Hi Joanne!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Congratulations on registering for the Dopey Challenge during
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!
I would recommend for every race to get dropped off or park directly at
Epcot, not at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. While there may seem like there is more congestion going to Epcot, you'll also potentially sit in this if you are dropped off at a resort and then take the bus, so your most efficient location will be going directly to Epcot. The runDisney website has detailed directions for each race and I highly suggest you follow these rather than directions you may find elsewhere because there are significant road closures that your GPS may not take into consideration. These can be found by visiting the
Plan tab and scrolling down to Driving Directions.
I would recommend being at Epcot at least one hour before each race starts, but many runners prefer and hour and a half just to give themselves adequate time to get settled in their corral without feeling rushed. This means being there by 4:30 AM for the 10K, Half and Full and 5 AM for the 5K. There will be significant delays driving in the morning so please take this into consideration when planning your departure time.
Please let me know if you have any other questions and I'm sending pixie dust your way for a magical race!
-Lindsey ºOº