Marathon Weekend 2020

Withdrawing from the January trip. With my big raise this year I have started getting really in to budget and cost control at home, and I finally accepted that laying out all that money was not a smart idea at this moment. I still have my Disneyland/carolwood/sequoia/Death Valley/Zion trip next month, and even though I am not doing dopey, I have that 50 in Moab, so that should cover it.

The upside is that what little credit card debt I had left after being maxed out in the few months after the baby was born, will be gone after the refund on the plane tickets. And she is developing a strong college fund. She’ll enjoy WDW better in a few years, anyway.
It's a bummer that you can't make it, but it sounds like your being a responsible adult. Have fun in Disneyland.
 
Thank you for the heads up on the 5K/10K bib availability! Freaking out now as I want to figure out what to do before the races sell out again. I had considered doing the half but ruled it out in favour of doing the full in 2021 when DH can do the 10K. But now that signing him up for the 10K is (for the moment) back as an option, I’m reconsidering.

For those who have run both the half and the full, I’d appreciate any insight as to whether running the half (and missing out on the full) might be a letdown after running the full on our last trip. I hope this doesn’t come across badly, I’m just a bit underwhelmed with what I’ve seen of the half course. The marathon route was so magical, especially running through 4 parks and through the Boardwalk area where my family cheered for me.

I felt the half was a little bit of a letdown (did full in 2013 and 2018 and half in 2019). I did enjoy getting to stop for more characters, and I loved not missing any park time, but not running through the Boardwall area and World Showcase really took some of the joy out of the experience.

And in saying that, I am doing the full again in 2020.
 
Thank you for the heads up on the 5K/10K bib availability! Freaking out now as I want to figure out what to do before the races sell out again. I had considered doing the half but ruled it out in favour of doing the full in 2021 when DH can do the 10K. But now that signing him up for the 10K is (for the moment) back as an option, I’m reconsidering.

For those who have run both the half and the full, I’d appreciate any insight as to whether running the half (and missing out on the full) might be a letdown after running the full on our last trip. I hope this doesn’t come across badly, I’m just a bit underwhelmed with what I’ve seen of the half course. The marathon route was so magical, especially running through 4 parks and through the Boardwalk area where my family cheered for me.

Both courses have their proponents and both are still Disney races, but my feelings on the two can be summed up as:

  • Marathon - My favorite course at Disney. Excited to be running it for my 5th consecutive year next Marathon Weekend!
  • 1/2 Marathon - Least favorite Disney course, by far. Wouldn’t bother running it if it weren’t an integral part of the Goofy and Dopey Challenges.
 
Thank you for the heads up on the 5K/10K bib availability! Freaking out now as I want to figure out what to do before the races sell out again. I had considered doing the half but ruled it out in favour of doing the full in 2021 when DH can do the 10K. But now that signing him up for the 10K is (for the moment) back as an option, I’m reconsidering.

For those who have run both the half and the full, I’d appreciate any insight as to whether running the half (and missing out on the full) might be a letdown after running the full on our last trip. I hope this doesn’t come across badly, I’m just a bit underwhelmed with what I’ve seen of the half course. The marathon route was so magical, especially running through 4 parks and through the Boardwalk area where my family cheered for me.
Both courses have their proponents and both are still Disney races, but my feelings on the two can be summed up as:

  • Marathon - My favorite course at Disney. Excited to be running it for my 5th consecutive year next Marathon Weekend!
  • 1/2 Marathon - Least favorite Disney course, by far. Wouldn’t bother running it if it weren’t an integral part of the Goofy and Dopey Challenges.
Yeah...
The half course is magical and pretty awesome if it’s your first runDisney race (or haven’t ran a different course at Disney) or if you haven’t been to Disney in a while. That first turn onto Main Street and seeing the castle is amazing!
However, if you have ran the marathon or any other marathon weekend race recently, it would probably be a let down.

It’s my least favorite course too, but it was also my first runDisney race and what got me hooked on runDisney.
 


Thank you for the heads up on the 5K/10K bib availability! Freaking out now as I want to figure out what to do before the races sell out again. I had considered doing the half but ruled it out in favour of doing the full in 2021 when DH can do the 10K. But now that signing him up for the 10K is (for the moment) back as an option, I’m reconsidering.

For those who have run both the half and the full, I’d appreciate any insight as to whether running the half (and missing out on the full) might be a letdown after running the full on our last trip. I hope this doesn’t come across badly, I’m just a bit underwhelmed with what I’ve seen of the half course. The marathon route was so magical, especially running through 4 parks and through the Boardwalk area where my family cheered for me.
I'm in the same boat. Running the half after doing the full in 2018. I'm hoping that combining the half with the 10K now that I was able to sign up for that one will make me a little more satisfied. I do think there are parts of the half course that could be made so much better (this is the same course as Princess Half right? I've done that a couple of times), but in the end it's a Disney race. Running a full marathon just isn't in the cards for me this trip, so I'm happy to be able to run whatever I can!
 
Thank you for the heads up on the 5K/10K bib availability! Freaking out now as I want to figure out what to do before the races sell out again. I had considered doing the half but ruled it out in favour of doing the full in 2021 when DH can do the 10K. But now that signing him up for the 10K is (for the moment) back as an option, I’m reconsidering.

For those who have run both the half and the full, I’d appreciate any insight as to whether running the half (and missing out on the full) might be a letdown after running the full on our last trip. I hope this doesn’t come across badly, I’m just a bit underwhelmed with what I’ve seen of the half course. The marathon route was so magical, especially running through 4 parks and through the Boardwalk area where my family cheered for me.

I don’t think you’ll get any magnanimous opinions on the Half course. It’s the same portion of MK that you get in the full (the courses are basically identical to the point you leave MK) and otherwise get a bunch of highway and overpasses. With the renovations going on at the entrance of Epcot who knows if we’ll even get the tiny portion of that park we have been.

The Half was my first race. It was amazingly magical when I ran it. Subsequent years and other races have left it as unquestionably my least favorite course among the Disney races I’ve run. I can’t make any judgment on whether you will be let down running it vs. the Marathon; I always feel great crossing the finish line and have a ton of fun regardless of the race.
 
Aah, I’m so torn - everyone’s comments about the half are in line with what I was thinking! However, it occurred to me that maybe I’ll appreciate running through MK more this time as I won’t be in “first full marathon” terror at the time!

I discussed with DH and we are now considering having DH run the 5K with our 8 year old. Has anyone run the 5K with a young kid, and if so, was it a good experience? We’ve started taking DS on the warmup portion of our runs and he’s really enjoying it. He also did a 3K kids race this summer.
 


Aah, I’m so torn - everyone’s comments about the half are in line with what I was thinking! However, it occurred to me that maybe I’ll appreciate running through MK more this time as I won’t be in “first full marathon” terror at the time!

I discussed with DH and we are now considering having DH run the 5K with our 8 year old. Has anyone run the 5K with a young kid, and if so, was it a good experience? We’ve started taking DS on the warmup portion of our runs and he’s really enjoying it. He also did a 3K kids race this summer.

I've never done the race with kids (my 10-year-old nephew will be running the 5K and possibly 10K this year), but I've seen kids younger than 8 (anecdotally, I can't be positive they were younger) doing the race and although many of those families were walking they seemed to be doing fine. I think it could be an ideal race for kids to get their start in running if they have an interest. The first mile of the course is generally pretty wide in the parking lots and back roads at Epcot, it's not exciting but does offer the opportunity for getting past the dull stuff while the kids still have the most energy. The last 2 miles are pretty much in the park and offer a good chance for adrenaline and excitement to carry them home.

In contrast to the Half course, I'd say rD has done a really good job with the 5K and 10K courses.

Potential drawbacks:
-Course is pretty packed
-Character lines are long
-Wake up call is very early
-There is a lot of waiting around because of how early rD requests you be at the corrals
-Said waiting, weather, and running attire often don't mix well (it's been very cold multiple times in the last few years at Marathon Weekend and precipitation can be an issue as well)

These are all things that can be dealt with, but are probably more difficult for most kids than adults.
 
I had a crazy day yesterday, so I never made it to the boards. Guess who is now officially registered for a PLUTO pluto: themed 5k? Me!!! I am actually registered for everything except the challenges (half marathon). I just can’t bring myself to register for that course, especially since my racing highlight of the weekend will be the marathon. I will finally get my Pluto medal!:mickeyjum
 
I guess I’m in the minority, but I loved the half marathon. The back half of the course was beautiful and peaceful.

Further cementing my dissenting status, I am less than enamored with the 10k route, but the boardwalk area in the dark is breathtaking as is even the sliver of World Showcase that we cover.

You beat me to it! ...on both accounts.

I've run the Half course 6 times (would've been 7 except for that cancellation a couple of years ago!) and STILL love it. The worst part to me is the beginning. That first few miles is dark and crowded. After the turn under the monorail is when it starts to get magical for me. I've never stopped at the pirate ship but I still like seeing it, the characters, and hearing the music.

Running into the Disney World toll booths is still a thrill for me...plus, now it's less crowded. Then there are a few good character stops between there and TTC. The crowd support really picks up and the band always is energetic.

Seeing the Contemporary for the first time on that race is reassuring...but also forboding - that hill is a *&#@^%!

Once the hill is complete, though Space Mountain is visible (!) and the next few miles almost seem like running on air...down Main Street...Tomorrowland...the Castle....then out through the backstage area...all of that seems over-and-done with almost too quickly.

I'm no fan of Cone Alley (too crowded, still dark, and that DJ at the curve plays horrible music WAY too loud). But once it opens up in front of GF, the worst is over. There's the Mary Poppins photo op and multiple photo ops along the golf course. The crowd support is awesome again and the sun is starting to come up!

It's just a few miles before the dreaded hair-pin turn and uphill overpass but, after that, it's all magical again! Entering Epcot through the backstage area, running by Innovations and the fountain, then back again by SSE and it's over!

That's my defense of the half route.
 
Further cementing my dissenting status, I am less than enamored with the 10k route, but the boardwalk area in the dark is breathtaking as is even the sliver of World Showcase that we cover.

"Sliver of World Showcase" seems to be underselling the route a bit. The course enters between the Norway and China pavilions, IIRC, and exits at the International Gateway between France and the UK. Every pavilion in the Showcase is touched on, if not fully run by, with the exception of Mexico and Canada. That's a bit more than a sliver.
 
Aah, I’m so torn - everyone’s comments about the half are in line with what I was thinking! However, it occurred to me that maybe I’ll appreciate running through MK more this time as I won’t be in “first full marathon” terror at the time!

I discussed with DH and we are now considering having DH run the 5K with our 8 year old. Has anyone run the 5K with a young kid, and if so, was it a good experience? We’ve started taking DS on the warmup portion of our runs and he’s really enjoying it. He also did a 3K kids race this summer.

I’ve done a few 5ks with my 7 year old and she’s done great! I can imagine that a Disney race would be even more fun.
 
Aah, I’m so torn - everyone’s comments about the half are in line with what I was thinking! However, it occurred to me that maybe I’ll appreciate running through MK more this time as I won’t be in “first full marathon” terror at the time!

I discussed with DH and we are now considering having DH run the 5K with our 8 year old. Has anyone run the 5K with a young kid, and if so, was it a good experience? We’ve started taking DS on the warmup portion of our runs and he’s really enjoying it. He also did a 3K kids race this summer.


they will be fine, there's no minimum pace and they will get to meet characters along the way!

here in the UK we have weekly park runs and there is always kids around that age there and they're amazing
 
Has anyone run the 5K with a young kid, and if so, was it a good experience?
Yep! I did the Princess 5K with my son when he was 7, and we did Expedition Everest Challenge (5K) twice together. It was fun and he seemed to enjoy it!

I guess I’m in the minority, but I loved the half marathon. The back half of the course was beautiful and peaceful.

Further cementing my dissenting status, I am less than enamored with the 10k route, but the boardwalk area in the dark is breathtaking as is even the sliver of World Showcase that we cover.
I'm with you 100%!

Running into the Disney World toll booths is still a thrill for me...plus, now it's less crowded.
Yep, I agree!

Between the WDW Half and Princess, I've run the half route at least once every year since 2013 - and I still love it! I feel like it's the perfect blend of parks, props, and open highway to find a groove and enjoy the ride.
 
You beat me to it! ...on both accounts.

I've run the Half course 6 times (would've been 7 except for that cancellation a couple of years ago!) and STILL love it. The worst part to me is the beginning. That first few miles is dark and crowded. After the turn under the monorail is when it starts to get magical for me. I've never stopped at the pirate ship but I still like seeing it, the characters, and hearing the music.

Running into the Disney World toll booths is still a thrill for me...plus, now it's less crowded. Then there are a few good character stops between there and TTC. The crowd support really picks up and the band always is energetic.

Seeing the Contemporary for the first time on that race is reassuring...but also forboding - that hill is a *&#@^%!

Once the hill is complete, though Space Mountain is visible (!) and the next few miles almost seem like running on air...down Main Street...Tomorrowland...the Castle....then out through the backstage area...all of that seems over-and-done with almost too quickly.

I'm no fan of Cone Alley (too crowded, still dark, and that DJ at the curve plays horrible music WAY too loud). But once it opens up in front of GF, the worst is over. There's the Mary Poppins photo op and multiple photo ops along the golf course. The crowd support is awesome again and the sun is starting to come up!

It's just a few miles before the dreaded hair-pin turn and uphill overpass but, after that, it's all magical again! Entering Epcot through the backstage area, running by Innovations and the fountain, then back again by SSE and it's over!

That's my defense of the half route.

I second this motion.

"Sliver of World Showcase" seems to be underselling the route a bit. The course enters between the Norway and China pavilions, IIRC, and exits at the International Gateway between France and the UK. Every pavilion in the Showcase is touched on, if not fully run by, with the exception of Mexico and Canada. That's a bit more than a sliver.

My recollection was entering WS from the boardwalk area in 19 by France/UK and that being the only portion of WS, but I can’t find the course map to confirm. It’s entirely possible I’m wrong.
 
I second this motion.



My recollection was entering WS from the boardwalk area in 19 by France/UK and that being the only portion of WS, but I can’t find the course map to confirm. It’s entirely possible I’m wrong.
For the half? The half we entered Epcot behind imagination and then ran right out the front of the park. There was 0 world showcase time.
 

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