning. I know I'm not going to make it to AK any faster than 2:30 so theoretically if AK has morning EMH that day and opens at 8, the park will be open when I get there.

I forgot about those pre-ride videos. Hmmm, I'd say the Norway ride, but that does tend to get a line after opening.

 

[cobbler]

For the poster who asked if they will do waves, yes they have 5 min waits between wave starts.

Also I'm surprised no one is fussing about that narrow sidewalk from DHS to the Boardwalk area. That gets tight! I've run that several times from RFTT, Wine & Dine, & Minnie and those have been smaller races. I don't mind anything else, but that's the only part that I think will be a real sardine can. At least we won't get swept at that point

No matter what, I will survive & have fun. All journeys have the good & bad. All that matters is in the end I finish & have that Mickey medal.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

For the poster who asked if they will do waves, yes they have 5 min waits between wave starts.

Also I'm surprised no one is fussing about that narrow sidewalk from DHS to the Boardwalk area. That gets tight! I've run that several times from RFTT, Wine & Dine, & Minnie and those have been smaller races. I don't mind anything else, but that's the only part that I think will be a real sardine can. At least we won't get swept at that point

No matter what, I will survive & have fun. All journeys have the good & bad. All that matters is in the end I finish & have that Mickey medal.

This past year, it was closer to 2 minutes between waves.

 

[crewmatt]

I've never ridden Everest while doing the marathon, man that sounds like such a good idea.

 

[cewait]

I'd love to get my hands on that Google Earth/KML file used in the video for a closer look. Wonder if it's available?

I do not have the 'official' map, but I did set down with the certification map from the half (same first 8 miles), the intro video, and the web maps. I am fairly close... as close as a Garmin would read after the race. I will be teaking over the next few days to smooth the course and too keep my line close to the tangents.

Here is the link
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/94116399/

 

[cewait]

I have mixed emotions about the revisions....

Missing
1) the run through Epcot especially when a slight fog is present. There is something surreal about that section
2) the long clover leaf turn at the old mile 6 - Well maybe not
3) A photo coming out of Cinderella Castle - it will be dark for those at a 10 minute pace or faster.
4) The short out and back - When I first started, the out and back wnet all the way to Victory Drive, turned and rhen most of the way south to near the WWoS entrance. I was slower and that was a killer for me.

Hits
1) Maybe we get to sleep in again - if you can call 30 minutes a sleep in. This clearly will allow the back of the pack to clear MK well before rope drop. This was a challenge for the very end when the race started at 6 and Main Street was 10 miles later. Take out 5 miles or (85 minutes) and we should be able to start later. I really doubt we get the 30 minutes back, but I can always hope.
3)AK will be closed... No worrying about the narrow paths and even narrower guest areas coned off. The negative is that there will be no riding Everest for those who have enjoyed in the past (or maybe only for those moving at a 15 minute pace or slower...)
4) We now have a target at the end of the out and back. However, I am worried that running the WWoS 5 k (3 miles in the complex) will be stinking hot. Nice white side walks and little air movement.
5) I kind of like the idea of running the track, but when I laid out the map. Well short story is that there is no was we are running the entire track. In simple terms, we come in through the tunnel, head to the pit road and once at the opposite end of the pits, we come back through the car hauler lot in the track center. There is simply not enough room in race to get the entire loop. While some will be miffed, I think it is actually a good thing. The aprons are flat, but not completely flat. The path I believe the course is taking will be almost completely flat - saving lower legs til late in the race.


Well, I am looking forward to the revisions. As you may be able to tell, not from the new stuff as much as it is a new course so there is once again a little anticipation to help train for the streak.

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Does the new course eliminate the overpasses just before getting into Epcot? The old course they were at miles 19-20, I believe. If they are still there, what miles are we hitting them now?