runDisney Star Wars Events

[Surferboy567]

After putting together this plan multiple times, lots of research and thinking I finally know what I am going to do.

In 2022, I plan on running my first on-property runDisney race. The 2022 Star Wars Kessel Run (the one with everything) + 5K! This could obviously change but it is what I’m thinking currently.

Their are a couple of reasons why I think this is the best thing to do. Timing is the main reason behind it. I went back and forth between Star Wars and Marathon weekend. It became clear though that Star Wars was the best option. Myself and travel party are huge Star wars fans so it makes sense to pick the weekend we are going to be the most passionate about. Plus, if marathon becomes virtual I can technically participate in it.

I wanted to partake in a challenge and Star Wars enables me to do that more easily then marathon weekend.

If this trip and plan goes though I expect this to be a sizable trip. So the long wait gives me plenty of time to decide the details. The wait is long but hopefully will pay off. Anything can happen between then and now, so here is hoping it all goes to plan.

I will continue to run virtual runDisney races as I normally do in the meantime.

 

[LAKid53]

After putting together this plan multiple times, lots of research and thinking I finally know what I am going to do.

In 2022, I plan on running my first on-property runDisney race. The 2022 Star Wars Kessel Run (the one with everything) + 5K! This could obviously change but it is what I’m thinking currently.

Their are a couple of reasons why I think this is the best thing to do. Timing is the main reason behind it. I went back and forth between Star Wars and Marathon weekend. It became clear though that Star Wars was the best option. Myself and travel party are huge Star wars fans so it makes sense to pick the weekend we are going to be the most passionate about. Plus, if marathon becomes virtual I can technically participate in it.

I wanted to partake in a challenge and Star Wars enables me to do that more easily then marathon weekend.

If this trip and plan goes though I expect this to be a sizable trip. So the long wait gives me plenty of time to decide the details. The wait is long but hopefully will pay off. Anything can happen between then and now, so here is hoping it all goes to plan.

I will continue to run virtual runDisney races as I normally do in the meantime.

If the 2022 Marathon races become virtual, we've got big problems....

 

[Surferboy567]

If the 2022 Marathon races become virtual, we've got big problems....

Whoops...meant to make the distinction of 2021.

 

[OG Runner]

After putting together this plan multiple times, lots of research and thinking I finally know what I am going to do.

In 2022, I plan on running my first on-property runDisney race. The 2022 Star Wars Kessel Run (the one with everything) + 5K! This could obviously change but it is what I’m thinking currently.

Their are a couple of reasons why I think this is the best thing to do. Timing is the main reason behind it. I went back and forth between Star Wars and Marathon weekend. It became clear though that Star Wars was the best option. Myself and travel party are huge Star wars fans so it makes sense to pick the weekend we are going to be the most passionate about. Plus, if marathon becomes virtual I can technically participate in it.

I wanted to partake in a challenge and Star Wars enables me to do that more easily then marathon weekend.

If this trip and plan goes though I expect this to be a sizable trip. So the long wait gives me plenty of time to decide the details. The wait is long but hopefully will pay off. Anything can happen between then and now, so here is hoping it all goes to plan.

I will continue to run virtual runDisney races as I normally do in the meantime.

Sounds like you have a good plan. I would throw in a thought. Why not just run the Half Marathon the first time? It will give
you more time for the vacation and dip your toe in enough to get you excited for the next time. Just a thought.

 

[Surferboy567]

Sounds like you have a good plan. I would throw in a thought. Why not just run the Half Marathon the first time? It will give
you more time for the vacation and dip your toe in enough to get you excited for the next time. Just a thought.

Reason why, I don’t know how many opportunities I will have to do runDisney. I’ve been going to Disney World for 22 + years. My family aren’t runners, they actually aren’t even going on this trip it’s friends and myself. I’ve wanted to participate in an event for a long time now. Some of them largely view the running component as a waste of time. To an extent, I can kind of see where they are coming from. They much rather spend time in the parks then “waste” it running. I love the parks, I see it as a “special” event since I am going to go back to the parks during the trip. Since, I’m technically “in” the parks while running. Of course, I won’t know for sure till I try.

So going big seems like a good idea but I am still working though a lot of details. Such as number of races, trying to balance out park time with rest, expo, etc. Will be tough for a first time runDisney planner, but the park stuff shouldn’t be too hard to plan (as long as I take breaks which I don’t normally do) and some help.

My plan is going to have to go though lots of revisions and, the first one is the most important. The dates, have to make sure everyone in my party can make them. We should be ok since it’s 2+ years out but you never know.

EDIT: Who knows though this could turn into a regular thing. A year and a half ago I would of never thought of even trying to run a 5K let alone a half. I guess the main point is that the plan isn’t concrete yet. It won’t be for a while. That is what I’m leaning toward though.

I also am planning 3-4 days after the races to be in the parks with no races (not sure if that will stick) but for now we shall see.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

915am - all races still available except the challenge.

 

[Figment82]

915am - all races still available except the challenge.

I am actually really surprised at this! I thought the pent-up demand and spring timeframe would have caused most of the events to sell out pretty quickly, even with a larger capacity. Guess I didn’t need to get so anxious about registering after all!

 

[DznyGrlSD]

I am actually really surprised at this! I thought the pent-up demand and spring timeframe would have caused most of the events to sell out pretty quickly, even with a larger capacity. Guess I didn’t need to get so anxious about registering after all!

I think people are gun-shy about races actually happening. Rock N Roll (somewhere?) that was supposed to be in April is already cancelled.

 

[LAKid53]

Reason why, I don’t know how many opportunities I will have to do runDisney. I’ve been going to Disney World for 22 + years. My family aren’t runners, they actually aren’t even going on this trip it’s friends and myself. I’ve wanted to participate in an event for a long time now. Some of them largely view the running component as a waste of time. To an extent, I can kind of see where they are coming from. They much rather spend time in the parks then “waste” it running. I love the parks, I see it as a “special” event since I am going to go back to the parks during the trip. Since, I’m technically “in” the parks while running. Of course, I won’t know for sure till I try.

So going big seems like a good idea but I am still working though a lot of details. Such as number of races, trying to balance out park time with rest, expo, etc. Will be tough for a first time runDisney planner, but the park stuff shouldn’t be too hard to plan (as long as I take breaks which I don’t normally do) and some help.

My plan is going to have to go though lots of revisions and, the first one is the most important. The dates, have to make sure everyone in my party can make them. We should be ok since it’s 2+ years out but you never know.

EDIT: Who knows though this could turn into a regular thing. A year and a half ago I would of never thought of even trying to run a 5K let alone a half. I guess the main point is that the plan isn’t concrete yet. It won’t be for a while. That is what I’m leaning toward though.

I also am planning 3-4 days after the races to be in the parks with no races (not sure if that will stick) but for now we shall see.

Word of advice: Keep the time visiting the parks to a minimum until you've completed all 3 races. Like maybe no more than 2 hours, just to help with recovery. Getting up early 3 mornings in a row and running races 3 consecutive days can take a toll on your legs/feet if you've not done that before. You want to walk around, but no dashing from ride to ride or 6 hours in the parks race days.

 

[Demarke]

I am actually really surprised at this! I thought the pent-up demand and spring timeframe would have caused most of the events to sell out pretty quickly, even with a larger capacity. Guess I didn’t need to get so anxious about registering after all!

The only advantage to registering in the first 20 minute wave ended up being getting in on the magicband before it sold out (after like 30 minutes).

I think they must have opened up the normal amount of registrations for the 2021 edition to still have so many left. However, Star Wars is a bit weird to me (in all of the two years I've been doing runDisney) in that it has still had slots open well after the mad rush on registration day in prior years too. My first runDisney race was the 2019 Kessell Run/Rival Run Challenge, which I signed up for like 7-10 days before the Expo. During 2020 sign up, the 5K went fairly quickly, the 10K finally sold out in late-September 2019, then all the races were open again briefly in late-November 2019, then by mid-January 2020 the individual races were all sold out, but all the challenges were available (and I think remained available until covid concerns started placing everything on hold). Maybe people have been worried about the April heat or the spring break crowds (or both), but for whatever reason, this one seems to have registrations spots available longer than the other events.

 

[LAKid53]

The only advantage to registering in the first 20 minute wave ended up being getting in on the magicband before it sold out (after like 30 minutes).

I think they must have opened up the normal amount of registrations for the 2021 edition to still have so many left. However, Star Wars is a bit weird to me (in the all of two years I've been doing runDisney) in that it has still had slots open well after the mad rush on registration day in prior years too. My first runDisney race was the 2019 Kessell Run/Rival Run Challenge, which I signed up for like 7-10 days before the Expo. During 2020 sign up, the 5K went fairly quickly, the 10K finally sold out in late-September 2019, then all the races were open again briefly in late-November 2019, then by mid-January 2020 the individual races were all sold out, but all the challenges were available (and I think remained available until covid concerns started placing everything on hold). Maybe people have been worried about the April heat or the spring break crowds (or both), but for whatever reason, this one seems to have registrations spots available longer than the other events.

I can remember when races were available the 1st day of the Expo - either Marathon weekend or W&D.

 

[Surferboy567]

Word of advice: Keep the time visiting the parks to a minimum until you've completed all 3 races. Like maybe no more than 2 hours, just to help with recovery. Getting up early 3 mornings in a row and running races 3 consecutive days can take a toll on your legs/feet if you've not done that before. You want to walk around, but no dashing from ride to ride or 6 hours in the parks race days.

That actually leads me to a question. The day of the expo (Thursday) I plan on flying in on that day. Is it even worth it to buy a park ticket. I think no, because it will be my first time ever at an expo.

On race days, how do you typically tackle the parks if you do at all? Run the race, go to sleep, wake up go to the parks in the afternoon, then go to sleep early rinse and repeat. Is that worth it to buy a pass for?

In my head works like this:

Thursday- Expo (no park)
Friday- 5K (not sure on how to handle park)
Saturday- 10K (not sure on how to handle park)
Sunday- Half (not sure on how to handle park)

Monday- Regular Disney Trip
Tuesday- Regular Disney Trip
Wednesday- Regular Disney Trip
Thursday- Regular Disney Trip

Obviously, this can change namely how long I stay after the races. Or it could not change at all but how do you do it yourself? Just a rough idea I have in my head.

 

[LAKid53]

That actually leads me to a question. The day of the expo (Thursday) I plan on flying in on that day. Is it even worth it to buy a park ticket. I think no, because it will be my first time ever at an expo.

On race days, how do you typically tackle the parks if you do at all? Run the race, go to sleep, wake up go to the parks in the afternoon, then go to sleep early rinse and repeat. Is that worth it to buy a pass for?

In my head works like this

Thursday- Expo (no park)
Friday- 5K (not sure on how to handle park)
Saturday- 10K (not sure on how to handle park)
Sunday- Half (not sure on how to handle park)

Monday- Regular Disney Trip
Tuesday- Regular Disney Trip
Wednesday- Regular Disney Trip
Thursday- Regular Disney Trip

Obviously, this can change namely how long I stay after the races. Or it could not change at all but how do you do it yourself?

I drive down on Wednesday. My schedule for the week I'm there (Wednesday to Wednesday):

Wednesday: arrive in the afternoon, unpack, go to Disney Springs for a bite to eat

Thursday: arrive at Expo around 11:00 AM. Advice - if you want to purchase race specific merchandise, PRE-ORDER IT! Many times, the line to get to the merchandise is insane for SW weekend. Especially if it's an anniversary year, like 2021 will be. I try not to spend more than 2 hours at the Expo. Then back to my room to eat, hydrate and rest. I go to bed no later than 8:00 PM. That 2:30 AM alarm comes too soon

Friday: up at 2:30, get a bite to eat and drink a cup of green tea, dress and head to the bus. After the race, I'll shower, eat, take a nap - an hour or two. Head to a park, walk around a bit, do a couple of rides, grab a bite to eat, then back to the room. Eat a light dinner, lay out my race clothes, sleep.

Saturday: repeat the day before

Sunday: repeat the day before, except up at 2:00 AM as they've moved the bus schedule for the half up 30 minutes. I usually don't get to a park until 2-3 PM on Sunday as I'm dead tired by then and want to sleep a few hours. And unless I'm meeting up with some peeps or attending the W&D After Party, I'm usually back in my room by 10:00 PM.

I use the gear bag you're given at the Expo race mornings (for 10k & half) to put my recovery slides, some hydration powder, a jacket or poncho in case the weather turns, maybe a fresh shirt. The number of times it has rained during or end of a race, you'll be glad to have a dry shirt. And a comfortable pair of sandals to sooth your achey, swollen feet.

Once I've done all my races, I eat whatever I want, have a few beers and spend more time in the parks. I'm real carefully about what I eat prior to each race - last thing you want is tummy troubles mile 11 of a half. And I hydrate through the day. And avoid alcohol.

Monday and Tuesday are usually all day park days - well 11 AM to about 5 PM. If there's a special tour I want to do, like Wild Africa Trek or Keys to the Kingdom, I'll do it one of those days.

I'd say stay as long as you want after the races are over. Most runners have left by Tuesday at the latest, so for big race weekends, the crowds will be smaller after that.

Oh, and wear your medal you've gotten that day in the park. CMs go out of their way to congratulate you and photopass photographers will stop you and make sure you get a picture with your medal. Just only wear one medal - they are heavy and clanked together. If you completed a challenge, wear that medal, not both the half and challenge ones. I learned that from experience.

 

[GimpYancIent]

After putting together this plan multiple times, lots of research and thinking I finally know what I am going to do.

In 2022, I plan on running my first on-property runDisney race. The 2022 Star Wars Kessel Run (the one with everything) + 5K! This could obviously change but it is what I’m thinking currently.

Their are a couple of reasons why I think this is the best thing to do. Timing is the main reason behind it. I went back and forth between Star Wars and Marathon weekend. It became clear though that Star Wars was the best option. Myself and travel party are huge Star wars fans so it makes sense to pick the weekend we are going to be the most passionate about. Plus, if marathon becomes virtual I can technically participate in it.

I wanted to partake in a challenge and Star Wars enables me to do that more easily then marathon weekend.

If this trip and plan goes though I expect this to be a sizable trip. So the long wait gives me plenty of time to decide the details. The wait is long but hopefully will pay off. Anything can happen between then and now, so here is hoping it all goes to plan.

I will continue to run virtual runDisney races as I normally do in the meantime.

I drive down on Wednesday. My schedule for the week I'm there (Wednesday to Wednesday):

Wednesday: arrive in the afternoon, unpack, go to Disney Springs for a bite to eat

Thursday: arrive at Expo around 11:00 AM. Advice - if you want to purchase race specific merchandise, PRE-ORDER IT! Many times, the line to get to the merchandise is insane for SW weekend. Especially if it's an anniversary year, like 2021 will be. I try not to spend more than 2 hours at the Expo. Then back to my room to eat, hydrate and rest. I go to bed no later than 8:00 PM. That 2:30 AM alarm comes too soon

Friday: up at 2:30, get a bite to eat and drink a cup of green tea, dress and head to the bus. After the race, I'll shower, eat, take a nap - an hour or two. Head to a park, walk around a bit, do a couple of rides, grab a bite to eat, then back to the room. Eat a light dinner, lay out my race clothes, sleep.

Saturday: repeat the day before

Sunday: repeat the day before, except up at 2:00 AM as they've moved the bus schedule for the half up 30 minutes. I usually don't get to a park until 2-3 PM on Sunday as I'm dead tired by then and want to sleep a few hours. And unless I'm meeting up with some peeps or attending the W&D After Party, I'm usually back in my room by 10:00 PM.

I use the gear bag you're given at the Expo race mornings (for 10k & half) to put my recovery slides, some hydration powder, a jacket or poncho in case the weather turns, maybe a fresh shirt. The number of times it has rained during or end of a race, you'll be glad to have a dry shirt. And a comfortable pair of sandals to sooth your achey, swollen feet.

Once I've done all my races, I eat whatever I want, have a few beers and spend more time in the parks. I'm real carefully about what I eat prior to each race - last thing you want is tummy troubles mile 11 of a half. And I hydrate through the day. And avoid alcohol.

Monday and Tuesday are usually all day park days - well 11 AM to about 5 PM. If there's a special tour I want to do, like Wild Africa Trek or Keys to the Kingdom, I'll do it one of those days.

I'd say stay as long as you want after the races are over. Most runners have left by Tuesday at the latest, so for big race weekends, the crowds will be smaller after that.

Oh, and wear your medal you've gotten that day in the park. CMs go out of their way to congratulate you and photopass photographers will stop you and make sure you get a picture with your medal. Just only wear one medal - they are heavy and clanked together. If you completed a challenge, wear that medal, not both the half and challenge ones. I learned that from experience.

As someone that has been there and done that. Agree. Yes, two hours at the Expo are plenty to take care of the needs and anything special race specific pre-order it. Stay hydrated and watch what you eat, do not wait to hydrate immediately prior to the race. Early to bed early to rise is an old saying but very applicable prior to a Disney race as that 2 to 2:30 wake up time frame comes quickly. You will also find there in fact will be time to enjoy WDW. Oh yea, don't wear all the medals at the same time they are heavy and clang when you move. By all means enjoy the experience.

 

[Surferboy567]

I drive down on Wednesday. My schedule for the week I'm there (Wednesday to Wednesday):

Wednesday: arrive in the afternoon, unpack, go to Disney Springs for a bite to eat

Thursday: arrive at Expo around 11:00 AM. Advice - if you want to purchase race specific merchandise, PRE-ORDER IT! Many times, the line to get to the merchandise is insane for SW weekend. Especially if it's an anniversary year, like 2021 will be. I try not to spend more than 2 hours at the Expo. Then back to my room to eat, hydrate and rest. I go to bed no later than 8:00 PM. That 2:30 AM alarm comes too soon

Friday: up at 2:30, get a bite to eat and drink a cup of green tea, dress and head to the bus. After the race, I'll shower, eat, take a nap - an hour or two. Head to a park, walk around a bit, do a couple of rides, grab a bite to eat, then back to the room. Eat a light dinner, lay out my race clothes, sleep.

Saturday: repeat the day before

Sunday: repeat the day before, except up at 2:00 AM as they've moved the bus schedule for the half up 30 minutes. I usually don't get to a park until 2-3 PM on Sunday as I'm dead tired by then and want to sleep a few hours. And unless I'm meeting up with some peeps or attending the W&D After Party, I'm usually back in my room by 10:00 PM.

I use the gear bag you're given at the Expo race mornings (for 10k & half) to put my recovery slides, some hydration powder, a jacket or poncho in case the weather turns, maybe a fresh shirt. The number of times it has rained during or end of a race, you'll be glad to have a dry shirt. And a comfortable pair of sandals to sooth your achey, swollen feet.

Once I've done all my races, I eat whatever I want, have a few beers and spend more time in the parks. I'm real carefully about what I eat prior to each race - last thing you want is tummy troubles mile 11 of a half. And I hydrate through the day. And avoid alcohol.

Monday and Tuesday are usually all day park days - well 11 AM to about 5 PM. If there's a special tour I want to do, like Wild Africa Trek or Keys to the Kingdom, I'll do it one of those days.

I'd say stay as long as you want after the races are over. Most runners have left by Tuesday at the latest, so for big race weekends, the crowds will be smaller after that.

Oh, and wear your medal you've gotten that day in the park. CMs go out of their way to congratulate you and photopass photographers will stop you and make sure you get a picture with your medal. Just only wear one medal - they are heavy and clanked together. If you completed a challenge, wear that medal, not both the half and challenge ones. I learned that from experience.

As someone that has been there and done that. Agree. Yes, two hours at the Expo are plenty to take care of the needs and anything special race specific pre-order it. Stay hydrated and watch what you eat, do not wait to hydrate immediately prior to the race. Early to bed early to rise is an old saying but very applicable prior to a Disney race as that 2 to 2:30 wake up time frame comes quickly. You will also find there in fact will be time to enjoy WDW. Oh yea, don't wear all the medals at the same time they are heavy and clang when you move. By all means enjoy the experience.

I really appreciate the advice guys! It didn’t even occur to me that 2022 is an anniversary. I may have more questions as planning heats up. Thanks!

EDIT: I can’t count, it’s the 6th race not the 5th.

 

[LAKid53]

I really appreciate the advice guys! It didn’t even occur to me that 2022 is an anniversary. I may have more questions as planning heats up. Thanks!

2021 is the anniversary year. Races started in 2016, and sadly, 2020 was skipped.

 

[Surferboy567]

2021 is the anniversary year. Races started in 2016, and sadly, 2020 was skipped.

Gotcha, so it will be the 6th race when I go.

 

[Demarke]

That actually leads me to a question. The day of the expo (Thursday) I plan on flying in on that day. Is it even worth it to buy a park ticket. I think no, because it will be my first time ever at an expo.

On race days, how do you typically tackle the parks if you do at all? Run the race, go to sleep, wake up go to the parks in the afternoon, then go to sleep early rinse and repeat. Is that worth it to buy a pass for?

In my head works like this:

Thursday- Expo (no park)
Friday- 5K (not sure on how to handle park)
Saturday- 10K (not sure on how to handle park)
Sunday- Half (not sure on how to handle park)

Monday- Regular Disney Trip
Tuesday- Regular Disney Trip
Wednesday- Regular Disney Trip
Thursday- Regular Disney Trip

Obviously, this can change namely how long I stay after the races. Or it could not change at all but how do you do it yourself? Just a rough idea I have in my head.

I agree with @LAKid53's recommendations. If you are flying in on Thursday, I probably wouldn't bother with a park ticket for that day either because you wouldn't get much use before you'd need to wind down to rest before the 5K. I live about 6 hours away and tend to hit the road about 1AM Thursday to rope drop one of the parks for a few hours before hitting the expo which gets me some low-crowd park time, but also helps adjust my sleep schedule so that I can actually fall asleep at 7-8PM the night before the first race. (I've also got an annual pass, so it doesn't cost me any extra to go for just a few hours).

The expo is a madhouse the first day, it will take awhile to get through no matter what time you are there, but if you are flying in, I imagine it wouldn't leave enough time to do the expo (2ish hours, plus any travel time) and have any meaningful time left in a park afterward (at least not enough to justify purchasing a full day ticket). There is a room with up to several hundred people in a line to get to the line into the merchandise area where hundreds more people are shopping and waiting to check out. Fortunately, the check out is pretty efficient and doesn't take as long as it might look. However, heed LAKid53's advice and at least pre-purchase something (even if it's just a pin or something) because, if you have a pre-purchase, you can skip the big line and enter the merchandise area through a much, much shorter pre-purchase line. Once you are in, you pick up your item, but are still in the merchandise area and can feel free to shop for any other items that strike your fancy (there's a ton to choose from).

During race weeks, I try to eat sensible, easy-on-the-stomach meals (sub sandwiches, steak and veggies, creamy pastas, etc) and don't drink any alcohol until after my last race. Race mornings, I'll get up around 2:00AM and shower, eat some fruit, trail mix, etc. and try to head to the starting line early enough to get some character photos, wander around, stretch, and get to the corrals early enough not to be at the back.

After the races, I'll usually go to my car and towel off and discretely change into something dryer and hit the parks until around 3:00PM and then pick up dinner on the way to the hotel and soak for a bit in a hot bath with Epsom salts for a bit before bed. After shorter races, like the 5K or sometimes 10K, I may try to rope drop Hollywood Studios to get a RotR boarding group or rope drop another park if I finish in time. After a 10K or Half Marathon (if doing Dopey), I tend to choose Epcot (because you're already there) and spend 2-3 hours in the park then hop to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach after lunch and soak in the wave pool and lazy river to rejuvenate the legs for 2-3 hours. My suggestion is map out what you think works for you closer to your trip but allow yourself the flexibility to change your plans midstream depending on how you feel that day.

No matter what you do, if you've got multiple races in a weekend (and days in the parks afterward), I highly recommend getting: 1) Body Glide (nothings worse than chafing with a race and three more days of park hopping ahead of you), 2) Nip-eaze (same reason), 3) Bio-freeze (the runDisney aid station will have a ton of it, but I like having my own if I want it for after the race or the next day), and 4) oofos or other heavily shock-absorbent recovery sandal to wear post race with or without socks (allows your feet to breathe outside of shoes to avoid blistering and are very well padded). Also recommended for comfort/utility, 1) a race belt to hold your phone, key, and/or any snack or other item you want with you during the race, 2) Bluetooth headphones (like AfterShokz) to listen to music while running, and 3) a cooling towel (if it's going to be a hot raceday) that you can dump in an extra cup of water and put around your neck after you pass hydration stations.

After the final race, I enjoy a beer or two (if you know you want two, go ahead and get your refill ticket when you buy your first one and avoid a second trip through the line). Go shower and hit the parks until close (or whenever I get too tired to keep going). I usually stay for a full day Monday (sometimes golf 9 holes Monday morning and hit the parks after, or sometimes just do a full day of parks) and usually will do a half day Tuesday and hit the road around noon or 1:00PM.

 

[Demarke]

I really appreciate the advice guys! It didn’t even occur to me that 2022 is an anniversary. I may have more questions as planning heats up. Thanks!

EDIT: I can’t count, it’s the 6th race not the 5th.

It will be the tail end of the 50th anniversary celebration though, so who knows, they might have something special planned for it either way!

 

[Surferboy567]

Advice - if you want to purchase race specific merchandise, PRE-ORDER IT! Many times, the line to get to the merchandise is insane for SW weekend. Especially if it's an anniversary year, like 2021 will be.

Fortunately, the check out is pretty efficient and doesn't take as long as it might look. However, heed LAKid53's advice and at least pre-purchase something (even if it's just a pin or something) because, if you have a pre-purchase, you can skip the big line and enter the merchandise area through a much, much shorter pre-purchase line. Once you are in, you pick up your item, but are still in the merchandise area and can feel free to shop for any other items that strike your fancy (there's a ton to choose from).

After looking at the past expo’s the one thing that I have to say impressed me the most in terms of merch are the pins, and jacket. Not sure why was a big pin collector when I was a kid. Don’t really collect them now (although they are cool). But every pin I’ve seen really impressed me especially the medal replicas the “I did it” pins are cool too. So maybe I go for a pin bundle. It is EXTREMELY expensive though.

The jacket also is cool but unlike the pin entirely relies on if I like the race logos. The pin normally doesn’t have this problem.

Really not sure why I gravitate toward the pins but they look great. Reason why I don’t go crazy for the shirts beyond the challenges is that I fear I’ll buy them and have unused shirts lying around. Have to think about that.

What merch do you normally go for? Also how do you display pins (if you even buy them).