Hi Eean!
Thank you for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Congratulations on signing up for your first runDisney event. I just bet it won't be your last!
Disney's Beach Club Resort is my favorite resort on Walt Disney World property. My family and I have always loved
Epcot, and really enjoy the close proximity to the park.
On race morning, you will not be able to walk to the start. Epcot won't be open yet, so you can't cut through by entering the International Gateway and walking to the front of the park/parking lot.
You will want to take one of the runDisney buses. They generally begin running at 3:00 a.m. and runners are supposed to be on the bus no later than 4:00 a.m. Since it's your first race, you may want to get on a bus by 3:30 to get there with plenty of time for pictures and warming up with the DJ. It usually loads where the park buses load in front of Beach Club Resort. There will be signs in the lobby directing you to the bus location. If you get there and there is a long line, don't panic! The buses hold a lot and even a really long line moves quickly!
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions.