Marathon Sunday nightmare

[beertiki]

The average Disney vacationer has no idea this website exists or that there is a marathon. 6 months ago they planned this vacation with no idea that they would be stuck on a bus Sunday morning. As far as safety being the number one concern of run Disney, if that was true, I am sure they could find a nice closed circuit away from danger, but you want to run trough "disney", and I get it. There should just be a better way so that runners get to wake up at a normal time and resort guests can make it to rope drop without having to wake up before dawn.

 

[LAKid53]

The average Disney vacationer has no idea this website exists or that there is a marathon. 6 months ago they planned this vacation with no idea that they would be stuck on a bus Sunday morning. As far as safety being the number one concern of run Disney, if that was true, I am sure they could find a nice closed circuit away from danger, but you want to run trough "disney", and I get it. There should just be a better way so that runners get to wake up at a normal time and resort guests can make it to rope drop without having to wake up before dawn.

A "closed circuit"? Such as what? Do you realize how many runners participate in each race? Can you imagine finding a closed circuit that could accommodate the 12,000 runners that participated in the SW Dark Side 10k this year? What, you want us to run around a track for 6.2, 13.1 or 26.2 miles? WDW IS a closed circuit.

As @FerretAfros posted, race weekends are BIG money for Disney...and not just from registration fees, but hotels, tickets, meals and merchandise. And many make it a family event...not all run, but are there to cheer on their family members and friends running.

I have a park survey to respond to. I will suggest that Disney put upfront on its home page info about upcoming race weekends, including statements about traffic delays. I would also hope that third party travel agents, not just Disney travel, let guests know they are planning a visit during a race weekend and to expect delays.

And I'm telling all you non-runners on this thread that next year is the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon. January 3rd through January 7th, 2018. Be prepared for very, very large crowds...and delays.

You've been warned.

 

[xdan0920]

Runny Mcrunpants.(plural) Take it easy. No one is trying to take away your race. Just trying to discuss how it impacts normals and their days.

 

[beertiki]

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

Thanks, I will submit multiple requests to the tiki gods for rain, thunder, snow, and stomach flu.

 

[LAKid53]

Runny Mcrunpants.(plural) Take it easy. No one is trying to take away your race. Just trying to discuss how it impacts normals and their days.

First, you need to cease the stupid name - no matter how compelling you think your comments are, none of us will give you any credence if you continue to call us "Runny Mcrunpants". Like I said, stop being a jerk and grow up....

We know how race weekends affect visitors - we're a major percentage of them those 4 weekends each year - and we're normal. Yeah, 4 weekends...that's all it is.

Not all race participants are active runners. Many run just the 5k...and only one a year, like the Princess in February. They do it for fun..and the races are fun. I want their participation to be first and foremost safe...they aren't experienced runners. And fun. Which means enjoyable routes with characters and photo opportunities.

I think runDisney knows better than you how to organize a race that will accommodate thousands of runners.

 

[LAKid53]

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

Thanks, I will submit multiple requests to the tiki gods for rain, thunder, snow, and stomach flu.

 

[21stamps]

The average Disney vacationer has no idea this website exists or that there is a marathon. 6 months ago they planned this vacation with no idea that they would be stuck on a bus Sunday morning. As far as safety being the number one concern of run Disney, if that was true, I am sure they could find a nice closed circuit away from danger, but you want to run trough "disney", and I get it. There should just be a better way so that runners get to wake up at a normal time and resort guests can make it to rope drop without having to wake up before dawn.

The inaugural-and-only Disneyland Marathon in 1995 finished in the middle of the day on Main Street; park guests were kept on the sidewalk, and the world didn't come to a screeching halt.

Similarly, the first couple years of the WDW Marathon and 5K ended in Epcot on the bridge between Future World and World Showcase, though I can't find a photo at the moment

Marathon Weekend was originally created as a way to fill hotel rooms during one of the quietest weekends of the year, immediately following the holiday rush. Since then, it has evolved into WDW's single most profitable special event of the year. Runners spend more than the average guest on race registration (mine was nearly $600 for Dopey this year), merchandise, park tickets, hotel rooms, and food (gotta fuel for all those miles!)

A similar strategy has been adopted for WDW's other race weekends, using them as a way to boost attendance in the offseason (for some ridiculous reason, DLR's races are all holiday weekends). In fact, the entire cheer/football/WWOS concept is loosely based on the success of Marathon Weekend. To put it bluntly, Disney wants the runners more than the typical guest during these times. Yes, I realize that's harsh, but it's all about following the money

Yes, it would be great if there were ways to move park guests around property seamlessly during the races, but it's just not practical given WDW's use of limited-access highways (though the new interchanges on Osceola Pkwy should help for certain events). If you really want flexibility in the early morning hours, stay at one of the monorail hotels; otherwise, expect to sit in traffic until they're able to clear things up around 8-9am for Half Marathons, or around 1pm for the Marathon. Or just go to a park that's easier to access, like the Studios or Epcot

[Edit: if you're worried about missing light crowds early in the day, don't be. Runners won't be back in the parks until later, and they tend to leave the parks earlier than average too, making it very manageable for non-runners that weekend]

First, you need to cease the stupid name - no matter how compelling you think your comments are, none of us will give you any credence if you continue to call us "Runny Mcrunpants". Like I said, stop being a jerk and grow up....

We know how race weekends affect visitors - we're a major percentage of them those 4 weekends each year - and we're normal. Yeah, 4 weekends...that's all it is.

Not all race participants are active runners. Many run just the 5k...and only one a year, like the Princess in February. They do it for fun..and the races are fun. I want their participation to be first and foremost safe...they aren't experienced runners. And fun. Which means enjoyable routes with characters and photo opportunities.

I think runDisney knows better than you how to organize a race that will accommodate thousands of runners.

I agree with all of these. At the same time. I don't think all guests know before they arrive on property..but I totally believe that Disney notifies them once there.
I'm curious though, Disney destinations doesn't send out an email? I received one about construction, just seems like they may do that for a marathon as well. Either way, I'm sure there is some kind of communication the day before.

Congrats to everyone who ran in any of the races!! Great job!

p.s. My marathon starts at 6am..technically..6:30 is when we take off. Not 5:30, but it's not that Non Disney marathons start much later. It would be too much of an interference to do a RunDisney marathon at 6-6:30 though.. again, kudos to you who started that early and crossed the finish line!

 

[LAKid53]

This is going to be my last post on this thread.

Disney hosts races at WDW 4 weekends a year. They do it because (1) it makes them a bucket load of money, (2) there is a lot of demand for runDisney races (just the hint of another race gets runners excited, kinda like some of you over the latest magic band), (3) it makes Disney A. BUCKET. LOAD. OF. MONEY.

Between registration fees, merchandise (and not just race related), food, etc., I spend well over $1500 each race weekend - I'm an AP and DVC member so those expenses are already covered.

Read @FerretAfros previous post. Not our fault that those slow weekends Disney chose to have races are no longer that way. There are, unfortunately, very few slow times at Disney anymore.

 

[LAKid53]

I agree with all of these. At the same time. I don't think all guests know before they arrive on property..but I totally believe that Disney notifies them once there.
I'm curious though, Disney destinations doesn't send out an email? I received one about construction, just seems like they may do that for a marathon as well. Either way, I'm sure there is some kind of communication the day before.

Congrats to everyone who ran in any of the races!! Great job!

p.s. My marathon starts at 6am..technically..6:30 is when we take off. Not 5:30, but it's not that Non Disney marathons start much later. It would be too much of an interference to do a RunDisney marathon at 6-6:30 though.. again, kudos to you who started that early and crossed the finish line!

Hey, Stamps, how is it going? Didn't know you were a runner. More importantly, we're ranked BEHIND Penn State?! We won our bowl game.....

 

[21stamps]

Hey, Stamps, how is it going? Didn't know you were a runner. More importantly, we're ranked BEHIND Penn State?! We won our bowl game.....

Hi!! Good!! Our SEC buddy never showed back up in that thread.lol. Maybe still frozen in shock after Bama's loss?

I'm not a serious runner..I do a few races per year but much prefer my rollerblades. You'll never catch me running in Boston, Chicago, NYC, or even in my group's new favorite the past few years - the Bourbon Chase. I say that now..but I am (slowly) warming up to the bourbon chase..if I do, it will be a 1 and done. Just a bucket list check.lol

 

[LAKid53]

Hi!! Good!! Our SEC buddy never showed back up in that thread.lol. Maybe still frozen in shock after Bama's loss?

I'm not a serious runner..I do a few per year but much prefer my rollerblades. You'll never catch me running in Boston, Chicago, NYC, or even in my group's new favorite the past few years - the Bourbon Chase. I say that now..but I am (slowly) warming up to the bourbon chase..if I do, it will be a 1 and done. Just a bucket list check.lol

Yeah, I noticed Mr. SEC disappeared after Monday night.... I expected a retort after my ACC rules post.

I have no expectations of ever running in Boston, NYC or any of the other major marathons...I could never qualify...not that fast...

The Bourbon Chase sounds interesting. So what do you use for hydration during the race? Every mile there's a shots table?

 

[plutofan15]

The average Disney vacationer has no idea this website exists or that there is a marathon. 6 months ago they planned this vacation with no idea that they would be stuck on a bus Sunday morning. As far as safety being the number one concern of run Disney, if that was true, I am sure they could find a nice closed circuit away from danger, but you want to run trough "disney", and I get it. There should just be a better way so that runners get to wake up at a normal time and resort guests can make it to rope drop without having to wake up before dawn.

Actually you just need to go to the regular Disney web page (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/) to see what is going on. Click on "Things To Do" at the top of the page and choose "Events and Tours". This will give special events along with standard tours. Always a good place to check prior to booking or leaving for a trip to see what is happening. Even a link to events at ESPN Wide World of Sports to see what might be going on while you are there.(https://www.espnwwos.com/events/). So it actually takes very little effort to find out what will be going on during a trip. The page gives a good amount of information but not everything. At least you will be prepared for any events and know to ask/research once you reach your hotel.

 

[21stamps]

Yeah, I noticed Mr. SEC disappeared after Monday night.... I expected a retort after my ACC rules post.

I have no expectations of ever running in Boston, NYC or any of the other major marathons...I could never qualify...not that fast...

The Bourbon Chase sounds interesting. So what do you use for hydration during the race? Every mile there's a shots table?

Ha ha. Some people can dish but not take..
I showed up after my Mega Humiliation, I can admit when I lose.lol.

The Bourbon Chase is a 200 mile relay in Kentucky. You have to keep a certain time or you get disqualified. You ride in a van until it's your turn..run overnight on the side of a highway with a headlamp on your head..get back in the van until it's your turn again...rinse and repeat for 200 miles. It's crazy.lol And yes, there's Bourbon..just not during the race.
My sister and friends have done it the past few years..they take it very seriously.

 

[LAKid53]

Ha ha. Some people can dish but not take..
I showed up after my Mega Humiliation, I can admit when I lose.lol.

The Bourbon Chase is a 200 mile relay in Kentucky. You have to keep a certain time or you get disqualified. You ride in a van until it's your turn..run overnight on the side of a highway with a headlamp on your head..get back in the van until it's your turn again...rinse and repeat for 200 miles. It's crazy.lol And yes, there's Bourbon..just not during the race.
My sister and friends have done it the past few years..they take it very seriously.

Holy Batman! I'll never complain again about my half marathon at Disney. I'd need more than a few shots of bourbon for that race....

 

[21stamps]

Holy Batman! I'll never complain again about my half marathon at Disney. I'd need more than a few shots of bourbon for that race....

I have a big sad milestone bday coming up later this year. Considering doing a tough mudder (for the first time) just so I can convince myself that I'm not really old.lol.

 

[LAKid53]

I have a big sad milestone bday coming up later this year. Considering doing a tough mudder (for the first time) just so I can convince myself that I'm not really old.lol.

My son in law has done mudders...not for the faint hearted....

I'm running the SW Dark Side half on my birthday....I wouldn't mind rolling back a few years, hell, make that decades...

 

[21stamps]

My son in law has done mudders...not for the faint hearted....

I'm running the SW Dark Side half on my birthday....I wouldn't mind rolling back a few years, hell, make that decades...

That looks so fun! A good friend of mine is doing the Princess. I wish I could make it to any of these. I think my AP is going to collect dust until next fall.lol
I didn't know about the children's events until reading a marathon thread here. They look so neat, I'd love to take my son..but there's no way I could do my own race with him there.

He does the children's events at our Marathon here since age 3. It's adorable. They actually train for a few months leading up to it...the race is 1 mile only, but he has ran the entire thing each time. In 2015 he came in 2nd!! It was exciting.

 

[LAKid53]

That looks so fun! A good friend of mine is doing the Princess. I wish I could make it to any of these. I think my AP is going to collect dust until next fall.lol
I didn't know about the children's events until reading a marathon thread here. They look so neat, I'd love to take my son..but there's no way I could do my own race with him there.

He does the children's events at our Marathon here since age 3. It's adorable. They actually train for a few months leading up to it...the race is 1 mile only, but he has ran the entire thing each time. In 2015 he came in 2nd!! It was exciting.

Which is why you bring along that babysitting friend...

How old is he? 5 year olds can participate in the 5k. Minimum age for the 10k is 10 years old. I've seen lots of families walk in the 5k...that would be a good starting race for him. You should consider the 2018 Princess 5k or 10k if he is old enough. Its a blast - runners dress up as their favorite Disney princess, wear tutus and tiaras, couples will dress up as prince and princess. I expect to see lots of Belles and Beasts since that is the theme for next month's race.

Here's the link.... https://www.rundisney.com/princess-half-marathon/

Would love for you to participate... maybe we could get that drink together we missed over Thanksgiving.... and talk football, lol.

 

[21stamps]

Which is why you bring along that babysitting friend...

How old is he? 5 year olds can participate in the 5k. Minimum age for the 10k is 10 years old. I've seen lots of families walk in the 5k...that would be a good starting race for him. You should consider the 2018 Princess 5k or 10k if he is old enough. Its a blast - runners dress up as their favorite Disney princess, wear tutus and tiaras, couples will dress up as prince and princess. I expect to see lots of Belles and Beasts since that is the theme for next month's race.

Here's the link.... https://www.rundisney.com/princess-half-marathon/

Would love for you to participate... maybe we could get that drink together we missed over Thanksgiving.... and talk football, lol.

He did quite a few 5 & 10k's with me when he was a baby..in the jogger.lol. He's 6, I don't know if he could actually run an entire 5k, does play soccer year round now, so maybe..but I doubt it. Our marathon is in May so we'll figure out what events he can do, then train for them, in the next month or so.
All of my friends are into sports so I don't know if I'd have any willing to sit on the sidelines..I've been trying to convince my mom to come to Disney with us though..so far she hasn't agreed, but the races could be a good reason.

I will definitely be there for F&W at some point. Sans kiddo!! If you're there at that time we should def meet for a drink..and..football will be going on!!! I'll be there with a Michigan fan, an Auburn fan, a Gator fan, and myself- a fan of The Ohio State, obviously I'm the most intelligent of the group. . You should wear you ugly FSU gear and we can all rep our teams while drinking Spikey Pineapples. Lol

 

[LAKid53]

He did quite a few 5 & 10k's with me when he was a baby..in the jogger.lol. He's 6, I don't know if he could actually run an entire 5k, does play soccer year round now, so maybe..but I doubt it. Our marathon is in May so we'll figure out what events he can do,then train for them, in the next month or so.
All of my friends are into sports so I don't know if I'd have any willing to sit on the sidelines..I've been trying to convince my mom to come to Disney with us though..so far she hasn't agreed, but the races could be a good reason.

I will definitely be there for F&W at some point. Sans kiddo!! If you're there at that time we should def meet for a drink..and..football will be going on!!! I'll be there with a Michigan fan, an Auburn fan, a Gator fan, and myself- a fan of The Ohio State, obviously I'm the most intelligent of the group. . You should wear you ugly FSU gear and we can all rep our teams while drinking Spikey Pineapples. Lol

We Noles DON'T wear ugly gear.... we leave that to the Gators...... the originators of jhorts....

I'll be there for the W&D Half weekend, which is November 2nd through the 5th. Usually come down the Wednesday before races start on Friday and stay through the following Tuesday - don't want to drive back the same day I've just run a total of 22.4 miles over 3 days. Would love to meet for a drink! And remind your Wolverine friend that FSU has now beaten Michigan twice - the first was in the Big House the year Desmond won the Hessian - yeah, we beat Desmond, at home. Partied after that one. Oh, and I'll try not to remind you that we beat OSU, the three times we've played... twice in the Horseshoe in 1981 and 1982. The last was the 1998 Sugar Bowl 31 - 14. So bring it on!

PM me when you know your schedule.