Which Disney World Half Marathon is the Best?

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

I've run 3 half marathons, and my dream is to run one at Disney. I guess by "best," I mean:
Best weather? (In general - I've read about running through sleet and slush in January, but this probably isn't the norm.)
Most fun?
Best course?
Best medal?
Most magical?
Best expo?
Anything else?
Thanks!

 

[FFigawi]

Best weather: Disneyland. Your chances of sleet, rain, or extreme heat are pretty slim.
Best course: Maybe W&D or Princess? Never done either, but the WDW and DLR courses are mostly dull with some portion in the parks to entertain you
Most fun: I had the most fun at DLR since a) I was in costume, and b) there were more bands, entertainers, and spectators cheering you on than at WDW.
Best medal: WDW
Most magical: WDW - it's the first third of Goofy
Best expo: DLR. Same stuff and same vendors as WDW, just less crowded

 

[cewait]

Hmmmm

Weather – I would point to either the January or Princess half events. Both are winter and both have generally good weather. Though with weather, you really must take what you are dealt on race day. The ‘average’ historical temps for January are 50 at the start and 72 for a high on the day. The Princess on its current weekend is just fractionally warmer with 53 and 76.

Best course – I seriously liked the old half marathon course that ran concurrent with the full. But I guess that does not count. The January and Princess courses are the same so there is really not a best. The Wine and Dine is the other current half on property. Of the two, the Jan/Princess course is better. It hits MK and the loops the front of Epcot. It also has a little more elevation change along the course which adds some variety. I did like the W&D course but felt like the AK loop was overly crowded – something that can be corrected with a better starting scenario but nonetheless, an issue.

Best Medal - really like the W&D the best. I have way too many duckheads so they look dated to me

Most Magical – Think of it like this…. YOUR FIRST DISNEY race will be the most magical. I still remember the first time I ran a Disney race almost footstep by foot step; including the huge crowd coming out of the Seven Seas Viaduct, the loud and enormous crowd along Main Street in MK – but not so loud that I did not tear up while running to “Wish upon a Star” coming through the park music system. Then the magical feeling of coming through Cinderella Castle, the quiet retrospective mile after leaving MK but before hitting the GF resort but most especially, the surreal misty foggy glow of Spaceship Earth as I circled the World Showcase that first race morning.

Expo? By far the January race with 40,000 runners in attendance has the best draw and is the best supported

Misc – borrowing from our friends at Nike, just do it! All three races currently held at WDW are a great first time event. I would focus you on one of the morning races since the weather is a little better.

 

[FireDancer]

I think if you are going to do just one half the best is the main event, the half in January. Last year's weather was an exception. The ideal weather for a distance race is in the 40's and your best bet for that at any Disney half is in January. I think it has the best course, medal, and expo too.

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Thanks for all the info! Unfortunately my Disney fund looks suspiciously like a new furnace at the moment. The old one bit the dust last week. Hopefully I'll do the half or the full in 2012.
I'd love to read more opinions! I'm leaning toward January, 2012.

 

[stampingoddess]

Since thus far the only ones to chime in have been the men, I'll share my two cents worth from the chick point of view. Of the 3 races in Orlando I'd choose the Princess race hands down!!

1. The course is essentially the same as January but there are less racers, so less crowded

2. The race is marketed to women so we get a women's tech shirt and I have the crown finisher's medal. In addition, there is an emphasis on the princesses for the weekend which I personally find fun.

3. The Princess race is a bit later in the winter and thus more likely to have warmer afternoon temps if you want to enjoy the parks for the weekend.

 

[wtpclc]

Since thus far the only ones to chime in have been the men, I'll share my two cents worth from the chick point of view. Of the 3 races in Orlando I'd choose the Princess race hands down!!

1. The course is essentially the same as January but there are less racers, so less crowded

2. The race is marketed to women so we get a women's tech shirt and I have the crown finisher's medal. In addition, there is an emphasis on the princesses for the weekend which I personally find fun.

3. The Princess race is a bit later in the winter and thus more likely to have warmer afternoon temps if you want to enjoy the parks for the weekend.

My thoughts exactly. There was much more entertainment at Princess than the January full (and I'm guessign the half), also.

I am so not a Princess person, but there is something magical about the Princess half.

Bummer about the furnace. Hopefully, 2012 will work out!

 

[TnTsParty]

I am going to have to chime in here from a chick point of view as well. I have to say I liked the Princess half but when I did it the race was in the beginning of May so it wasn't quite as early in the year as it is now. The Princess was my first half at Disney but not my first race at Disney and I have to say I liked it the best of the half's I have done at Disney (which only include the one in January and the Princess)

I have to agree with the above that there is something magical about the Princess - not sure if its that its mainly for women or the less amount of people as compared to the race in January but also its the highlight of the weekend as opposed to in January when its the full or even those doing the Goofy that is the highlight of the weekend. The half in January somewhat feels 2nd fiddle to the full where as with the Princess it doesn't since that is the MAIN event.

I also have to add that I was so greatful to be able to run the Princess with Carrie who kept me from stopping and walking so it brings back great memories for me. WISH team mates are the best!!!

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

My thoughts exactly. There was much more entertainment at Princess than the January full (and I'm guessign the half), also.

I am so not a Princess person, but there is something magical about the Princess half.

Bummer about the furnace. Hopefully, 2012 will work out!

The furnace - thanks! The previous week it was the water heater. What's next?

I just read your 1st Marathon Race Report, and I am inspired to try the full!
I'm not a princess person either, but it sounds fun, too. I guess I'll keep training and saving my pennies.

 

[TnTsParty]

The furnace - thanks! The previous week it was the water heater. What's next?

I just read your 1st Marathon Race Report, and I am inspired to try the full!
I'm not a princess person either, but it sounds fun, too. I guess I'll keep training and saving my pennies.

Oh no sorry to hear about the furnace and the water heater - when it rains it pours.

I have to add my first marathon was the Disney Marathon - I didn't even consider the half at first I had to have that Mickey medal so if that's the one you are aiming for I say go for it - keep up the training and save your pennies and you can do it. My first marathon was magical - heck all my races at Disney have been magical!! LOL

 

[wtpclc]

I also have to add that I was so greatful to be able to run the Princess with Carrie who kept me from stopping and walking so it brings back great memories for me. WISH team mates are the best!!!

Not as grateful as I was to run with you! An awesome memory. So glad I could finally introduce you to Scott last year!

Michele - There's something about a full. You must try it some day!!!! Was just wondering if I should take that link out of my sig. Gues I'll keep it knowing tha tsomeone actuatlly read it!

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

I'm actually in the process of training for my first full! On April 3 there's a full marathon here in our town, and I'm planning to run it. I'm about 6 weeks into Hal Higdon's training plan for the novice. It's going well - we'll see!

 

[wtpclc]

you done 3 halfs before. You will be fine. One step at a time!