I know several people here have done some of the WDW runs; I'll be doing the Minnie Marathon in May, and had a few questions as this is my first longer run. How difficult is it to get to the race start? Should I just take a cab or rely on WDW transportation? Do I need to bring water...what should I take with me (gels, gatorade, that sort of thing?). I'm a total dork, but on my long runs here I generally run on a route where I know several people along the way and stop there for gatorade and snacks--I'm not used to hauling things with me and wasn't sure if it was necessary. Also, would I look odd if I brought a camera with me (small one)--it's going to be too hard for DH to get the baby and our three yr old up and to Epcot before I finish, so I wanted to take pictures to show them.

Also, I know we have to pick up race packets at the Expo on Saturday--how long should I plan for that and are there busses that go there, or will I need to just take a taxi?

Thanks!

September

From my experience...bring a camera and take pictures along the route. This should be one of the best scenic and fun runs you will ever experience! (at least that's what I thought when I did my first 1/2 marathon)...ask me about the GOOFY! LOL Take the Disney transporation if you are staying on property and bring water and something to eat with you, because they ask you to be at the start line at least 1 to 2 hours prior to race start...Buses to and from the starting area are provided if you stay on Disney Property....Have fun and take lots of pictures!

There is water and sports drink along the route. It doesn't look like Disney is providing any food stations along the way. For a 15K, that's not surprising. If you want anything to eat, you should bring it with you. There will probably be food at the finish area.

I would plan an hour or two for the Expo if you are going to want to shop around as well as pick up your packet. Depending on when you go, there could be no lines, or there could be long ones.

Good luck and let us know how it went! :)

Thanks all! We're DVCers and will be staying at Saratoga (without a car, for once), so Disney transport it is!

I wasn't neessarily expecting food along the route, but I know that I'll need something soon after finishing (and the park stands won't be open yet), so I guess I'll plan for that.

Is it sad that I think I'm more excited about this than the week at WDW following it?

Another question, about how cold is it that early in the AM?? Should I plan to wear a long-sleeve throwaway tee over my normal running clothes?

According to the race instructions (http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0220/en_US/pdf/FinalRaceInstructionsWomenruntheWorld07.pdf) there are only buses to the start if you are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Also from the WDW Race Info page (http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/endurance/events/detail?name=EnduranceWomenRunTheWorld15K2007RaceIn foDetailPage): Bus transportation will be available to bring runners from the finish line at Epcot® back to the parking lot at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. If race participants would like to park at Epcot®, buses will be available starting at 4:34 a.m. to transport them to the start line at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. The last bus will leave for Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park from Epcot® at 5:45 a.m. If you arrive later than 5:45 a.m. there will not be bus transportation available.

I wouldn't carry food with you for the whole race if you're just going to eat it after you're done, but if you have a pouch or Race Ready shorts it might work out fine and you wouldn't even notice it.

When I ran this last year I drove my car to EPCOT and took a bus to the Starting Line.

Thus when i finished my car was there.

That worked out the best for me.

I did the same thing for the Race for the Taste.

Camera is good. If you have pockets, you should be fine with carrying gels and stuff. Even a water bottle holder with a pocket would work out. For a 15K, you really only need to carry 2 or 3 gels. Take one before the start and carry 2 or 3 during the race.

Give yourself PLENTY OF TIME to get to the start line. Being mentally relaxed is very important, and being there earlier will help calm you down. I find that when I'm rushing to maybe get to the starting line on time, it messes with my nerves.

Good luck!

There is water and sports drink along the route. It doesn't look like Disney is providing any food stations along the way.I think they only offer food/gel on the full marathon distances. Fer examplin', they're available for January WDW marathon weekend but are not offered for Saturday's half-marathon.

I think they only offer food/gel on the full marathon distances. Fer examplin', they're available for January WDW marathon weekend but are not offered for Saturday's half-marathon.

I ran the half marathon this year, and they had gel and fruit at a couple of the stations. I'm not sure about the Minnie Marathon, though.