On your mark! Get set! Are you ready to go, Maddie? Welcome to planDisney! I am thrilled you jogged by with this question as you prepare to run at the most magical place to race.
I did a 5K at my kids' school yesterday and with every speed bump, my head played the loop of "Caution! Speed bump ahead. Caution! Speed bump ahead." It was fun, but nothing compares to a
runDisney event. I am so glad you are lacing up your sneakers and
going the distance with the
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
runDisney is a celebration of running and runners. Being surrounded by thousands of people who share in the accomplishment of getting to the Start Line and taking on this journey is so amazing -- so amazing that it starts with fireworks. The characters along the route add so much fun to the miles. The volunteers provide more than hydration; their bright smiles and cheers are so encouraging. And then there are the spectators. The signs, the cheers and the support complete the picture of a race that is practically perfect in every way.
A few weeks before Wine & Dine Weekend, you will get an email from runDisney with the Digital Event Guide. Within this guide will be the course map and information on where your family and friends can watch the race. EPCOT has been the anchor for the start and finish lines in past years. If you are staying at
Walt Disney World Resort, bus transportation will be available for both athletes and their cheering squad. The events are super early. Buses usually start as early as 2:30 am. I have seen super supportive family members on these early buses to cheer the first step across the Start Line. The Transportation section of the Digital Event Guide will also list times for buses running later in the morning for family and friends who want to see you in that celebratory crossing of the Finish Line.
The course map may have other areas for spectators, but these will not be known until closer to the event. In past years, the half marathon and other races have included
Disney's BoardWalk. Guests of the resorts with walking access to the BoardWalk can cheer on the athletes as they run this part of the course. The atmosphere here is absolutely electric and something runners look forward to during the race. There have also been spectator locations in front of the entrance gates to EPCOT, which is a lot of fun as the runners are near the end but have just far enough left to go that those cheers and high fives are needed fuel to say, "You've got this!"
If you have any other questions as your training leads you to Walt Disney World, please come back by
planDisney.
Every Mile is Magic!
Jana