Hi Trang Michelle!
Thanks so much for bringing me this question here at planDisney. I just ran my first ever runDisney race this past November, and I can tell you first-hand just how wonderful it feels to hear and see those spectators cheering! This was especially true as I neared the end of my race and was running out of steam. Those smiling faces, signs, and shouts of encouragement really helped me push my way to the finish line.
It's so exciting that you’ll have the opportunity to cheer on your friends and family during
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February. I know they’ll be thrilled to have your support as they step in time along the course!
During the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend spectators were able to line Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park to cheer on their runners. Others found a spot at the Transportation & Ticket Center to offer support in the form of high-fives and hugs. At this time, it looks like
spectator opportunities are still being evaluated for Princess Weekend. I’d suggest keeping a close eye on the runDisney website as more details will become available once the official digital expo & event guides are released. Your registered runners should receive more information via email as their race date approaches, which I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to share with you.
I’m sure you’re eager to start planning so I’d just like to share my own family’s spectator experience for my recent half marathon during the 2022 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. Spectators were able to board complimentary transportation from their
Walt Disney World Resort hotel along with their runners at both the start and end of the race. I was up bright and early and heading to the starting line around 3 a.m. My family decided to sleep in a bit longer but they were able to board a bus from our resort to watch me closer to the finish line. Once I completed my race, I was able to meet up with them in the reunion area in the EPCOT parking lot. If you choose to do the same, the purchase of admission won’t be necessary as the finish area is located outside the parks.
Course maps, final details for starting corrals, and finish line area maps haven't been released just yet, but you’ll be able to find them on the Princess Half Marathon Weekend webpage as soon as that information becomes available. Once course maps are published you'll be able to find the right place to offer your support. Keep in mind that there will be many road closures that morning. You'll likely have to arrive very early if you'll be using a personal vehicle, and you won't be able to drive your own vehicle on any closed roads while the race is underway.
If you end up not being able to support your runners in person, you’ll also be able to virtually cheer them on as they move along the course via online runner tracking. Follow the link you’ll soon find on the Spectator Info tab of the event page to input your crew’s bib numbers. You’ll see pace estimates and get timing updates as they cross each mile marker, so you’ll know just when to send that congratulatory text once they cross the finish line!
Your friends and family are lucky to have your support whether you'll be cheering up close and personal or from home in Texas.
Remember, every mile is magic!
Amy