Welcome to planDisney, Ashley! Having experienced the pure joy of familiar faces on the course for runDisney Marathon Weekend myself, I know your friends will be so excited to have cheerleaders at the race.
Every Walt Disney World Resort has bus transportation to the runDisney events, so no matter where you stay, you can get to the viewing locations easily. The course maps will be released closer to the race, but the races usually begin and end at
EPCOT. The EPCOT area resorts, like
Boardwalk Inn,
Yacht Club and the Swan and Dolphin, a perfect location as the runners go right by these resorts.
If you want to watch your friends as they cross the finish line, you can take the runDisney event buses to EPCOT and follow the signs that guide you to the viewing and runner reunion areas. There are also Cast Members all along the path you are taking to help. A few weeks before Springtime Surprise, check
runDisney for Springtime Surprise event information. There should be information on transportation, including the times the buses are available for runners and the times for spectators.
Once the site is updated closer to April, make sure you check the tab on "Unofficial Race Times" (or something similar). It has links to track the bib numbers and you can see when they cross the Start Line, their progress on the course and when they are estimated to cross the Finish Line based on their pace.
I will warn you: runner or not runner, the enthusiasm at runDisney events is contagious and may make you want to lace up your sneakers. It's the most magical place to race.
If you have any other questions as you plan your trip to be an awesome friend to a fellow runner, please come back to
planDisney. We are here for you!
Cheers,
Jana