Race: Disney Princess Glass Slipper Challenge – http://www.rundisney.com/princess-half-marathon/
Runner: Ashley S.
Date: 2/20/2016 & 2/21/2016
Location: Disney World, Orlando FL
Distance raced and other options: 10k on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday
Results – 57:17 in the 10k and 2:07.1
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Lots of distractions if you need those! It was great weather once the sun came up, great food boxes afterwards and “party”. The half marathon is listed as one of the best in the US, so you know they’re doing something right!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you?
EARLY wake up time..had to board buses by 330am for 530 start. Since they had not accepted my timing, I was in the last corrals both days and didn’t start until 630.
Weird factor – Not necessarily weird, but a lot more people here (at least to my knowledge) doing run/walk intervals.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I did A LOT of bobbing and weaving for the ENTIRE race. I mean, TONS. Trying to come from so far behind and not have anyone to gauge pace was interesting.
Lessons for others – Make sure you submit your time when you sign up. I have heard a TON of issues on timing. If you are purely doing this for fun, obviously this wouldn’t matter as much.
Aesthetics – Once you are INSIDE the parks, it is beautiful. You run through the Magic Kingdom and all the countries in Epcot. There are characters to take photos with around every mile or so if you want to stop. For ¾ of the race though, you are running on the highway.
Difficulty – Super flat course, very minor elevation changes.
Organized and well run – It was a very well run race. You can tell that RUNDisney has done this a few times.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Registration open in June/July and you have to be on and ready to register AT.THAT.VERY.MOMENT. It sells out in hours. Very expensive race (300$ish). You can start booking hotels obviously whenever. They have buses that get you to and from the race but its a long day.
Aid Stations- Lots of medic tents/water/Clif on half marathon
Weather and typical race conditions – Start was 52 both mornings and windy. Once the sun came up it was warm and 60’s.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends? There are certain mile markers where friends can watch
Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it? ⅗ stars. I would probably only do this race again if my kids wanted to do it. It was fun, but with the travel, expense, uber early mornings, may wait until there is another interest!
