Marathon Weekend 2020

I usually take an early flight (but no direct flight options for me). I was originally going to fly in Wednesday morning, but then decided I would be putting too much stress on myself to drive to my parents’ after work on Tuesday with my dog (~3 hours) and then get up early for a flight. I decided to change my plans and fly in on Tuesday mid-day. My parents are great for being my dog-sitter while I’m at Disney!
 


I noticed on the marathon registration that it asked if you ever completed a marathon before...what's that about? Is your placement somehow based on that, or just your proof of time?
 
I noticed on the marathon registration that it asked if you ever completed a marathon before...what's that about? Is your placement somehow based on that, or just your proof of time?
They take your PoT into account more than that.
 


I noticed on the marathon registration that it asked if you ever completed a marathon before...what's that about? Is your placement somehow based on that, or just your proof of time?

I’m not sure it has any relevance other than being data for analytics they might do. Particularly the questions about past rD races and stuff like that.
 
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I noticed on the marathon registration that it asked if you ever completed a marathon before...what's that about? Is your placement somehow based on that, or just your proof of time?
Like @Barca33Runner said, I think it has more to do with their internal analytics. I presume they want to know who is a return customer and who might be attempting a new distance that they've never tried before, especially from that return customer group.

I was placed in the last corral for my 7th runDisney race even though 5 of the previous 6 proved I could finish in less time than the last corral traditionally indicates. Meanwhile, for my first marathon I was not placed in the last corral.
 
I noticed on the marathon registration that it asked if you ever completed a marathon before...what's that about? Is your placement somehow based on that, or just your proof of time?

It asks that question when you register for the half too. I think it’s just a polling question since it’s lumped into some other questions like being a Passholder, cast member, etc.
 
I apologize if this has already been discussed. This will be my first marathon. What fuel is prvived throughout the run?
 
Got my flight for Wednesday and get in before 10AM. So, I have never dealt with the first day expo crowds: Is it worth it to go as soon as it opens or is it better just to wait it out until the late afternoon? I would think that it would be chaotic and slow in the morning but quicker later on. For past (all non-Dopey) weekends, I usually went in the afternoons on Thursdays or Fridays and it was super fast, but I have heard horror stories about Wednesday....I am not a big merchandise person, so besides a mug or something simple, I am not concerned about getting anything too elaborate.
 
I apologize if this has already been discussed. This will be my first marathon. What fuel is prvived throughout the run?

The aid stations are plentiful, but I will add that the Sport Beans typically come later on the course and that they are only the sample sized ones. So, you need to grab a few to get the equivalent of a normal pack. Some volunteers will automatically give you a few packs at once and others you will need to ask. Also, the drink at the aid stations includes Powerade, which if you are like me, I can only drink sparingly or I will run into some GI problems. So, I just bring some of my own snacks until we get to the bananas and sport beans.
 
Got my flight for Wednesday and get in before 10AM. So, I have never dealt with the first day expo crowds: Is it worth it to go as soon as it opens or is it better just to wait it out until the late afternoon? I would think that it would be chaotic and slow in the morning but quicker later on. For past (all non-Dopey) weekends, I usually went in the afternoons on Thursdays or Fridays and it was super fast, but I have heard horror stories about Wednesday....I am not a big merchandise person, so besides a mug or something simple, I am not concerned about getting anything too elaborate.

Wait it out and go later Wednesday afternoon. It’s usually very hectic and slow with potentially long lines around opening time. I intentionally scheduled my Savi’s experience to coincide with the opening of the Expo so I wouldn’t get impatient and go to the Expo early and get caught in the crowds.
 
I apologize if this has already been discussed. This will be my first marathon. What fuel is prvived throughout the run?

I would recommend figuring out what you like and works during training and bring your own fuel to the marathon. As someone mentioned, I don't think there is anything solid until after the halfway mark (though aid stations may have something, never tried). I wouldn't take the risk of trying anything new or different on marathon day.
 
I would recommend figuring out what you like and works during training and bring your own fuel to the marathon. As someone mentioned, I don't think there is anything solid until after the halfway mark (though aid stations may have something, never tried). I wouldn't take the risk of trying anything new or different on marathon day.

I second this. You might want to try sports beans during a long run and see how you like them/tolerate them. Or find something else you like. I do fine with sports beans, but train with Clif chews, so I bring those for the half and the full. I definitely wouldn't rely upon Disney for your race fuel.
 
Good afternoon, runDisney all-stars!

I'm coming at you a little early this weekend. My best friend is moving away, we're having a going away party at the possibly haunted former elementary school where he lives and there's a decent chance I don't survive the night. If I don't, please spread my ashes in the 9th circle of hell known as the Wide World of Sports.

Anyway, for this week's, um, Saturdays are for Disney, I want you all to brag a little. What is your greatest Disney or runDisney achievement? Did you PR a race? Do your first Dopey? Spend 12 straight hours in the park? Eat the Kitchen Sink all by yourself? I wanna hear it all.

I think my top Disney achievement is pulling a late night at Magic Kingdom with my two oldest daughters then getting up about four hours later to complete the marathon/Dopey 2019. That trip was the first race/family trip we'd done with all of us and I wanted to make sure my family didn't get neglected. I think I pretty successfully balanced family time and race time and the highlight was showing my daughters a side of Disney they'd never experienced before - the parks after fireworks (which is my favorite time of day at MK). I'm sure my race performance suffered a little, but it was totally worth it.

Have a great week, everyone!
 

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