wdw marathon

[cgdmom]

We are staying at the swan for the marathon..I would love to get a little extra sleep the night before----Do I have to catch the 3-4 am shuttle???? or since The swan is walking distance can I just enter through the international gateway entrance at EPCOT and make my way to the starting line??? Or is it possible to get a cab from the swan at 5o AM and get close to the starting line??
THanks so Much!!!!! Jill

 

[ironz]

I don't make the rules, but I doubt you would be able to cut through Epcot to get over there. Look at your race map...you may be able just to jog over to the start area (outside of Epcot, definitely within walking distance from POR)...but it looks like at least a mile or so.

I'm dreading that early wake-up call myself, even though it'll be from Mickey. Practiced last weekend by only getting a few hours' sleep before my last long run. Now it's taper time!!!

Good luck!

 

[kdonnel]

Do we get anything in the mail before the race?

I remember reading that we actually pick up our numbers the day/evening before but I can't find any sort of pre race schedule in my email or on the site.

 

[lesroi]

We have gotten several emails since the hubby signed up... It is weird that you did not get anything! We also got something in the mail.

I am almost positive the last shuttle leaves at 4:00 am. Hubby insists he will be jogging over to Epcot, but we'll see! All materials we have received say plan to arrive at Epcot no later than 4:00 am, and be in your corrals no later than 5:00 am.

Final race instructions and more info can be found here:

http://dwws.disney.go.com/wideworld...o/latestupdatesindex?id=SPORMarathon04SporEvn

More info on the Expo (where you pick up your packet) is here:

http://dwws.disney.go.com/wideworld...ingeventindex?id=SPORHealthFitnessExpoSporEvn

Can't wait... Hubby is running his first marathon and I am volunteering (my second time... at 2:45 am!!!)

Good luck to all!


Tracy

 

[kdonnel]

Originally posted by lesroi
We have gotten several emails since the hubby signed up... It is weird that you did not get anything! We also got something in the mail.

I got all the email's and knew about the expo but I have not received anything in regular mail.

I know my registration is real because I emailed them a few weeks ago and added my champion chip to my registration.

Since the expo is the 9th and 10th ( I had thought it was only the 10th) does that mean we can pick up our packet on the 9th?

What hotels get the shuttle?

I am staying at OKW. I did not book a package through the Sports place. Does that mean I am on my own getting to the race?

 

[dp73]

You might want to notify race registration that you didn't receive anything in the mail. The mailing included a card that must be brought to the expo to pick up your packet (the 9th or 10th).

It is my understanding that there are race and expo shuttles from all Disney resorts.


cgdmom - we're staying at the Dolphin and I don't think that we will be able to cut through Epcot. It is quite a walk to the start area going around the park. We haven't decided how to get there yet.

By the way, it will be my first marathon - so excited.....

 

[kdonnel]

Well I called.

I am in the system and they have my correct address.

The post office must have lost the package.

They said it did not matter I did not get the package because I can pick my number up without the card. They will have race relations at the expo looking up registrations for those who did not receive their card or lost their card.

Now I just have to show up and run.

 

[kdonnel]

I forgot to ask.... what was in the packet you got in the mail?

 

[dp73]

The packet included the registration card - with a release waiver - and a cool marathon booklet. The booklet contained more advertisements than useful information, but there were a few things like the course map, expo hours, transportation information, and fun run information - and post-race info (free entry to Pleasure Island Sunday night with photo id and race number).

I don't have my booklet with me now, but if you have any more questions - I'll try to answer them.

 

[Tinks]

Just want to say good luck everyone! I am running my first ever half marathon and I finished my last long run this morning! Can't wait to cross that line and enjoy the rest of my trip
It seems unreal that the race is about a week away.....

 

[dp73]

Tinks - thanks for the good luck wishes. I did my first half in Atlanta over Thanksgiving and will be doing my first full marathon next week. It's a little warmer down there than here in Illinois, but it should be good conditions come race day.

I too am looking forward to the rest of the trip. What a great excuse to go to Disney World.

 

[kdonnel]

Originally posted by dp73
I don't have my booklet with me now, but if you have any more questions - I'll try to answer them.

Does it mention any sort of transportation from Old Key West?

If you want to drive to the start does it mention what time is the latest you can arrive before the roads are closed?

Thanks!

 

[dp73]

It doesn't mention transportation from any specific resort. It says Disney Resorts - so I would assume there would be a bus from Old Key West.

It doesn't say when or what roads will be closed, but we are expected to arrive there before 4am (according to the Final Race Instructions on the Internet). Old Key West is pretty close to the parking lot at Epcot so driving would probably be pretty quick. Depending on your expected finish time leaving may be a little more difficult.

The booklet doesn't really give much of a schedule for bus transportation just that they start at 3:00 am (I think) and that they will be available at the finish to take you back to your resort. I've read that the bus system to/from the race works pretty well.

 

[ironz]

kdonnel...I bet you can walk from Old Key West...it's right across the street from the start corrals...of course, you won't be near the clothes drop-off, etc. It seems like I overheard someone saying that they like to stay there for the race, so they don't have to ride the bus.

If you want to drive to the start...I wouldn't try to cut it too close...it took us over 1/2 hour from the Poly on the bus last year.

Yay to all the runners!! I also did my last long run last weekend, and I feel pretty darn good! The next 2 weeks is all about tapering and resting up for a fun race!!