Disney Marathon

[OakLeaf]

BikeChick, you'll do great!

I still can't make up my mind, I'm really kind of leaning against it.

For those who've done it, are there any bands when you're outside the parks? What about spectators? Roughly how many miles are outside the parks?

[katluvr]

I have not done the marathon, but have done the half twice. It was my first half and I loved it. 2nd time was with a friend and weather was cold, sleet and raining and I hated it because her pace was much slower than mine and I am not that fast as you know. There really are a LOT of spectators & cheer groups, so that is great. And you run over some "over passes" on the road and you can see tons of people running for miles, so it pretty cool. Running down main street of Magic Kingdom is totally magical.
Advice...stay on property so you don't have the hassle of getting there in the AM. Bring layers of "throw away clothes" in case it is cold. You stand out there for 2 hours and both times it was only in the 30's. BYOB (breakfast that is) before the race & food afterwards sucks--really it does!
But the run overall was nice. I can't tell you how many real miles are outside the parks, you may be able to tell that from looking at the map. It is one of those races everyone should do once...but I don't think I will do it again, too many others on my bucket list.
K

[lawnchick22]

Did the half with some friends in 2011...great experience. Characters everywhere....lots of serious runners, lots of non-serious runners. Bands at least every mile.
For the start, byotp..(bring your own toilet paper)...the lines for the portapotties are horrid...trust me, you will be dropping your drawers in the woods, fields, it won't matter....with all those other butts, who will notice? Not to mention it is o'dark thirty and you can't see anyway.

bucket list for me is the goofy challenge in 2013 and for DS to do his first marathon that year as well.

good luck, have fun and embrace all that you can.

[Bike Chick]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I talked to an acquaintance who ran the race with her husband two years ago and she suggested we spend the money on the Race Retreat. It's a VIP tent of sorts for before and after the race. Apparently if you don't spring for the Race Retreat, there really isn't any food or drinks, which is what you meant, katluvr. It was their first marathon and she said it was worth being able to walk in that tent, sit down and have food and drinks. She needed it. I find that surprising because every race I've ever been to, the food afterward is plentiful. I guess they just want to get in your pocket for another $100