Race Preview: Walt Disney World Half Marathon
It is here, the first race on my 2011 calendar! Well, I need to get there first as they are calling for a snow storm in NYC tomorrow. Turns out I was able to change my flight to 7 am Friday, so hopefully that will buy me enough time to get to Orlando- fingers are crossed because I will be super cross if I don’t make it down there.
About the Race: On Saturday starting at a very early 5:35 am from Epcot thousands of runners will take on what has been described as one of the greatest races. Massive course entertainment, big sponsors with tech shirts, big race atmosphere, large expo, personalized bibs, transportation, legit Donald Duck medal and “Disney magic you won’t find anywhere else”! Really what else is there to say? Sign me up!
The course winds you through Epcot, Magic Kingdom and the roads that connect the parks. There does not seem to be any significant elevation changes; however PR’s are difficult to achieve because of the number of runners on the course.
My Goals: Being my first race of 2011, training during the holidays, being sick for a lot of the training and running mostly on the treadmill I do not have any grand plan for my time. I am going to take Shalane Flanagan’s advice and run with patience; let the race come to me. I am going to run for feel and enjoy the sights and sounds of a Disney race event. I will be wearing a watch so I can pace myself but I am not going to kill myself, or bob and weave at the beginning of the race just to get to pace and try to run a PR. I may even take advantage of the free disposable camera they give you in your race bag and take pictures on the course with some characters- love Minnie, she’s a hottie. 
This race was more about the training and keeping active during the holiday season. Also, if it was not for my sister who is running the full marathon on Sunday I would not have considered this race at all. I am amazed by her and want to be there to cheer her on as she tackles her second marathon. I also kinda feel like a coach since she followed the iRunnerBlog training program.
Finally, who can turn down a winter race in a warm state with the opportunity to feel like a kid again. I must have been to Disney World 15+ times as a kid growing up in New Jersey, it was our yearly family trip. My parents loved the place, they even bought us kids stock in Disney for presents (Disney stock was at an all-time high yesterday). It will be fun after the half marathon to spend the day at one of the parks. The wifey has not been in years, so it will be fun to experience it with her. Pirates of the Caribbean, please. Runaway Train, give me some. Space Mountain, no doubt. Haunted Mansion, sweet.
JetBlue, please get me there before the bad weather comes.
Have you run a Disney race? What are your memories of Disney World?
I’ve been hearing a lot about this race. Very cool. Lots of luck to you!
It seems there are a lot of people who have run it, become quite popular. Thanks!
This race is all about the fun…you will see a ton of people stopping for photo ops everywhere…with characters, in front of classic Disney scenery, at each mile marker. Running through the parks is super exciting, and you really need to stop and remember to be in the moment.
Hey sis, good luck with the Disney Full this weekend! Dominate it.
Yup, definitely bring the camera. Picture opportunities will be everywhere. And I agree with your sister… soak in running through the parks!
Have a great race!
It is so early, wonder if it will be light by the time I run through Magic Kingdom.
Good luck!
Have a fun time and staying in shape is always a great goal. Send us a picture or 2.#RunChat Good Luck!
Will post picture after. See you at #runchat.
So excited! The expo is fantastic! Haven’t gotten a chance to go through my goodie bag! Very excited about this disposable camera!
Good luck and have fun!