Hi Paulette! Welcome to planDisney!
First, I want to wish you a great big "Congratulations" on your Dopey Challenge accomplishments! I completed the Dopey Challenge a few years ago and know just how many hours you have invested in training for the big weekend. I get goosebumps thinking about the moment you will cross the final finish line of the Walt Disney World Marathon. It is the BEST feeling and you will LOVE it!
I take my hydration very seriously and wanted to make sure I could run with the same hydration that I trained with. That is why I wore a hydration pack/Camelback during the
Dopey Challenge and you can, too! In my experience, there were lots of other runners also wearing hydration packs, so you will not be alone. I also loved having the pockets of my hydration pack for gels and other nutrition for the race, to hold my phone and photo ID, and any other items I wanted to have nearby when the race was finished. I felt well-prepared and it made for a truly memorable race experience!
My best tips for the weekend are to sleep when you can (those early mornings are just that ... EARLY!), make ice baths your new best friend, bring extra shoes in case of rain so you always have a dry pair at your hotel for the next day, hydrate a lot, treat yourself to lots of
delicious calories, and soak it all in. You have earned this moment!
I hope this helps, Paulette! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Tabitha