WISH Team volunteering and cheering for January 2011

[Honeibee]

Greetings WISHers,

Since I am doing my first Full this coming January, I will not be volunteering, nor will I be coordinating a group. Sorry about this but I am pretty sure, the closer we get to Marathon Weekend, the more of a wreck I'll be!


Here's the link for Group registration, which is now open...

http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=1874495

Many thanks to whoever volunteers this year! I'm sure I'm going to miss doing it.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

I just checked out the link and it states it is outdated. I am waiting for the email from sports enth. for the volunteer opportunites. Last year I think it was Aug 1st. What does group volunteers mean? Good luck with your training. Grammy

 

[Honeibee]

OK, I'm back. Here it is...

ATTENTION SPORTS ENTHUSIAST GROUPS!

Register your group for the 2011 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend using the link below!

Deadline is July 21, 2010.

Come join the fun at the 2011 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend. The 2011 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend will feature the Health & Fitness Expo from January 6 through January 8, the Walt Disney World® Half Marathon on Saturday, January 8, and of course the Walt Disney World® Marathon on Sunday, January 9. Sports Enthusiasts must be at least 15 years of age to volunteer for the Expo and at least 12 years of age to volunteer for the races.

All these events benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, whose organization is dedicated to the fight against blood cancers that affect over 700,000 Americans. Every ten minutes someone dies of these cancers. With the yearly support of over 5,000 volunteers, the events of the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend has contributed millions of dollars over the past 17 years. Help us continue to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by volunteering as a Sports Enthusiast.

Gather a group of 10 or more family, friends, and co-workers to experience the satisfaction of helping the cause while enjoying time with others. You are receiving this notice prior to this event being available for individual Sports Enthusiasts to register. Please respond before July 21, 2010 for the best chance to reserve a spot for your group!

To indicate your interest in registering a group for this event, please connect to the link below and complete the form before the deadline of July 21, 2010. Groups will be assigned to an appropriate location after July 18 and group liaisons will be notified of the location and registration process for their group members.

http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1874495

We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your support!

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Thanks Honi for the info. It did open for me this am. Unfortunately we are on 3or 4 volunteers so we will have to wait for the email for individuals. I LOVE volunteering at the marathon. It will be very exciting for you actually running in an event! Grammy

 

[dsnyfan21]

I am going to stick with volunteering for the full at mile 7 or 11 whichever opens up. Hopefully someone will want to do the WISH stop at the starting area. (can't remember if it was blue water stop or red water stop)
We had about 4 WISHers at that stop that I was at and it was ummm, interesting to say the least - water frozen, slick pavement, out in the open air, frozen feet and hands...hahaha. Let's hope this time it is just a bit over freezing.

 

[pyrxtc]

I would like to volunteer for the half, don't know which stops are best but I am up early for the race anyways. Would be great to see my DH finish but not a requirement since I'll see him on Sunday.

 

[dsnyfan21]

Regular Registration for Volunteering Opens August 17th according to the Email I got today!

 

[escape]

Regular Registration for Volunteering Opens August 17th according to the Email I got today!

Tracy, where is the 7th or 11th stop? Is it close to the Polynesian? Do you remember about what time the stop closes?

 

[dsnyfan21]

Tracy, where is the 7th or 11th stop? Is it close to the Polynesian? Do you remember about what time the stop closes?

You meet in the parking lot for MK right outside of the Poly. Mile 7 for the Full is on the open road part before the runners enter the Parking lot area and mile 11 was behind Splash Mountain. Both we were done before 10. Mile 11 was not available last year, they must have had a group doing it. I enjoyed 7, not bad, and we were on the bus back to the checkin area around 9:30. Corinna and I headed on a bus to HS and cheered from there.

Hope that helps.

 

[TEK224]

where do YOU feel you need the most cheering/encouragment/snacks/support, etc. along the course?

I know we have WISH Scream Teamers who get around the full course really quickly (hi Anne and Kathy ), but I don't know if I'm that adept at fighting traffic.

I'm only doing the 5k this year so I'll be scream teaming on Sat. & Sun.
Right now I'm booked at SSR, but am trying to switch resorts. First I thought I could stay at BCV or BWV to cheer folks into that last 1+miles as they head into EPCOT. I don't know what kind of crowd gathers by the BCV to cheer.
Then I thought I could stay at BLT so I could see WISHERS both on Sat. & Sun. There's usually a good crowd by the CR hill.

So, help me out. I didn't realize planning for scream teaming could be so complicated I plan on having snacks to help folks refuel along the way. Would you rather have them by Contemporary Hill or at mile 24-ish?
Of course this all assumes I'm able to switch resorts.

Terri

 

[cewait]

where do YOU feel you need the most cheering/encouragment/snacks/support, etc. along the course?

I know we have WISH Scream Teamers who get around the full course really quickly (hi Anne and Kathy ), but I don't know if I'm that adept at fighting traffic.

I'm only doing the 5k this year so I'll be scream teaming on Sat. & Sun.
Right now I'm booked at SSR, but am trying to switch resorts. First I thought I could stay at BCV or BWV to cheer folks into that last 1+miles as they head into EPCOT. I don't know what kind of crowd gathers by the BCV to cheer.
Then I thought I could stay at BLT so I could see WISHERS both on Sat. & Sun. There's usually a good crowd by the CR hill.

So, help me out. I didn't realize planning for scream teaming could be so complicated I plan on having snacks to help folks refuel along the way. Would you rather have them by Contemporary Hill or at mile 24-ish?
Of course this all assumes I'm able to switch resorts.

Terri

Actually, a really GREAT place is McDonald’s Hill. Here is why…

It is approximately Mile 19.5 in the race. Most runners are facing the end of their training distance and need some loving. A friendly face, kind word, twizzlers, noise will help.

Where is McD Hill? It is the overpass over Buena Vista Drive. It is the exit off Osceola for the All Star Resorts, Blizzard Beach and Coronado Resort. I am not sure how well McD protects their lot from bandit parkers but if they post towing signs you could always park at All Stars and walk up. You will be on a bridge that is protected from vehicle traffic as all traffic from AK is forced to exit at the same exit.

My thoughts.

 

[TEK224]

Thanks Charles. I'll think about that. Not sure if I'll have a car to get around in. Haven't yet decided if I'll use ME or rent a car.

Any other thoughts?

 

[garneska]

I agree with Charles. That spot is such a drag and you still have a long way to go.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Mickie D Hill is a great spot as it is on the long stretch before the turnaround!

 

[scoolover]

That's funny because I always thought that would be the prefect place. 18-22 are the most deadly at disney and I have found meself thinking that jumping off the mile19 overpass would be an easier ticket to the finish line. Some encouragement there would be great. Some pretzels would be good to. Like Terri, I am most likely only doing the 5K this year and will be out there cheering.

 

[cewait]

even without a car it is a very doable spot.

Bus to a park, bus to All Star then walk out to the McD crosswalk. But instaed of crossing to the McD cross the Osceola off ramp and up the ramp.

Though if one does not have a small group it would be a tough mission.

 

[evhorizon]

I ran the 2009 marathon and vaguely remember running through some wooden boardwalk area along water towards the end, mile 23 or 24 I think. I was well into the mental struggle / internal dialogue game at that point.

Someone I didn't know yelled out, "Looking great <my name>" seeing my bib. I remember thinking "You must be crazy, 'cause I feel horrible." But it was nice having your name called out at that point in the race. At least I was arguing with myself about something other than the pain.

 

[TEK224]

I'm game to give this a try. Maybe I can meet up with someone in the days before who can show me the right spot. I can picture the McD's, but for some reason am drawing a blank at seeing the overpass spot.

 

[FFigawi]

That's funny because I always thought that would be the prefect place. 18-22 are the most deadly at disney and I have found meself thinking that jumping off the mile19 overpass would be an easier ticket to the finish line. Some encouragement there would be great. Some pretzels would be good to. Like Terri, I am most likely only doing the 5K this year and will be out there cheering.

Depending on the weather, a McFlurry might taste really good at that point too.

 

[cewait]

With the thought that a picture is worth a thoughsand words...

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=nq...&lvl=1&sty=b&rtp=adr.~adr.&mode=D&rtop=0~0~0~

In this view south is on the top and the All Stars are just off screen up. The jug handle/clover leaf entry ramp (road from McD around the lake up to Osceola) from Buena Vista to Oseaola is closed on race day; giving easy access to the route. Traffic does flow from AK (Screen Right) and is force to exit onto Buena Vista. From this intersection they must turn left to head to Wrold Dr.

From the ground...

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=...TVNT9QyFK7fKZVvYhLrgzw&cbp=12,344.44,,0,11.58

McD is on the right and the road you would take on the left... The overpass straight ahead.

Walking up the ramp it looks like this
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&lay...78&ll=28.348069,-81.577708&spn=0,0.00283&z=19

Then around the corner..

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&lay...84&ll=28.349269,-81.578875&spn=0,0.00283&z=19

This is the view from the ramp entering Oseola... It is runners only at this point.



Don't let me sway you. I think your idea is a grand idea but in my world this IS a group effort that one person cannot shoulder on their own.

Kind of a nice story happened on this bridge in 2007. I was melting, as was everyone around me as well as the thousands behind me. I was running a 4:45-5 hour pace at this point but the heat was taking its toll. Even at my pace some water stops were running out, if not copletely out of water. Some lady came up to me and offered me an ICE COLD bottle of water at the point in the last photo. I thanked her and wondered if I looked that bad. I took a couple swigs and then offered it to a neighbor. We eneded up finishing the last 7 miles together. We still visit one another and I will try to get together with him when I travel to his neck of the woods. That would have never happened without that bottle of water.