The official Team Not-So-Fast thread

[The Expert]

2026's WDW will be my first marathon. I've done multiple halves, including the 2025 Disneyland, but the ratcheting up from a half to a full is a herculean task. I am unabashedly proud to say I'm on team Not-So-Fast - I'm here for both a good time and a long time!

 

[nancipants]

2026's WDW will be my first marathon. I've done multiple halves, including the 2025 Disneyland, but the ratcheting up from a half to a full is a herculean task. I am unabashedly proud to say I'm on team Not-So-Fast - I'm here for both a good time and a long time!

Welcome! Team Not-So-Fast made finishing my first marathon a lot more enjoyable. We’re always here for encouragement and to literally drag you across the finish line if you need it!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Can I move up to Team Middling Fast and keep my Team Not-So-Fast membership?
;-)

 

[SarahDisney]

I saw the founder of the Slow AF Running Club, Martinus Evans, finish the NYC marathon today.
He was, as advertised, slow (or as we call it here, not-so-fast). But he looked like he was having a good time!

 

[Naomeri]

I saw the founder of the Slow AF Running Club, Martinus Evans, finish the NYC marathon today.
He was, as advertised, slow (or as we call it here, not-so-fast). But he looked like he was having a good time!

We do like to PR in fun on this team

 

[Lee from WV]

My daughter and I will be running the half for the first time this year. We are sure we will be in the last group Do we really need to arrive at the corral at 4am?? The schedule from last year has the last group start running at/after 5:20am.

 

[Herding_Cats]

My daughter and I will be running the half for the first time this year. We are sure we will be in the last group Do we really need to arrive at the corral at 4am?? The schedule from last year has the last group start running at/after 5:20am.

the corral you are placed in should correspond (generally) with what you put in for your estimated finish time. So if you selected the slowest finish time option from the menu, then yes you will likely be in the last group. You can also *choose* to be in the last group if starting in the back is a thing you like to do.

Are you at all concerned about being able to maintain the 16min/mi pace (keeping in mind that the clock doesn't stop just because you made a bathroom or photo stop)? If yes, then try to be in your corral early to have a buffer between yourselves and the sweep line. Last year the corrals opened at 3:15am.

Do you need to be IN the corral at 4am? No. But you do need to be in the epcot parking lot because road closures are definitely a thing (note that we are expecting some sort of possible course changes this year due to construction in the parks and the course dictates the road closures.)

 

[Lee from WV]

the corral you are placed in should correspond (generally) with what you put in for your estimated finish time. So if you selected the slowest finish time option from the menu, then yes you will likely be in the last group. You can also *choose* to be in the last group if starting in the back is a thing you like to do.

Are you at all concerned about being able to maintain the 16min/mi pace (keeping in mind that the clock doesn't stop just because you made a bathroom or photo stop)? If yes, then try to be in your corral early to have a buffer between yourselves and the sweep line. Last year the corrals opened at 3:15am.

Do you need to be IN the corral at 4am? No. But you do need to be in the epcot parking lot because road closures are definitely a thing (note that we are expecting some sort of possible course changes this year due to construction in the parks and the course dictates the road closures.)

OK thanks--(Aghh so early)

 

[The Expert]

OK thanks--(Aghh so early)

Yes it is early, but you do not want to be stressed about getting through security and all the way over to the corral area in a rush. It's a significant distance. And it's not like you're standing around staring at each other -- this is Disney! There are character photo opps, a DJ, announcers, entertainment, lots of cheery cast members, and of course our famous meetup at the light pole near the Joffrey's truck. Come early, alleviate the stress, and have fun!

 

[Lee from WV]

Yes it is early, but you do not want to be stressed about getting through security and all the way over to the corral area in a rush. It's a significant distance. And it's not like you're standing around staring at each other -- this is Disney! There are character photo opps, a DJ, announcers, entertainment, lots of cheery cast members, and of course our famous meetup at the light pole near the Joffrey's truck. Come early, alleviate the stress, and have fun!

Oh that's good to know! Usually it's just standing around being nervous and/or cold.

 

[nancipants]

Oh that's good to know! Usually it's just standing around being nervous and/or cold.

I usually try to get into whatever corral I'm in by 4:30, but I usually get there around 3-3:15. (I'm local so I drive.) Standing around the corral isn't super fun, but if you're with someone it makes it a lot easier.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Oh that's good to know! Usually it's just standing around being nervous and/or cold.

Is this your first runDisney race?

 

[Lee from WV]

Is this your first runDisney race?

Yes it is. I've run many half marathons before (jogged really, lol) but it will be my daughter's first half marathon.

 

[Kerry1957]

Yes it is. I've run many half marathons before (jogged really, lol) but it will be my daughter's first half marathon.

Welcome to the madness!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

In the interest of PR-ing in fun, I’ll likely be team Middlin’ Fast for the Half, then team MF for the first part of the Marathon and then dropping back to Team NSF for the second half of the full. Now that I’m thinking about it, maybe a repeat of a few years ago where I join up with you guys at some point on the course.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Can walkers be part of this team too?

I have decided I just do not enjoy running, and my hips, knees, and ankles echo these sentiments. I ran the 5k, 10k, and Half at WDW Marathon week back in 2020 using intervals, but just don't love it. I still require that mental therapy of going out there and putting in the miles...I'm just much happier and 99% more likely to get it in if I walk it. I'm still fast enough to finish a Disney event, with a walking pace that varies from a 14.9-15.3 minute mile avg. for my longer distances. I currently put in an average of 45-55 miles a week and go through Brooks Glycerins just as quickly as I was back when I was running. I'm usually up before dawn with my Noxgear vest and Nathan hand torch like the runners. Do I qualify?

 

[nancipants]

Can walkers be part of this team too?

I have decided I just do not enjoy running, and my hips, knees, and ankles echo these sentiments. I ran the 5k, 10k, and Half at WDW Marathon week back in 2020 using intervals, but just don't love it. I still require that mental therapy of going out there and putting in the miles...I'm just much happier and 99% more likely to get it in if I walk it. I'm still fast enough to finish a Disney event, with a walking pace that varies from a 14.9-15.3 minute mile avg. for my longer distances. I currently put in an average of 45-55 miles a week and go through Brooks Glycerins just as quickly as I was back when I was running. I'm usually up before dawn with my Noxgear vest and Nathan hand torch like the runners. Do I qualify?

That walking pace is my long-long run pace, so yes.