Is there a first-timer FAQ or tips section?
There is (
link), but it's somewhat outdated at this point.
This will be my first half and was wondering what time we'd have to be at the starting point by and just general pre-race tips. Thanks
The races start at 5am. The buses will likely start running at 3am. You can find old course maps here (
link). Depending on your level of risk (broken down bus, lost bus, traffic, etc.), some will suggest getting on the first bus and others will say to wait a little more. I'm risk adverse, plus I like meeting other DIS members pre-race, so I'm on the first bus. Depending on the start line location, you can expect to walk about 15-30 min to get from bus drop to security to the start area.
The 5k/10k usually has the corral area open about 60-75 min before the race starts, and the s1 corral begins making their way to the start line about 30 min before the race starts. Depending on where the HM starts, if there's an extended walk-out that means the corrals open about 75-90 min before race start.
They typically have a DJ and announcers for pretty much the entire time the starting area is open. In years past, they've had photo opportunities pre-race, but with COVID they haven't recently. It's possible pre-race photos will return.
In general, the race releases everyone in about 45-60 min. So if the race starts on time at 5:00am, then the last people to cross the starting line is around 5:45-6:00am. There have been delays due to traffic, and moving up the starting time slightly due to weather concerns.
If you google recent races on youtube, you can find quite a few with pre-race views. Shows you what the whole process looks like. Different weekends have different starting locations, so that'll change things a little. But by in large, that's the best way to see the process.
I asked this before and can't remember if I got a definitive answer so here goes.
My wife is doing the 5K and I'm doing the challenge. We are only doing one park day, Saturday. I'd really like to buy just the one day Memory Maker for Saturday. Does anyone know if Memory Maker is smart enough to only allow the race that happens to be on Saturday or can I add up to any 5 bibs to the one day and still get all three days worth of pictures?
Thanks in advance.
I did this search (
link) and I found one somewhat related answer (
link). While the fine language says the pictures are from 6am to 5:59am the next day, this person had photos from 4:00am (thus outside that window). But it was still from that day's event. Other than that example, I was unable to find anyone who previously used a one-day MM for multiple different race events in a weekend.