its been one of my dreams to run a Disney half marathon for years now. Just the thought of running through the parks at my own pace, at the place I love is just something I really want to experience. Here's the problem, I'm not a great runner, hell I'm not even a good runner but I enjoy doing it and like the atmosphere and the feeling of finishing a race. I run 5K's in the area and can usually finish them in around 30 minute times. I don't want to make the trip just for a 5K, I want it to be something special that I'll always remember. my question is, what race would be the best choice for someone like me to run.
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which race should i run?
- Thread starter wdwfanatic4yrs
- Start date
Ariel484
Well-Known Member
Any of the races are great for first-timers.
Your options are...
WDW morning races
WDW Half Marathon (January, Donald Theme, MK/Epcot course)
Princess Half Marathon (February, Princess theme, MK/Epcot course)
WDW night races
The Tower of Terror 10-miler --> obviously not a half but may be better for a beginner? (October, Villains/Tower of Terror theme, WWoS/Hollywood Studios course)
The Wine & Dine Half Marathon (November, food & wine theme, Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios/Epcot course)
Disneyland races
Tinkerbell Half Marathon (May, Tinkerbell theme, Disneyland/Anaheim course)
Disneyland Half Marathon (September, General Disneyland theme, Disneyland/Anaheim course)
So I guess you'll want to decide, does WDW or Disneyland appeal more? Morning or night race? Are characters on the course important (morning races tend to have more entertainment)? Do any go the themes of the races appeal to you more? Which course sounds like the best? What time of year can you actually do the race/train for it?
For a first-timer I think I'd recommend a morning race...personally I think W&D is my favorite half at WDW. But the morning races have more characters and the run down Main Street/through the castle, which it hi no is what most people think of when they think of running Disney.
Also...a 30-minute 5K is pretty good, in my opinion.
Your options are...
WDW morning races
WDW Half Marathon (January, Donald Theme, MK/Epcot course)
Princess Half Marathon (February, Princess theme, MK/Epcot course)
WDW night races
The Tower of Terror 10-miler --> obviously not a half but may be better for a beginner? (October, Villains/Tower of Terror theme, WWoS/Hollywood Studios course)
The Wine & Dine Half Marathon (November, food & wine theme, Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios/Epcot course)
Disneyland races
Tinkerbell Half Marathon (May, Tinkerbell theme, Disneyland/Anaheim course)
Disneyland Half Marathon (September, General Disneyland theme, Disneyland/Anaheim course)
So I guess you'll want to decide, does WDW or Disneyland appeal more? Morning or night race? Are characters on the course important (morning races tend to have more entertainment)? Do any go the themes of the races appeal to you more? Which course sounds like the best? What time of year can you actually do the race/train for it?
For a first-timer I think I'd recommend a morning race...personally I think W&D is my favorite half at WDW. But the morning races have more characters and the run down Main Street/through the castle, which it hi no is what most people think of when they think of running Disney.
Also...a 30-minute 5K is pretty good, in my opinion.
Texas84
Well-Known Member
If you want a fun Disney half, here are the top 3:
1) Wine & Dine
2) Wine & Dine
3) Wine & Dine
Seriously, W&D goes through three parks at night with an awesome after-party. ToT gets a bit humid and it's only 10 miles. The January half seems more serious. Only two parks, no party. That Downtown thing doesn't count.
1) Wine & Dine
2) Wine & Dine
3) Wine & Dine
Seriously, W&D goes through three parks at night with an awesome after-party. ToT gets a bit humid and it's only 10 miles. The January half seems more serious. Only two parks, no party. That Downtown thing doesn't count.
Disneymom201
Active Member
I just purchased plane tickets today to be in Orlando for my first ever Disney run for the Wine & Dine Half. I am sooo excited!!! I have no idea of what to even expect. I have a few half marathons under my belt & am participating in my first ever marathon this May in Pittsburgh. I am running solo for the W&D....but my family will be there. Soooo excited...I can't even stand it.
I'll be stocking Etsy to pick out my costume!!!
I also agree a 30 minute 5k is great!!! What pp have told me, like the above the W&D 1/2 is awesome. I'm looking forward to the after party too!!! Good luck....I'll look forward to learning of your decision
I'll be stocking Etsy to pick out my costume!!!
I also agree a 30 minute 5k is great!!! What pp have told me, like the above the W&D 1/2 is awesome. I'm looking forward to the after party too!!! Good luck....I'll look forward to learning of your decision
-em
Well-Known Member
One thing with night races is make sure to train with night runs outside- Not just to get used to putting in that energy that late but also used to roads/paths in darkness- I find I have to be more hyper aware of my footing due to shadowed danger like sticks/holes etc more than in daylight
Ive done Wine n Dine and while I prefer day races to night races it was enjoyable noticed a LOT more people struggling than I typically do mainly due to the reasons above...
As for being the most expensive- it typically is due to the after party but DLR 1/2 is catching up really really quick...
Personally I have to recommend either the DLR half or the WDW Donald Half- both are great runs (you cant beat the energy of Marathon weekend at WDW- no other race comes close...)
Ive done Wine n Dine and while I prefer day races to night races it was enjoyable noticed a LOT more people struggling than I typically do mainly due to the reasons above...
As for being the most expensive- it typically is due to the after party but DLR 1/2 is catching up really really quick...
Personally I have to recommend either the DLR half or the WDW Donald Half- both are great runs (you cant beat the energy of Marathon weekend at WDW- no other race comes close...)
SpectroPhoenix
Active Member
WOW! I was considering taking the Coast to Coast challenge and checked DLR 1/2 prices... RIDICULOUS!
Why is it so freakin' expensive?! I figured, I'll be in California, might as well do both the 10K and the 1/2 to get the Dumbo medal, but damn, $320 plus my plane ticket plus hotel plus I'll want to go to DL...
I propose they offer a sort of discount for those trying to go Coast to Coast...
Ariel484
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately, they don't need to. The Disneyland stuff will sell out more quickly than any other races.
216bruce
Well-Known Member
I just returned (sadly, without luggage) from Marathon Weekend at WDW. I ran the half-marathon which was my first ever. I, like you, am not a great runner and do some 5K's around home. Believe me, you'll have no problem finishing the half at WDW. Lots of people walk, walk/run it and complete it. I ran probably 12 of the 13 miles and finished in the middle of the pack. Just keep going at a very easy pace. Very do-able.