And…uh…RUN!
or what to expect during your runDisney race
(Part 2…check out Part 1 here!)
You did it! Well, the prep work. You have all your gear, picked up your bib, (hopefully) got a little sleep. And now, way pre-dawn, you’re ready for the main event: your runDisney race!
From start times to potty breaks to character stops there’s a lot to keep track of, so I’m going to break down everything you need to know to have a successful run.
But first - no matter how you’re arriving - bus, driving, or getting dropped off - do yourself a favor and don’t give in to hitting snooze another time. An extra 15 minutes of (not very good) sleep isn’t worth the stress of not arriving on time.
Tell me you runDisney without telling me you runDisney
Where do I go and when do I have to get there?
Right now, all runDisney races start (and finish) in the Epcot parking lot. In the past there have been races in other areas, but it’s been a while so for the sake of logistics we’re just talking about the Epcot ones.
When you arrive, your first stop will be passing through the typical Epcot security stations. You’ll then wrap around to the left, and head back into the parking lot (the one kind of behind the Guardian’s building). This is a great spot to snap some pics of Spaceship Earth, and also a good bathroom stop. These will be the last physical bathrooms until you get back into the parks during the race. Everything between are porta-potties.
As mentioned in part 1, I really encourage you to arrive early. While technically you could show up last minute, you don’t want to be sprinting through the parking lot to get to the staging area before the race even begins! Plan on arriving between 3 and 3:30 for a 5 am start. Your Event Guide will have the specifics for when the start groups will open for each group. Typically the longer distances allow you to start lining up beginning at 3:15 staggered by start group, while the shorter distances allow everyone to line up beginning at 3:45. See below for more about corrals and starting groups..
If you are using gEAR check (a/k/a checking your personal belongings) you’ll go up to row of big trucks. All items must be in the plastic bag you received at the expo (remember that bag I told you not to lose??). You’ll check it using your bib number. I’ve never had any issues with gEAR check, but just in case don’t check valuables like IDs or credit cards.
FAQ
Do I need a magic band?
For anything race specific, no. Your photos and tracking are based on your bib, not your magic band. However, if you use your magic band to purchase things or access your room it may be useful before or after your race.
What should I expect when I get there?
The starting - or staging area - is broken up into two main sections: the Reunion Area and Start Groups. Runners and non-runners, are allowed in the Reunion Area, so if someone is accompanying you, that’s where they can wait while you run. Only runners are allowed in the Start Groups area.
The reunion area is where you will be held before you’re able to enter the corrals, and it’s a lot of fun. There’s a stage with a DJ, food and beverage (expect things like coffee, bananas, fruit), photo-ops, and character meet-and-greets.
The meet-and-greets are always popular, so if you want to get a photo, arrive early, and beeline straight for the characters which will be on the far end. The line will be cut off around the time the corrals open, so if you’re not there early you likely won’t get a photo pre-race. But the characters will be back after the race, and if you are an earlier finisher you can also get photos then.
Maps courtesy of runDisney
What’s the deal with the corrals and start groups?
With so many people running, there’s now way they could just say ‘And…uh…fly’ and off we go. It would be a disaster, and unsafe.
Runners are separated into starting group, either by number or letter, which correspond to which corral you will wait in to start.. The lower the number or letter, the earlier you will start. The time between when the first and last groups go can be upwards of an hour.
Exactly how you get assigned to a starting group is not super transparent, and a source of controversy sometimes. In theory it’s based on proof of time, but not every person submits a time, nor does every distance require one. Club runDisney Gold members are also bumped up one starting group. Bib numbers seem loosely correlated with starting groups, but a lower or higher bib number doesn’t guarantee a lower or higher starting group.
Starting group is important becuase the lower the starting group, the sooner you will start after official start time - minimizing the amount of time you have to wait past start time - and in theory putting you with people who will be around the same speed as you.
FAQ
Can I change starting groups?
Sometimes you want to run with a friend, but you are in different starting groups. If this is the case, you can always move back a group, but you cannot move forward. For example, if I am in C and Cara is in A, Cara can move back to C, but I cannot move forward to A. There will be volunteers and race officials checking bibs at the entry of each corral.
But…there’s another level to starting groups, and one that is important to understand if you want to start your race as early as possible: each starting group is broken down into smaller segments. There can be thousand of people in one starting group, and groups are released approximately every 3 minutes. As you approach the starting line race officials will designate a cut-off point with a rope line…the group before the rope line starts…the rope line moves up to the starting line…a new rope line is established further back, and so on. Because of this, it can take 20 minutes or so between when the first person of a starting group goes and the last.
These smaller groups are not assigned ahead of time, but just based on when you get in line, so the closer to the front you are to your starting group, the sooner you will go within your own group. If you want to be one of the first to go in your group, I would recommend entering as soon as the corrals open, and (politely) working your way to the front.
Behind the corrals you’ll also find porta-potties and water stations, but you’ll have to leave your corrall to access these, so be sure to go before it gets crowded.
How fast do I have to go? What are the balloon ladies?
There is a minimum pace requirement of 16 minutes per mile. Anyone who does not keep this pace could be swept from the course.
However, this is based on the speed of the last person to start, not each individual’s speed, and because of the staggered starts there can be a significant gap between the earlier and later starters.
PRO TIP - If you are concerned about keeping pace, starting in the beginning of your starting group, even if it is the last one, means you could have as much as a 20 minute head start over the 16 minute pace.
This 16 minute pace is marked by what have become known as the ‘balloon ladies’ - wonderful volunteers who are the last to leave and walk an exactly 16 minute mile carrying balloons as an indicator. The balloon ladies themselves cannot sweep you and you are not automatically removed if you fall behind them. Falling behind the balloon ladies does put you in the danger zone though, and a race official could sweep you. This means you will be asked to leave the course, and depending on where you are driven to the finish on a cart or bus. You will receive your medal, but you will not receive any challenge medals. There will also be officials at each mile marker waving a red flag when the 16 minute pace has been reached. If you reach a mile marker with a red flag, you could be swept at any time as well.
Note the 16 minute pace does include character stops and bathroom breaks, so if you’re concerned about your time, another reason to prioritize an early start.
Balloon lady…except not. But these are the kind of balloons they use!
What should I expect on the course?
In short…a lot of fun! But there are a few important things to know…
Race Etiquette
There are established rules of race etiquette to know, that not only keep everyone safe, but ensure you have a good time
Runners on the left, walkers on the right. It is 100% acceptable to walk some (or all!!) of your runDisney race. If you choose to walk, stay toward the right of the course so people can pass on your left. No matter if you are walking or running, do not stay in more than groups of 2 across so people can maneuver around you. This is especially important in the tight areas where people get bunched together.
Indicate if you are slowing or stopping. If you need to move to the side, slow down, or stop, indicate to others by raising your hand, and be sure to look around before making any direction or speed changes. The worst for everyone is when someone turns and BAM, the person behind them runs right into them.
Be aware of your surroundings. A lot of people participate in a runDisney run, with all different levels of experience and comfort with running. Especially when it’s dark, be extra aware of what is going on around you, for your safety and others.
Character Stops
One of the most unique aspects of any runDisney race is the opportunity to meet characters along the course! Oftentimes there are fan favorites, rare characters (fingers crossed for Hercules this year!!), or ones in special athletic costumes. They will be sprinkled throughout the course, and are not announced in advance. Some key things to know:
Not surprisingly, lines can be long. Stopping for a character does not stop the clock, so be sure you have the time to spare.
Interactions are kept quick - this isn’t like in the parks where you have a few minutes to chat and make small talk. You’ll have 20 or 30 seconds with the character for a hug, high five, and photo, before resuming your run.
Some will have photo-pass photographers, but I’ve also seen some that don’t, so you’ll have to rely on the character attendant using your cellphone.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are available throughout the course. Along the road ways there will be porta-potties every 1-2 miles. Once you enter the parks, the bathrooms along the course will be open. If you enter the parks and have to go, I’d recommend skipping the first and waiting until the second. The lines will be much shorter.
Hydration stations
There will be water stations along the course, marked on the map. Running in Florida is a whole different experience than training (unless, I guess, you’re training in Florida) and hydration is key!! Make sure you’re drinking before, during, and after the race, even if you’re not necessarily thirsty.
Water will be given out in paper cups on either side of the course, so as you go through a water station move to the left or right. Volunteers will be passing them out so you can keep moving through. If you need to stop to drink your water, wait until you get passed the water stations and move over to the left or right. And as always, pay attention to what people around you are doing!
Based on the length of the course and the weather, they will also sometimes give out Gatorade and snacks like bananas, Sport Beans, or other fuel sources. But remember - if you’ve not tried it before, this isn’t the chance to try something new! And after the race, be sure to get some electrolytes in!
Porta-potties and medical tents are normally located between hydration stations.
Photos
Race photos can be some of the best memories of the day - even if it’s guaranteed you will look like a mess. No one looks good in their race photos!
Throughout the race day experience there will be various photo-ops - before, during, and after your run. There will be photo pass photographers along the course. You’ll be able to identify them because they sit in bright green, pop-up tents and will generally have lights around them.
Here’s a few tips to getting race photos:
Slow down a little, but do not stop! Pace yourself to those around you so that you’ll have fewer people in your photos, and lessen the chance of being in someone else’s.
Be aware of what’s around you! If you’re putting your arms out or jumping, make sure you won’t hit someone else or block them during all their photos. This is especially true when you’re crossing the finish line. Be considerate!
If you want a specific pose (peace sign and flexing seem to be my go-tos), do it multiple times as you approach the photographer. Or if you’re trying for the infamous jumping shot, jump a few times in a row. But remember…be considerate of those around you!
Make sure your bib is visible! You will be identified for all photos (race and character) via your bib number.
FAQ
How do I get my photos?
Race photos will not show up magically like they do with your magicband. In order to access your race photos, you will need to link them. Luckily, this is super easy to do! You simply need to go to Disneyworld.com/photopass or your My Disney Experience app and choose link photos, where you will be prompted to enter a code. This code can be found on the back of your bib, and is a combination of a code for the distance you are running, and your bib number. Photos should start showing up a few hours after the race, but it can take a day or two to get all of them.
Pro Tip You will need Memory Maker to download your photos, but if everyone in your party doesn’t have you can simply link all the photos to the person who does.
Can my family and friends cheer me on?
As a runner, one of the best feelings is your family and friends (or total strangers) cheering you on!
For the 5k, there aren’t really any cheering spots along the course. Friends and family all have to stay in the spectator viewing areas at the beginning. But don’t fear, lots of Cast Members and volunteers will be along the course to cheer you on!
The longer distances have a few more options. One popular place for cheering is Disney’s Boardwalk resort area, which the 10k, 10 mile, half, and full marathon distances typically all go through. Test your family and friends to see how much they love you by asking them to book a room there! All they have to do is roll out of bed as you cruise on by.
Cheering in the parks is a little more complicated, as the parks not only have to be open for regular guests, but your cheering squad has to have to have a ticket and park pass as well. However, this is possible depending on the exact course and length.
Even if family and friends can’t cheer you on along the course, they are welcome to greet you after the finish in the reunion area. It’s a really fun way to spend the morning, and feels like a party with everyone celebrating and congratulating each other.
What happens after I finish?
First - congratulations! You are officially part of the runDisney family! After you go through the finish line, keep walking toward the end of what is called the finish chute. Not only will you probably get trampled if you stop immediately, but your body will thank you if you slowly keep moving as you cool down.
As you walk through the chute, keep your hands out and open because you’ll be getting lots of gifts! There will be water and Gatorade, but the most important is your medal! Some years they will put them around your neck, and some years it’s packaged in a plastic bag, which I prefer because it keeps the medal from getting scratched.
Medical tents are also available at the finish for ice packs, bandaids, and assistance with any more serious issues.
Lastly, you’ll get the real reward - your snack box! It typically includes some assortment of a banana, waffle, nuts, pretzels, and the infamous plastic cheese. Let’s never talk about the year they swapped plastic cheese for hummus. #neveragain
If you you used gEAR check, you’ll pass through the pick up locations on your way to the reunion area.
Pro tip Always check your medal to make sure it’s not scratched, that any moving parts work, etc before you leave the chute! The last thing you want to do is get a damaged medal and have to track down a cast member to exchange.
Spend some time relaxing (probably lying on the ground), taking finish photos and celebrating with your runDisney friends. You’ve earned it! When you’re ready to head back to the resort the busses will be waiting on the far right side of the parking lot (yes, more walking).
Should I go to the parks after?
Only you know what your body needs, but my answer is always yes! There is nothing better than walking around the park with your medal. Even if more walking sounds like the worst idea, take some time to sit on the hub grass and get some photos with the castle, or take a nice slow ride through Spaceship Earth. You do need a park ticket in order to visit the parks. Park entrance is not included with your runDisney registration.
Congratulations!
And just like that, you’re a runDisney athlete. Whether you finished a 5k or marathon, you’re not part of the most supportive, fun, athletic clubs there is. Hope to run (not literally) into you next time!