As summer leads into fall, the date of Disneyland’s inaugural half-marathon (September 17) is fast approaching. In this week’s mailbag Lani Teshima, editor of MousePlanet’s Marathon Guide (link), answers letters about the Disneyland half-marathon event, as well as the Walt Disney World marathon/half-marathon weekend. Vanessa Torres writes:
I recently read your Half Marathon prep write-up and realized that the Marathon dates almost coincide with my husband’s and my upcoming anniversary trip. We are currently planning on being at the park on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 14-15, though we were discussing joining another couple for visits on the 16th and 17th instead. We chose these dates in the first place because we felt crowds would be lighter with the school-age population back in the classroom, not realizing that special event attendees might make up the difference. I’d greatly appreciate it if you could share your knowledge and opinion on the following questions with us.
- How many people are expected to register for the events?
- Is the park expected to be particularly crowded on any, or all, of these days?
- Will visiting on Thursday and Friday before the marathon be better or worse than visiting on the actual weekend?
- If given the option, would you recommend postponing the trip until the following weekend?
Thanks for helping us make the most of our trip. I’ve been reading MousePlanet for years and really commend you and other contributors for your hard work in helping the rest of us stay in the know.
Hi Vanessa – Since this is the very first Disneyland half-marathon, it’s really anybody’s guess about crowds. One thing I am pretty sure of, however, is that there will be a lot of locals who drive to the resort for the event (either that morning, or for the weekend). You might be in a better position to visit the parks on Thursday and Friday, as I suspect it won’t be nearly as crowded as it will on Saturday. I don’t know how crowded the parks will be on Sunday itself, since the race will be over by the time the parks open.
Sheri Pierce writes:
I would like to know more about the Disneyland half-marathon on the weekend of September 15-17, could you please do an article on that?
The inaugural event happens in September, as you know, and travels through both the Disneyland Resort and its parks, as well as the nearby streets of Anaheim. I have written a mile-by-mile description of what we might expect (link), as well as a more recent look at some of the details about the event (link).
Unfortunately, registration for the half-marathon filled up some months ago, and you can no longer sign up on your own. There are some charitable organizations that may still have reserved spots; you can look into it by visiting their sites from Disney’s official half-marathon Web site (link). The 5K family fun run is also full at this time.
There are still a few slots left for volunteers, if you wish to participate in some way.
[It does appear that they will hold this event again next year, in which case you will be able to register for the 2007 event this fall after this year’s is over. Please note that Disney has scheduled the 2007 event over the Labor Day weekend. This has confounded many people (including myself), who are accustomed to enjoying the relatively light crowds of the off-season WDW marathon weekends; we’re hoping this is a one-time fluke and that some within the organization will not use the potential havoc the event causes on one of the most crowded weekends of the year as an excuse to cancel the event after next year.]
Paul Schnebelen writes:
Thanks for the info on the half-marathon—I’d actually forgotten to book a hotel room for the night before until your article reminded me!
Anyway, here’s my question: Have you seen or heard anything more specific about the shuttles and parking locations for race day? The Web site and the race program are pretty vague, other than to mention that racers have to be at the start line by 4:30 for the 6:00 start and that the last shuttles leave at about 4:30. No mention of where to pick up the shuttles other than a vague note about the Good Neighbor Hotels or driving directions to Mickey and Friends (which is where I assume we’ll all be parking) that takes into account the street closures. Thanks in advance, and I’ll see you there, I hope!
The information on shuttles for the Disneyland Half-Marathon are not really obvious, but with a little detective work I think we can figure out most of the information you are looking for.
Assuming you are already registered for the Disneyland Half-Marathon (since the event has long since filled up), you should have received your Commemorative Inaugural Program in the mail. Open your program to page 23 for details on transportation. The page includes a map with all of the Good Neighbor hotels in the area. It looks like all of these are serviced by the Anaheim Resort Transportation shuttle system, and I suspect this is what organizers plan to use for getting everyone to and from the event.
Oddly enough, the page does not include a legend showing the names of the actual Good Neighbor hotels. Fortunately, the information is listed at the half-marathon’s Web site. They are:
Economy ($61 – $142)
- Anaheim International Inn and Travelodge
- Best Western Raffles Inn and Suites
- Jolly Roger Hotel
- Ramada Inn Maingate
- Red Roof Inn Anaheim Maingate
Moderate ($84 – $138)
- Anaheim Fairfield Inn
- Best Western Anaheim Inn
- Best Western Park Place Inn
- Best Western Pavilions
- Best Western Stovall’s Inn
- Carousel Inn and Suites
- Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort
- Holiday Hotel Inn and Suites
- Holiday Inn Anaheim at the Park
- Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort
- Howard Johnson Hotel
- Park Inn and Suites
- Radisson Hotel Maingate
- The Anabella
- Tropicana Inn and Suites
Superior ($122 – $143)
- Anaheim Marriott
- Anaheim Sheraton
- Sheraton Park Hotel
Suites ($101 – $206)
- La Quinta Inn and Suites
- Portofino Inn and Suites
- Resident Inn Maingate
- Staybridge Suites and Anaheim Resort
Driving directions are printed on page 27 of your program, and the important things to note are that certain roads and freeway exits will be closed during certain times. The details are on page 27. And yes, I think all the vehicles of marathon participants will be able to fit in the Mickey & Friends lot.
Lastly, you will need to pick up your running number at the Expo. I’m sure the volunteers and cast members staffing the Expo’s information counter will be able to answer any specific questions you have.
The Walt Disney World marathon weekend draws a big crowd to the resort. Lani answers questions regarding training for and attending this monumental event. Hal Hennessey-Correa writes:
For the 2007 Disney marathon, if you stay in one of the monorail Disney properties (Contemporary, Polynesian, etc) can you take a 5 a.m. train to get to the starting point, Epcot?
I think you mention you stayed at the Polynesian and took the 3:30 a.m. monorail. Why so early if the monorail takes you straight there in 15 minutes?
By the way we stayed at one of the hotels next to Downtown Disney for the 2004 marathon, left at 4:45 am and we barely made it to the starting time with 5 minutes, to the start. Very big traffic jams.
The monorail service starts as early as 3:30, although realistically you should be fine waiting until maybe 4:00 or even 4:30 to ride. As you know, the race officials prefer to have everyone at the starting area by 5:00 or so, and there is probably a good half an hour or so from the time people get to the Epcot parking lot, and when you actually reach your corral.
The primary reason we went very early the year we stayed at the Polynesian, however, was because we were meeting a large group of participants for a morning meet.
Ron writes:
Can you please tell me if there are pace teams for 2007 marathon? This would be my fourth marathon (first WDW) after taking a couple of seasons off. Is it possible to be placed in 4:00-hour corral without recent proof?
Although I don’t think Disney has official pacers, I have seen unofficial ones in the past through the various fundraising groups.
The marathon registration form seems to indicate that your time has to be fairly recent (for example, within the past year), but it can’t hurt to submit your most recent—albeit a few years old—stats. I have to assume it’s better than nothing. Also if you finish any endurance events this year, you can always contact them with the updated information. I’ve done that in the past and they’ve adjusted my corral placement accordingly.
Ellen Stevenson writes:
I work for a non-profit organization in South Carolina and one of our fundraising events is a Run for Recovery. Similar to the Leukemia Society’s Team in Training, we would like to send some runners to the January 2007 Disney Marathon Weekend.
Do you have any special requirements for charities bringing runners to your event? I have at least 3 runners already committed and would hope to get at least 10 signed up. Are there any hotel rooms reserved for runners?
Can you tell me when you anticipate that registration will be closed for January 2007? Your help is appreciated.
Thank you very much for contacting me regarding your fundraising group.
I know that some of the groups are officially listed on Disney’s Web site, and they also have a booth or table at the Fitness Expo. Some of the really large ones like Team in Training will stay in many rooms on-property at the resorts, and make special arrangements for banquets and luncheons on-site at one of the hotels.
My suggestion is that you contact the race organizers and find out what options you have. You can reach them at:
Contact: Walt Disney World Marathon Phone: 407-896-1160
E-mail: disneysports@emmi.com
Lani White writes:
First time I have ever “met” someone with my same name… anyway, I had a question about the marathon. A friend and I are starting to train for walking the half-marathon. I am going to try and see if I can do it—my main concern is that I am very overweight. I am a nurse and spend tons of time on my feet, walking so I think I will be able to do it and of course, the training will help me figure that out (we are using Hal Higdon’s program). My question for you is—are there ever fat people at these things? Will I be the only one? I am certain that training will help me continue to lose weight but believe me, in six months, I will still be much more than a little pudgy.
I certainly hope you don’t feel this question is a waste of time—I appreciate your help. I have never known anyone who has done a marathon so my resources were limited. Thanks in advance for your assistance and thanks for this Web site—it has already helped me!
Hi Lani. What a nice name! You will be happy to know that “Lani” is not an uncommon name in Hawaii, where the word means “heaven,” or “heavenly.”
In general, I would say there are more larger-sized people who enter the Disney half-marathons than the full ones. The full marathons require substantially more training, for starters. The half-marathon, on the other hand, is much more realistic for people, as long as they are adequately trained and can manage the pacing requirements. For people who intend to walk the event, the pacing requirement is really the biggest challenge.
You will definitely see a lot of thin people. In fact, I often joke that the parks, on marathon weekend, see the fittest people ever during the whole year. People dressed in running shoes and marathon souvenir T-shirts walk sprightly all over the place; it’s enough to get even the sedentary a bit motivated!
As a nurse, I’m sure you see a lot of differently shaped patients. One thing I’ve noticed with larger participants, is that while they may be large, they have an underlying muscle tone, and they are generally fit. As you continue exercising to get fitter and in better cardiovascular health, you might start to notice your skin looking less sallow and your feet a bit peppier.
Don’t feel too self-conscious at the event, Lani. If you are worried about “looking fat,” make sure you avoid certain clothing… light-colored Spandex or knit shorts are definitely out, since you can often see the cellulite thru the clothing. Stick with black or navy. You can wear black bicycling style shorts (unpadded on your behind) that extend mid-thigh, then if that feels too naked, wear a pair of running shorts over it. Avoid wearing the really thin, white running shirts, since you can see the jogging bra underneath once you start to sweat. Consider a darker shirt, or maybe wear a colorful tank top over it to conceal the jiggle of your tummy.
Most of all, though, don’t forget what you’re there for—to have fun! Nobody will be staring at you and saying, “Oh, she is so fat!” Chances are, they will be happy to see you hitting the pavement instead of sitting at home eating potato chips.
Finally, nothing says “winner” like a winning smile. Keep your chin up, wave to people, and smile! They will be too busy smiling back that they won’t notice what you look like!
Mauricio writes:
I have plans for the WDW half-marathon, my first! Is there a pace minimum for participating?
Hi Mauricio – Congratulations on registering for your WDW Half-Marathon! Yes indeed, Disney does impose a pacing requirement of 16 minutes per mile. Although this is reasonable for even a slower jogger, it’s very close to the cut-off pace for walkers.
You might want to take a look at an article I wrote a year ago in September 2005 called “Pacing Yourself” (link), which discusses how best to make sure you meet the pacing requirements.
You still have a lot of time to train. Good luck!
Mauricio replies:
I have not yet registered for the Half WDW Marathon and when I checked the Web site the sign-up was already closed. I called them and they told me the only way to register was if I join a group or charity… which one? I have NO idea what to do!
Can you suggest something?
Oh, yes the WDW Half-Marathon registration typically fills up by early summer. I did not realize you had not yet registered. You have a couple of options:
- Wait until January 2007 to register for the 2008 event.
- Wait until mid-September of this year to register for the 2007 Disneyland half-marathon.
- Sign up for a fundraising plan.
Some people just sign up for any charity that has a training program, while others carefully pick the one closest to their heart. I recently wrote an article about one person who is running in honor of his sister (link). However in his case, he is doing it on his own and he has already registered.
Disney has special arrangements with several fundraising charities every year, and sets aside registrations for people who sign up for one of these programs. Time is running out, however, and you should be selecting a program now, for these reasons:
- You will be expected to raise funds for your charity. Amounts differ, but they often run into the thousands of dollars.
- You will need to find a training program in your area so that you can meet with your coach and start training.
The various charities are all focused on specific causes or goals. They are most usually associated with diseases or medical conditions, such as stroke and cancer.
The largest presence at WDW is with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training” program. The participants all wear purple shirts and are highly visible not just in sheer number, but because the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is responsible for coordinating the volunteers who help out with the event over the entire weekend.
Which charity you choose is up to you. In addition, I believe there are some special travel agencies with packages that you can still purchase, and which will include event registration.
To find your best fit, go to the WDW Marathon Web site (link). Click the link for the 2007 half-marathon, then the embedded text link for groups and charities in the second paragraph. That takes you to a list of 15 travel agencies and fundraising charities. Carefully review each one to see which may be the best fit for you, and then contact them about becoming a participant.
Good luck, and happy training!
Finally, Stephanie Wien answers a general question regarding traffic on WDW marathon weekend. Jesse writes:
I have a quick question. I am planning on heading to Disney during the marathon on the 6th. Should I expect an increase in traffic, if so will be a lot. Will any of the parks be closed? Will it take longer to get to the parks because of the race?
There will definitely be an increase in traffic on that day. However, most of the delays will be due to blocked off roads that make up the course.
None of the parks will be closed. The event takes place early in the morning and Disney ensures that all runners have cleared the parks before they open for regular guests.
You state that you’ll be arriving on January 6; this is the date for the half-marathon. The full marathon occurs on the next day, January 7. If you arrive later in the day on the 6, you may avoid the early morning half-marathon traffic, but it’s likely that Disney will be setting up the full marathon course, so road closures may still be an issue.
