Hello, Michelle! RunDisney races are truly unique in that they take you on the most magical courses in the "World"; I train all yEAR so that I can run through Cinderella Castle! However, running through the Parks results in road closures, and on race mornings, transportation can be quite slow. I always advise runners and spectators to allow themselves ample time to get to their locations. Bus transportation from Walt Disney World Resorts (including the
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel) will be available on the morning of the
Disney Princess Half Marathon from 3:00 AM until 5:00 AM; after that, roads will start to close for the race.
Your parents are so sweet to offer to be your
chEARleaders (my husband has already informed me that he'll still be sleeping in his warm bed while I run). Tell them that they should be on the bus no later than 5:00 AM (transportation times and pick-up locations will be posted on signs in the lobby of your resort). Most likely, they will need to go to
Epcot and take the
Monorail to ChEAR Zone1, which is on Main Street, U.S.A,
Magic Kingdom Park-- this is mile 4.8 on the course. Something to keep in mind is that ChEAR Zone1 does not include seating, beverages, or designated portable restroom facilities. They'll have over an hour to get back on the Monorail to ChEAR Zone 2, which is in Epcot, near the Finish Line. Here, they will have access to reserved grandstand seating, hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, and designated port-o-lets. Before the day of the race, your parents will need to go to the
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo (located at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex) to pick up their ChEAR Squad packet. The package will contain wristbands that they will need to wear to be admitted into the ChEAR Zones.
Here are a couple of Moms Panel Tips: Make sure to sign your parents up for Runner Tracking! A few weeks before the race, there will be instructions on the runDisney website, or you can do this at the Expo. During the half marathon, your chEARleaders will get alerts as you cross the 5K, 10K, and 15K checkpoints. Also, if they plan on making a sign, and I strongly encourage them to do so, have them use the brightest neon poster board they can find. In the early morning hours, this will make it easier for you to spot it as you run by. These signs are what motivate me to keep going...I really love reading the fun Disney puns!
Best of luck, Michelle! If you breeze by me on the course, make sure to say hello!
Eean