What to Wear before & during Race?

[deleckidesign]

Do you guys wear anything "costumey" or Disney related during your races or just regular running gear?

Are there a lot of people wearing throw-away shirts and jackets?

Also, depending on temps...how do you stay warm while in line? Says we have to be in corrals by 4am? But the race starts at 6am? Do you really have to be in the corrals for 2 hours...or just so long as you are near the start area?

 

[FireDancer]

I wear the same thing for a Disney race as I would for any other race in similar temps. If it is going to be cold before the race I'll wear a garbage bag. They don't breathe and will keep the warmth in and wind out and you aren't out a $30 sweatshirt that you have just thrown on the ground.

Another alternative is to bring something warm you had planned on giving away to a charity. They collect the discarded clothing and donate it to charity (I'm not sure which one though) so you keep warm and still give the sweatshirt you intended to donate to a charity. Win-win

You need to be in line for the buses or monorail by 4 but you don't have to be in the corrals until about 30 minutes before you start. The exact wording from the marathon instructions are:

Participants must board Buses and Monorails no later than 4:00 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 5:00 a.m. You must be in your corral at the start line by 5:00 a.m. or you will not be allowed to start. Please note, it takes 20 minutes to walk from the Family Reunion (Epcot® Wonder Lot) area to the start line.

 

[verticalchaos]

I *might* get a Minnie Ears headband...but I'm not even sure about that. My head overheats easily.

My rule of thumb is (now) to dress for 20 degrees warmer than it is. My training book (Marathoning for Mortals) suggests 15 degrees, but my internal thermostat is set hotter or something. LOL. I started the 10K I ran on Sunday in close to 30 degrees with gloves and a hat as well as a long sleeved shirt with my running club singlet over it and tights. I "lost" (tucked into my waistband) the gloves AND hat before mile 2 because I was starting to overheat.

As for the waiting...didn't the program indicate an earlier start time and a slightly later time into the corrals? I don't have my printout with me so I can't look it up right now. But regardless... If the corrals are as packed as we were on Sunday, there's a lot of body heat to keep you warm. LOL. If you really think you need a hoodie or something beforehand, you can toss it (very preferably out of the course and not ONTO the course) as the race starts. As I understand it, the discarded stuff is collected for charity (at least that's what most races do). IF I decide to have an extra layer for whatever reason, I'm going to try and be close to the side when I toss so I don't impede another runner. I'd hope others would have the same courtesy.

 

[cewait]

I would say that maybe 3-5% of all runners are costumed in one way or another. From Cruella DeVille and her puppies in 2000 to The Incredibles to Spartan and of course lots of tinks, princesses and mickey/minnies….
As for race morning logistics there is a little confusion so let me offer this…
Buses run between 3 and 4; dropping you off 10-15 minutes (or longer at times) near the reunion/gathering area. We should be released around 4:30ish to head down to the corrals. This year’s race instructions indicate that you must be in your corral no later than 5 am. Only a few times have they really adhered to their time, but they do try to close the corrals about 15-20 minutes pre-race – forcing you backwards in the stack..i.e. the last corral is never closed.

It’s hard to visualize but I have a map I used a couple years ago to demonstrate the logistics. First, you need to look at the reunion/gathering area in the race booklet.

Then look at the following map. This is the path we use to walk to the start.
http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/4119345

Hope this helps.

As far as throw down stuff. It depends on the weekend weather. Obviously the cooler the weather the more throw down stuff required. I always bring a couple long sleeved t-shirts, a sweat shirt and a couple pair of sweatpants in my bags just in case the weather snaps cold. I also have this really nifty late 80’s wind suit that I have for lounging around pre-race. I will peal the treasured wind suit off at baggage claim and then walk to the start with the throw down stuff I plan on donating.

On real cold weekends the Expo will have vendors selling Tyvek suits and throw down gloves. These came in handy last year. As a practical word of warning; make sure that you do not over heat in what you start the race in but also do not throw away a throw down shirt too early on mornings when the wind is out of the north. The race heads north for a mile and change then turns to the south in Epcot parking. You really do not feel the wind (except under Spaceship Earth) until mile 4 when you start a 6 mile stretch into the wind again. There is more than one year where I kept my cotton long sleeved shirt on until mile 10 or later (03, 06,08 and 10).

You will not be the only one with throw down stuff on race morning. Several hundred south Floridians and Caribbean folks are in the race and 55F is darn cold. Just take a few precautions with the throw downs.

• Cut the long seams of any pants you will have on to help get the pants over your shoes.
• Discard all throw down stuff over the fence in the corral and off the roadway in the race.
• If using a trash sack, try to discard at the first aid station, they do blow around
• Move to the side to remove clothing.
• Remember any hat/glasses that are on your head. A wet shirt will rip them off.
• All clothing tossed is washed and donated by WDW to local charities.
• You do not need to have a designer throw down – head to your local Goodwill or WalMart.

 

[deleckidesign]

As for race morning logistics there is a little confusion so let me offer this…
Buses run between 3 and 4; dropping you off 10-15 minutes (or longer at times) near the reunion/gathering area. We should be released around 4:30ish to head down to the corrals. This year’s race instructions indicate that you must be in your corral no later than 5 am. Only a few times have they really adhered to their time, but they do try to close the corrals about 15-20 minutes pre-race – forcing you backwards in the stack..i.e. the last corral is never closed.

It’s hard to visualize but I have a map I used a couple years ago to demonstrate the logistics. First, you need to look at the reunion/gathering area in the race booklet.

Then look at the following map. This is the path we use to walk to the start.
http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/4119345

Sorry - went a bit off topic with race morning logistics...

We will be taking a rental car. Is there parking for cars...or is it simply drop off only? I'm running the race alone, so my mother offered to hang around as long as possible until I had to be in the corral. Also if it's cold, we figured we could sit in the car until it was time to get out. Is this possible?

I've heard traffic is pretty bad that morning...so I figure we need to leave our hotel (AKL) by 3:30am or so.

 

[TnTsParty]

Sorry - went a bit off topic with race morning logistics...

We will be taking a rental car. Is there parking for cars...or is it simply drop off only? I'm running the race alone, so my mother offered to hang around as long as possible until I had to be in the corral. Also if it's cold, we figured we could sit in the car until it was time to get out. Is this possible?

I've heard traffic is pretty bad that morning...so I figure we need to leave our hotel (AKL) by 3:30am or so.

If you are staying at a Disney hotel there is bus transportation to the start of the race as well. If you wanted to take the car that is a possiblity because yes there is parking available. Traffic does get pretty bad getting into Epcot that morning. I have always taken the bus to the start of the race so I am no help on that one but I have seen the lines of cars trying to get in. I don't think that you have to stop at the parking toll booth either so I am not sure what the hold up is - maybe someone who has driven to the start of the race can fill you in better on that.

 

[cewait]

Sorry - went a bit off topic with race morning logistics...

We will be taking a rental car. Is there parking for cars...or is it simply drop off only? I'm running the race alone, so my mother offered to hang around as long as possible until I had to be in the corral. Also if it's cold, we figured we could sit in the car until it was time to get out. Is this possible?

I've heard traffic is pretty bad that morning...so I figure we need to leave our hotel (AKL) by 3:30am or so.

I would attempt to arrive around 3:30 for the race when driving. Most years the parking is not bad but you need to be in front of th elast minute rush. Remember that Epcot Dr is closed from the south approach so you will need to pass through the intersection of World and Buena Vista and head north on World.

 

[Ronda93]

Because of the low temps we drove from a Disney resort last year. Left the hotel at 3:45 and followed the signs. They had temporary flashing signs up to guide us. Long line of taillights moved quickly into the Epcot parking lot. We were parked by 4:15.

Good luck.
Ronda

 

[RENThead09]

last year the $5 sweatshirts and sweatpants from Walmart were a godsend while waiting for the marathon to start. Just disposed of before we took off.

Also CVS or Walgreens had $2 fleece blankets last year. I bought 10, used a couple for myself, and shared the others with people who didnt have anythign while they were waiting.

I did use the disposable hand warmers as well before the race (and I think into the race for a while).

 

[MeredithRX]

OK, here's a stupid question...

When you wear all of these layers, where do you pin your race bib? You couldn't pin in on the throwaway stuff, but you need to have it visible (on the outer layer). So, how does that work exactly?

 

[SAHDad]

OK, here's a stupid question...

When you wear all of these layers, where do you pin your race bib? You couldn't pin in on the throwaway stuff, but you need to have it visible (on the outer layer). So, how does that work exactly?

In years past, I would pin it to the singlet (the final layer), and just raise the other shirt(s) when I had to show it to get into the corrals. (My first year, I had it on the outside, which caused no amount of problems trying to change it on the run, headed toward MK, in the dark and the cold.)

 

[Vickibean]

Are the monorails running before the race? We are staying at BLT (not a race hotel) and I was hoping to get to Poly to get to the princess.

 

[cewait]

Are the monorails running before the race? We are staying at BLT (not a race hotel) and I was hoping to get to Poly to get to the princess.

For the January races YES. For the Princess, NO. Monorail service does not start before race time, the exception is on race morning the TTC/Epcot loop from which the Poly is a very short walk.

 

[TnTsParty]

OK, here's a stupid question...

When you wear all of these layers, where do you pin your race bib? You couldn't pin in on the throwaway stuff, but you need to have it visible (on the outer layer). So, how does that work exactly?

I use a Spibelt with race bib ties - it worked great last year - always on the outside of any layer and not pinned to something that might come off and was always visible. Plus its a nice pouch for things you may need to carry - looks small but can expand alot

 

[FireDancer]

OK, here's a stupid question...

When you wear all of these layers, where do you pin your race bib? You couldn't pin in on the throwaway stuff, but you need to have it visible (on the outer layer). So, how does that work exactly?

In addition to what was mentioned above you can also pin the number to your pants or shorts. As a general rule more people don't shed any (or at least as many) lower layers so even if you lose 3 shirts if the pants or shorts you start in are the ones you finish in you could just pin your number there.

In every race I do my number is always pinned to my shorts or pants, never my shirt.

Also keep in mind you will have your picture taken throughout the course and will want to have your number visible so you can find those official pictures. Sure, you could go through the lost and found section to find them manually but in a race the size of these you might have a thousand pages to look through and the pics are small thumbnails. If you do wear the number under a layer when you see the photographers life up the covering layers to show the number.

 

[jmasgat]

Don't forget to pack something for AFTER the race. A warm outer layer may be appropriate--it may still be cold, and to stand around after (eating, finding people, stretching, taking pictures) may be uncomfortable with a wet shirt.

Last year I packed light fleece shirt, warm up pants to put on after. I stripped off my LS shirt that I ran in and put the new one on--boy did it feel good.

Of course, if it's 70 when you're done, you'll have no problems.

Maura

 

[cewait]

Don't forget to pack something for AFTER the race. A warm outer layer may be appropriate--it may still be cold, and to stand around after (eating, finding people, stretching, taking pictures) may be uncomfortable with a wet shirt.

Last year I packed light fleece shirt, warm up pants to put on after. I stripped off my LS shirt that I ran in and put the new one on--boy did it feel good.

Of course, if it's 70 when you're done, you'll have no problems.

Maura

Actually I am more likely to change out of wet clothing on a hot day. I am one of those who you will see with the nasty little white crusty areas. I do have my screaming fluorescent blue 1980's wind suit that I wear to the race early in the morning that is in my checked bags. I always have that on cooler days. But you know the race instructions say to not pack valuables. Maybe I should not pack it, hmmmmm

I really do not think layering will be an issue this year. Really cold weather tends to not be an issue two years in a row - can hardly prove that with the weather over the last couple weeks. The perfect race would be one that I wear a throw down long sleeved shirt for the first mile both mornings and toss it once I get warm.

 

[SAHDad]

Don't forget to pack something for AFTER the race. A warm outer layer may be appropriate--it may still be cold, and to stand around after (eating, finding people, stretching, taking pictures) may be uncomfortable with a wet shirt.

Last year I packed light fleece shirt, warm up pants to put on after. I stripped off my LS shirt that I ran in and put the new one on--boy did it feel good.

Of course, if it's 70 when you're done, you'll have no problems.

Maura

Yeah, I always have a full change of clothes (and I do mean a full change of clothes) in my toss bag. It's amazing how much better you feel just getting changed into something clean.