Wildcat Ultra 15 Mile Race Report – Tina Broxterman

Race: Wildcat Ultra 15 miler

Runner: Tina Broxterman

Race Date: 09/02/2023

Location: Escambia County Equestrian center

Results: 1st place female in the 15 miler

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • The weather was nearly perfect for being in September in the south.
  • The community is so supportive and encouraging to each and every runner.
  • There were so many different fitness levels and seeing everyone working their hardest was so inspiring.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

I wish there had been more time in the woods rather than looping around a drainage pond.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The weirdest part for me was some of the items in the race bag/packet, as well as the finisher medallion was just on a random string.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

This race was quite a surprise. It is a 2.5 mile looped course and at the end of loop 3, my husband informed me I was currently the first place female. I knew I was determined to keep my running and hiking intervals strong, but I wasn’t planning to place AT ALL. At that point I was only about 90 seconds ahead of the 2nd place female. My goal was to just stay consistent. I finished with a 15 minute gap ahead of 2nd place and could not believe it. I had never placed in a race and I had never run 15 miles before. It was truly hard work turning into a little miracle of victory.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

My best tip is trust the process, it’s easy to want to crank out the 2.5 mile loop, but staying steady and letting your body adapt through the miles will put you in the place you want to be. Also, be cautious of the slopes. There are a few angled areas that will tear up your joints if you’re not careful. Aim to run on the high side in order to avoid such a severe camber.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • Bring more fuel options, eat a slightly lighter breakfast about 2-3 hours prior and then start snacking on small things right from the start.
  • My nerves got the best of me with my fueling. I ate my normal pre-run meal 2.5 hours before start, but it didn’t sit well and I ended up not being able to fuel hardly at all the first 5-7 miles.
  • Needless to say, the last 4 miles were incredibly difficult as my body was behind the curve on calories.
  • Definitely have some form of bandana or towel to remove sweat from your face, neck and arms. The race is incredibly humid and the sweat just sits on your skin. Unfortunately, it creates a wet blanket that will just raise your core temperature and fatigue you faster.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It most likely will be muddy. It’s rare for the course to be completely dried out during that time of year.
Also, you will be running around the grounds of the equestrian center. Although there are a few wooded areas, the course is very open and not very shaded. If it is sunny bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, visors, cooking towels, bandanas with ice etc. in order to stay cool and shaded.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Parts of the course are very beautiful. However, most of it is just grass around the perimeter of the equestrian center.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

There are potentially things that can make this course more difficult. At least 50% or more is in grass which can be deceptively resistant. Also, the weather is generally hot and humid. As far as elevation, it is relatively flat-ish. There are a few sloping areas that aren’t as favorable to joints, but overall it’s a pretty fast course.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, it was organized and the live tracking worked well.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I’m not sure because it was my first year running it. It wasn’t the largest race (only 200 participants) so each grouping was small, but overall it seemed pretty competitive.

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.

It doesn’t require any special things leading up to it. And you can usually register up until the week of. There are plenty of areas for crew teams and tents, and there are camping areas on site as well as rv spots for parking.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

They had more than I’m used to. The aid area offered anything from cookies, to chips, to enduralytes, along with water and electrolyte drinks. I’m pretty sure they even had some candies available.

Weather and typical race conditions

Hot and humid! Our heat and humidity in northwest Florida generally peak around the end of august which results in some brutal conditions potentially. If you’re lucky it might rain and just be a little muddy.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Bring a change of shoes and socks due to the muddy conditions.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Most definitely! This was my husband’s first time getting to crew me and it was a very easy set up. With it being a short looped course he did not have to move any of our supplies and was able to enjoy chatting with fellow crew teams.

How’s the Swag?

Unimpressive to be honest.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

I would definitely give this race a 4 star review. The swag and finishing medal was underwhelming.

Dopey Challenge Race Report – Lydia Schrandt

Race: Dopey Challenge

Runner: Lydia Schrandt

Race Date: 01/05/2023

Location: Orlando, Florida

Results: Finished!

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Getting to run down Main Street and through the castle when it’s all lit up in the early morning hours — it really is magical.
  2. All the nostalgic Disney tunes along the course.
  3. The costumes. More than half of participants dress up, and some of the outfits are amazingly creative.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Running Dopey means waking up at around 2:30am for four days in a row and spending a fair amount of time waiting in the Epcot parking lot and walking a couple of miles to the corrals before the races even begin. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just part of the experience that’s worth being aware of.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

If you’re not too fast, you can hop on rides during the marathon. I was able to ride Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, and Test Track while racing. The cast members were all wonderful and let runners go in the single rider or lightening lane to get on and off rides more quickly. You’ll also find character photo ops throughout the course, and it’s pretty common to buy a drink or a snack in Epcot to carry across the finish line. At Disney Races, it’s better to go for a DPR (Disney PR), which means a slower time because you took advantage of the on-course fun. Some runners even compete to see how much they can cram in without getting swept. This year, one guy rode eight rides and had a sit-down breakfast at a restaurant along the course while still finishing within the time limit.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I got to run the 10k with my dad and the half marathon with my brother (his first), which was fun. Getting on a rollercoaster in the middle of a race was certainly a highlight as well.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

If you want to DPR by taking advantage of rides/food/character stops, join the Ultimate Dopey Challenge Facebook group. The administrator knows all the ins and outs and gives great advice about where you need to be when to maximize course fun. I found it helpful to stay on property, as then you can take advantage of race buses to and from the start line. I’d rather drag myself onto a bus at 3am than have to drive in and deal with race day traffic. I also spent some time in the parks each day after the race. I think that helped keep my legs feeling loose despite the accumulated miles.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I ended up spending about an hour waiting in the corrals each morning, and two mornings were pretty chilly. I packed throw-away sweats (Disney collects and donates these) as well as mylar blankets, but I was jealous of runners who brought cushions from the dollar store to sit on. The pavement was cold!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

These races attract runners of all ages and abilities, and since it goes through the parks, it can be narrow and crowded at some points. Expect for the first couple of miles to be a bit slow. If you want the best race photos, keep an eye out for the course photographers sitting in little green tents to either side of the course.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The portions between parks are not particularly scenic, but Disney does a good job of making up for it with entertainment, including live music, big screens showing movie clips, and stops for character photos. Running through the parks is pretty fun.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No. It’s mostly pancake flat with the exception of a few overpasses. There are some sections that are not well lit, and it can get congested at times.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, Disney does their thing, and they do it well. The volunteers are top notch, as well.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s a pretty big field, with some 16,000 participants in the marathon. The marathon winner this year finished in 2:26:51.

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 typically takes place in the spring for the next January race weekend. In recent years, the races have sold out in a matter of minutes. While the race organization is excellent, the registration experience is often frustrating. I ended up waiting in the virtual queue for nearly four hours before they managed to get the site working and open registration. If you get a spot, it’s a good idea to book your hotel right away, especially if you’re planning to stay at a Disney hotel. The races tend to happen on the first weekend in January, so you’re competing with New Year crowds. Florida schools are sometimes still off, as well.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Typically water and Powerade every 1.5 miles. There were two spots on the course with bananas, two with sports beans, and one place giving out dark chocolate. The medical tents are also well stocked. Volunteers there are ready with biofreeze and popsicle sticks with vasaline on them.

Weather and typical race conditions

It’s highly variable. It was in the 70s and humid for the 5k and 47 degrees for the half. We had 54-degree temperatures at the start of the marathon, but by the end, it was well into the 70s. Prepare for anything!

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

It’s Disney, so have fun with it.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Friends and family have several options for places to cheer you on, including along Main Street in the Magic Kingdom before it opens. The finish line is in the Epcot parking lot and typically has seating.

How’s the Swag?

Usually pretty awesome. For the Dopey challenge, you get medals for each of the four races, plus a medal for the Goofy Challenge (half and full) and a medal for the Dopey Challenge. You also get six shirts, typically long-sleeved and made of a technical material.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

9/10, particularly if Disney holds any nostalgia for you. It’s a race experience you really won’t find anywhere else.

Treasure Coast Half Marathon Race Report – Jill Goetzinger

Race: Treasure Coast Half Marathon

Runner: Jill Goetzinger

Race Date: 10/31/2021

Location: Stuart, FL

Results: 2:52:11

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Section done for Halloween with spooks and scares in the dark starting hour.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Changed course map last minute, dark and no lighting pre sunrise, kind of a cluster.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

No lights- even street lights, in the first 2-3 miles.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

First half, happy to finish if a little later than anticipated. Part of the course was hilly-er than expected.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Work on hills. Bring a body light.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Hill work, pacing, body light.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Large bridge (hill) to cross both 2ays. Hilly middle section.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Beautiful houses on the coast.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Mid level.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Flying by the seat of their pants- confirmation email only came in this Friday evening. Late. Changed up the course map day of race.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not sure.

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.

No – easy peasy. Sign up through RunSignup. Cheap – $75. Didn’t have to travel so don’t know about hotels.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Water/Gatorade.

Weather and typical race conditions

65 and once the sun was up, sunny.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Hydration vests.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes.

How’s the Swag for the Treasure Coast Half Marathon?

So so. Long sleeve tech shirt and medal.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

3.5/5

Need some first time runner tips for race day? We’ve got you covered.

Wildcat Ultras 50k Race Report – Rick Harris

Race champion Rick Harris shares his experience running the Wildcat Ultra 50k ultramathon. Read on for his tips on running in extreme heat!

Race: Wildcat Ultras 50k

Runner: Rick Harris

Race Date: 9/04/2021

Location: Pensacola, FL

Results: 1st Place: 5:47:38

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5905301046

wildcat 50k ultra marathon

3 Bests – What aspects of the Wildcat Ultra 50k did you like the most?

  1. 2.5-mile looped course makes for easy access to aid whenever you want
  2. positive Race Director and volunteers
  3. attracts a lot of first-timers

Not so much – What aspects of the Wildcat Ultra 50k didn’t do it for you?

  • 2.5-mile looped course (even though it makes for easy aid station access) is mind-numbing; but that can be a positive if you take it as a mental challenge
  • step right-to-left slope around a retention pond threatens to exacerbate an old knee injury since you have to run it often with such short loops

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about the Wildcat Ultra 50k?

HEAT!: it’s always hot and humid. Considering it got into the 90’s with a heat index will over 100 degrees last year, this year was “cold” with it only topping out in the 80’s with a heat index in the low 90’s.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I finished 1st in a race for the first time ever. My coach and I had planned how to handle the temperatures and navigate to a sub-6 hr PR. But, when the display at the start/finish showed me in -and maintaining- first place after several laps, the plan went out the window, and I started racing. Heat training over the summer paid off handling the “cooler” 80-deg temperatures and I handled hydration well finishing approximately 3/4 of my hand-held bottle every lap. The higher pace contributed to a bad stomach which lead to nausea for the last 15 miles, but switching to straight water and cycling Pepsi, ginger ale, and ginger chews helped a lot. An ice-filled bandana also helped with the temperature and stomach issues.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Wildcat Ultra 50k to help the next runner

  • Stay positive. When my stomach turned on me, I focused on problem-solving instead of how gross I felt.
  • Surround yourself with smart crew, when possible. Having friends to help crew filled in the gaps when my plan went out the window as I switch from trying to just beat 6 hours to actually winning the race.
  • Cheer on others and compliment aid station volunteers and crew. Give to others what you would like to receive yourself, and it will give you a mental and emotional boost as well as just make the world around you a better place.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • Bring ginger chews in my kit
  • Salt Stick flavored chewable salt tabs work better for me than electrolyte capsules

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Wildcat Ultra 50k?

The course isn’t hard. The temperature is the biggest nemesis.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

There isn’t much of a view. It’s held at an equestrian center park so the course is either running through a field, under a power line, or through a jeep trail in the woods.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Nope. Only one shallow hill. One section is a side-slant but can be hiked, if needed.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Simple and well-organized. Plenty of places to set up your own aid station in the back of your car or set up a tent. You can rent a camp spot or just set up in the field either side of the race course.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

A lot of first-timers, so the field isn’t usually that deep. A few local fast runners periodically show up but I currently have the 4th fastest time with only a 5:47.

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.

Just head over to ultrasignup.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Tailwind, soda, and standard chips, candy, and fruit.

Weather and typical race conditions

HOT

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Bring a cooler of ice and pack it in a bandana around your neck every lap or so.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Very spectator friendly.

How’s the Swag?

The 100-miles get a nice buckle, but the other distances don’t get much. The 15 miler and 50k get a wooden medallion “medal”. Still, it is unique and it never is really about the swag, anyway.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 of 5 stars for the unique challenge of the hot weather, good support, and easy logistics. If the location/scenery was more interesting, then I’d give it 5 stars.

Getting ready for an ultramarathon? Check out our coach-approved race prep checklist!

July 4 Kiwanis Midnight Run 10k Race Report

What is the Kiwanis Midnight Run, and Is It the Right Race for You?

The Kiwanis Midnight Run is held every July 4th in Dunedin, Florida (virtual options available). In this race report, runner Stephen Todd reviews what to expect from the race course, some of the aspects that surprised him (like gators), and his tips for what gear to bring with you.

What is a race report?

At Team RunRun, we know that working towards a race is a great motivation for running. However, not all running events are created equal. Our athletes report back on their experiences so that you can figure out which race is right for you. Read on for a breakdown of what you can expect from the Kiwanis Midnight Run in Dunedin, FL!

Race: July 4 Kiwanis Midnight Run 10k

Runner: Stephen Todd

Race Date: 7/04/2021

Location: Dunedin, Florida

Results: 1:06:25 unofficial (PR)

Runner Stephen Todd at the Kiwanis Midnight Run - July 4, 2021

What aspects of the Kiwanis Midnight Run did you like the most?

The run over the causeway bridges is beautiful. On top of that, the sea breeze propelled me going in both directions.

Was there anything about the Kiwanis Midnight Run that didn’t work for you?

Because the Honeymoon Island roads (miles 3-4) were partially flooded and too dark to run safely, I didn’t like that part of the course. I also didn’t like that there was no sea breeze, as a secondary reason.

What was the weirdest thing about the Kiwanis Midnight Run?

Hearing gators croaking while running thru Honeymoon Island in the dark was definitely weird. Despite the weirdness factor, it was a great motivator to get moving!

What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I finished well and set a PR! Plus, I conquered obstacles along the way. That gave me confidence for the next race and taught me some valuable lessons.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Kiwanis Midnight Run to help the next runner

Train in the humidity and bring a good light! Pedialyte was a good idea for me pre-race to hydrate well. So I was glad I drank that a couple hours before the race. It was 81 degrees and extremely humid.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

See above. I won’t run at night without a light again!

What is the most important course specific knowledge to know about the Kiwanis Midnight Run?

Don’t burn your energy on running uphill over the several bridges because that will suck the life out of you. In addition to that, be prepared for a very dark and partially flooded road at miles 3-4 (Honeymoon Island).

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Oh yes.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, it was well organized. It was my second post-COVID race, and I just enjoyed being out running with real people.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, lots of runners kicked my butt.

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.

No worries there. In addition, there was ample parking at the race site.

Were the aid stations regular and sufficient?

Water stations were sufficient.

What was the weather like?

Hot and humid.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next person running the Kiwanis Midnight Race?

A knuckle light, head lamp or ankle light is a must. (See Team RunRun’s recommendations for starter gear here)

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes.

How’s the Swag?

Kinda lame.

How many stars do you give the Kiwanis Midnight Run, and do you recommend that others run it?

3 stars out of 5.  I’ve run this race 3 times (first time in 1987) so it’s kind of sentimental for me. One thing I like is the breeze running over the bridges. All in all, I certainly recommend it as a challenging summertime 10K.

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dopey challenge race report

Dopey Challenge Race Report – Amanda R

Race: Dopey Challenge, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Runner: Amanda R

Race Date: 01/12/2020

Location: Orlando, FL

Results: Finisher

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/3005275194

dopey challenge race report
Photo: RunDisney

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

1.) It’s FUN! I love the Disney atmosphere. As an Annual Passholder, we visit Orlando and Walt Disney World at least 3 times a year. Disney does a great job being accommodating to runners. The race is run well, and with the amount of participants, things go pretty smoothly as far as the logistics of the race go.
2.) Bling is great and I live in my RunDisney race shirts year-round. Gear is great!
3.) The course is diverse and interesting with plenty of distractions to get you through the race if you are struggling.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Because the Jeff Galloway programs are recommended by Disney, there are a lot of walkers. I have no problem with walkers, but the course can get pretty congested at times. If you have a faster corral, this problem is eliminated, but in the 5K and 10K, the corrals do not require a proof of time. There are a lot of walkers in Corral A in those two races. Plenty of people also choose the Disney races as their first, this can cause some traffic problems as well in the shorter races. If you are staying at a Disney resort, event busses pick you up and transport you to and from the start/finish line. This is a courtesy, but can come with some lines. Who am I kidding, that’s just part of the Disney experience! The Dopey Challenge is a monster. The hardest part isn’t the repeat days of running, it is getting up at 2AM four mornings in a row.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

This is weird and good. Seeing Cinderella’s castle illuminated at mile 10 of the marathon as you round the corner on Main Street U.S.A. is one of those feelings I can’t describe. I’m not an emotional person, and I tear up every time. Disney characters for photo stops is definitely weird!

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I loved the feeling of finishing all four days, and the joy at Disney is second-to-none.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Register early. Dopey registration starts in April the year before the race. I think that the Dopey bibs were still available in late summer, but if you have family members wishing to run the 5K or 10K, registration in April is a must-do. Staying on Disney property, in my opinion, is the best option for race week.

Biggest tip: work on getting a good Proof of Time so you get a good corral. If you are in some of the corrals at the back, it can be very crowded with tons of bodies blocking everything.

Second biggest tip for Disney challenge weekends: Go to bed early. Finish your race. Eat and go back to the hotel. Do not try to do the Disney parks when you are trying to complete the Dopey. It’s just too much walking.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I meal prep and take most of my food with me. I stay at Disney’s Art of Animation resort. It’s a value, but you can get a suite that has a microwave, fridge and small sink. I then take an Uber to the closest grocery store and buy food for the week. It helps to have food that you fuel well with and it really cuts down on the cost of Disney food. RunDisney is about the experience. Don’t go to qualify for Boston, go to have fun. If you qualify for Boston in the process, great job! The courses are twisty and narrow in places, and many runners will say it’s really hard to run a great time there. I ran a pretty salty half there in 2018. It can be done.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

There are sweepers. The “balloon ladies” are the last ones to start and serve as the barrier to the “party bus” to the finish. The 15 minute/per mile doesn’t apply to all runners, so If you start in corral C and you run 20 minute miles, and still finish in front of the “balloon ladies” you are still a finisher. Proof of Time submissions have to be submitted in the fall before Dopey.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Parks are very interesting to run. There are some boring bits that are highway and roads, but Disney always seems to make them interesting as well. Lights, sounds, and atmosphere are fantastic.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The course is flat. The most difficult part of running Dopey is the fact that it can be 28 degrees to start the 5K and 78 degrees to start the Marathon 3 days later. The weather is unpredictable. The course is flat, but has some twists and turns in the parks.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized. The only problem is the hired bus drivers that take runners from the resorts to the start. I heard some runners were on the bus for 1.5 hours because the bus driver didn’t know how to get to the start. The marathon was delayed for 30 minutes (some of us think this is the reason).

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, because of the shear volume of people. I think there were 900+ in my age group. F 45-50.

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.

Make your race reservation in April along with your hotel reservations. Southwest has great deals on flights. If you are looking to enjoy the parks a bit while you are there, buy a park hopper park pass. Book your dining reservations 180 days before your arrival date. Book your fast pass (skip the line) selections 60 days prior to your arrival date.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Aid Stations have water and Powerade. Med Tents have EVERYTHING. Food Stops in the Marathon: 2 banana stops and 1 chocolate stop. Food Stop 1/2 marathon: sport beans (YUCK).

Weather and typical race conditions

Can be 28 degrees to start raising to 55 or 78 degrees to start climbing to 85 with high humidity. It depends.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Standard gear.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

YES!

How’s the Swag?

Medals are high quality and heavy. Shirts are ok. They were better when Champion sponsored.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 out of 5 STARS! Great race! I recommend this race for first time runners and runners who like to have fun. If you love DISNEY, it’s a must-do.

dopey challenge race report
Photo: RunDisney

Dopey Challenge Race Report – Bill M

Race: 2020 Dopey Challenge – DisneyWorldDopey Challenge Race Report

Runner: Bill M

Race Date: 01/09/2020

Location: Orlando, FL

Results: Finished!

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • Very well organized and supported events. Buses come to Disney resorts so no driving to/from the race was awesome. Good food available before and after the races, and plenty of Powerade/Water and Sport Beans handed out during. Also had cold wet towels afterwards.
  • Great swag….long sleeve t-shirts and huge medals!
  • Tons of Disney characters pre/post race and along the route.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  • Early starts….on the bus between 3:00-3:30 AM.
  • Very crowded on half and full marathon days meant 15 minute walk to the start corral.
  • Waited 45-60 minutes post-race for buses on 5k & 10k days.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Running through the back lots of Epcot often meant running right by the stinky dumpsters of yesterday’s trash. Phew!!

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Running down Main Street and through the Disney Castle with hundreds of people cheering you on at 6AM! Awesome!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

  • Better to be early than late, definitely stay at a Disney resort if able for transportation alone.
  • Don’t try to PR these races, just too crowded unless you get seeded in the A corral at the front.
  • Be prepared to wait in long lines for portajohns and for long waits before the start. I sat down to save the legs when I could.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • Recommend going to the Expo early in the day.
  • Get to the race extra early if you want photos with the main Disney characters.
  • Hydrate, hydrate. Very humid days even when cooler temps prevailed.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Lots of turns, occasional speed bumps, bridges, etc. All very well marked or volunteers shouting warnings though.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, especially days 3-4! Ran through 5 parks during the marathon.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

All flat courses, just several turns. It’s only tough if you do the Dopey, and really only the full marathon was a gut-check.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

VERY well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, lots of Brazilians come in for these races and they won several firsts over the 4 days.

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.

I would register early and make hotel reservations early also. It sells out every year.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Powerade, water, gels and beans. Lots of medical tents for all races along the route.

Weather and typical race conditions

It was high 50s for days 1-2 and then low 70’s for the starts of days 3-4. Got up to mid 80’s on days 3-4. Also very humid, like 94%.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

My waist belt for gels was perfect.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not super friendly as it’s hard to know which roads are open or closed along the route. Spectators flooded the start/finish line, and there were many in the resorts we passed by.

How’s the Swag?

Awesome! See medals below.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 out of 5. Only downsides are the crowds and early starts

Dopey Challenge Race Report

keys 100 race report

Keys 100 Race Report – Stacey N

keys 100 race reportRace: Keys 100

Runner: Stacey N

Race Date: 05/19/2018

Location: Florida Keys: Key Largo to Key West

Results: 27:21:23

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Location, location, location! How amazing is it to run across 40 islands and their respective bridges? It’s freakin’ amazing. Running across a 7 mile long bridge with my pacer at sunset in the middle of the ocean, is hands down the best sunset experience of my life. Gives me chills just thinking about it.
  2. I saw more wildlife during this race than I have on any other trail race/adventure. I saw 5 Key Deer (adorable), reptiles of all sorts of sizes and colors, so many amazing birds; the only ones I could ID were pelicans, seagulls, great egrets, and herons, and then there were the hundreds of land crabs (glad my pacer was with me otherwise I may have thought it was all in my head that the ground beside me was alive and moving). Then there was all the wildlife we could hear at night, but, not see. Some of the sounds were very creepy and eerie…kinda horror film sound effect like.
  3. The vibe of the race was so awesome. It draws a great crowd.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Can’t think of a single thing. This was a bucket list race for me and it delivered.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Not necessarily weird, but different if you are used to running trails. You do need to be more thoughtful about how and where to handle when nature calls, as you are in the public eye almost the whole time. There really are no places to hide to do this…not too mention it’s illegal, and well who wants to see that while they are driving around? There are a good number of businesses along the route, and most are happy to allow runners to use their facilities. The rule of thumb was if you needed to do this, buy something before you leave to get back on course. There are some businesses that have requested to not have runners use their facilities and these are outlined in the very detailed map of the race.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

What did I do well?

  1. My head and heart were “all in” for this from start to finish. It is amazing how much of a difference there is in this department when you are doing a race that calls to your heart and soul versus, “just getting another race in because”. I had fun, I had 6 hours of all my fav songs, sang, and smiled my way down to Key West. I had two amazing, positive, strong, experienced, and thoughtful women that helped to keep me on track the whole time. I had so much dang fun with them and have such gratitude for Deby Kumasaka and Vivian Doorn. Thank you again ladies!
  2. I paced my self well. It can be tough in the beginning when you are stoked up and folks are passing ya by. I had my watches programmed for run/walk ratios of 8 min/2min and 5 min/2 min. I started this from the beginning and did this for about 90% of the race. So my watch was my boss, when it vibrated on my wrist I did what it told me to do. This saved me a lot in the mental energy department. For the first 60 miles, I stuck to the 8/2 mostly. I had some sections where I walked a lil longer due to eating too much or the wrong combo of food. There were some times where I ran longer due to flooding of pedestrian paths and needing to run on same side of the road as traffic and just wanting that to be done or due to being on a bridge while noticing lightening and thunder which made me just want to get off the bridge ASAP. That helped to pick up the pace a few times! After 60 miles, I went to 5/2 to try to be more smart with my energy when I knew I was gonna be more tired in the night time hours. Again, there were some points where I just had to keep running. Such as in the sideways water dumping, hail, and wind storm that happened in the middle of the night. I was able to run pretty decently the last 15 miles of the race and passed about 20 folks. The last few miles I was able to pick up the pace a decent amount and beat the lightning storm to the finish line. I love the feeling of finishing strong and picking people off to pass, it is so much fun!
  3. Nutrition and hydration were dialed in. I follow a plant based, gluten free diet and carried everything I needed in my crew van so this would not be an issue. I had lots of options, as I was expecting this to be a hot race and for my GI tract to go sideways. Variety is the spice of life. Some of my tried and true things that I like did not work for me at all. It was no big deal as I had other choices. I ate early, often, and as much solid real food as possible. Even though it was raining during the race it was still warm and muggy for this PNW gal so I made sure I was drinking enough. Other than eating too much or the wrong combo of stuff, I had no GI issues outside of the mild nausea and sweet race fuel fatigue that can come with this distance and consuming race fuel. My fav surprise things that worked for me were: Electroride, fizzy water, grapefruit, and hummus or baba on Happy Campers hemp bread.
  4. I used an ice bandana from miles 15-50 despite the fact it was raining for a good portion of that. It was hard to gauge with the warm rain and cloud cover what the temperature was. I knew it wasn’t hot like it is known to be for this race, but, I felt like my body was just at that point of getting a little too warm. I figure I was soaking wet already, so why the heck not? It really helped me keep moving and to keep up with good nutrition for the whole race as it lowered my heart rate enough for my body to do what it needed to do. I used it again in the morning for the last 10 miles.
  5. I was able to pull a Hail Mary on my feet at mile 50. I waited too long to switch out socks and do foot care, so I won myself trench foot on the verge of maceration with oodles of small blisters. My feet got squishy at mile 6 of the race. I knew I was gonna have some issues, but, I chose my socks (compression Injinji’s) well and lubed my feet with Trail Toes pre-race so I thought I had lots of time. So now to the part that I did well here. I let my feet air and alcohol dry for about 45 minutes and took the time to do proper foot care. It was tough to wait it out for that long and it saved my feet. At mile 60, 70, and 80 I took the extra time to change up socks and do foot care. I lost a good amount of time doing foot care, prolly about 2 hours total. But, I avoided maceration, yeah!
  6. I took a 2 minute nap on a bus stop bench. It stopped my sleep walking and allowed me to perk up, win!
  7. I used lots and lots of Trail Toes lube everywhere. Outside of my feet, I had zero skin issues or chaffing despite being wet the whole race.

What did I enjoy about my race in particular?

The whole experience just seemed to flow so well. It was just so fun and it felt meant to be.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

  1. If you are a crewed runner, figure out a way to keep your stuff organized well for your crew’s sanity. You see your crew more often during this race than you do during most other ultras. Only un-crewed runners use drop bags. Turn around time for your crew to regroup and organize is not as long as it is for a mountain ultra. My crew met up with me in 5 or 10 mile increments. Had it been the hotter weather that regularly occurs at this race, it would have been more frequently. I had used Ultimate Direction’s North Rolls to organize all the little things, they worked really well. I had two, one hung on the back of each front seat. While my crew was hustling to do other things for me, I could just sit in the second row seat and shop for what I wanted. Having everything so visible was really great for my tired brain.
  2. Learn how to manage your feet in moist conditions and make time for it on race day. While this year was an anomaly with all of the rain, humidity in regular years has been reported to do a number on feet as well.
  3. Study that map and have your crew study it. It helps to know where your bathroom stops are, what places are open late hours, and what landmarks to look for so you know where to look for your crew, and which side of the road they will be on. It was not always obvious to my tired brain. I did run pass my crew at one stop.
  4. At night make sure you and your pacers are light up like Christmas trees. You are running at night on a highway that serves tourists that may have had a few too many sun downers.
  5. Make sure the folks that are fishing on the pedestrian bridges see you and you see them before they cast their reels! I had two close calls, one time where I thought the person saw me and did not, the other time I did not see the person casting as I was too busy looking at pelicans….doh!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Gonna look at my feet before mile 50, especially if they are making loud squishy sounds.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It takes about 20 miles before you get to the bridges. I love bridges and love running by the water. For me it was hands down the most beautiful course I have ever run on road or trail. The turquoise ocean, 40 islands, wildlife, wild weather, and amazing skyscapes took my breath away.

keys 100 race report

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It is mostly flat road. You decide if that is tough on your body or not. I think the race is deceptively difficult do to running on a combo of pedestrian paths, residential roads, and an active highway; running around motorists requires a different type of awareness of your surroundings. Managing weather conditions can also make it deceptively hard. It is used as an indicator and qualifying race for Badwater, that should tell ya something.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well-oiled machine!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes there is!! There are some strong and speedy runners that show up every year for all distances.

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.

  • I am not sure how fast it fills up, registration is already open for 2019. Sign up, do it! You know you want to. I already did.
  • We flew into Fort Lauderdale, stayed over night there and got all errands and major grocery shopping done due to my special snowflake manner of eating. We then stayed in Key Largo for two nights close to the race start. We stayed in Key West the night after race and then drove back up to Fort Lauderdale to have yet one more overnight. I did not want to do a 3-4 hour drive and then hop onto a 6 hour plane ride. I am kind of a princess that way. Places in Key Largo and Key West can fill up so do not wait until last minute to book your lodging.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

I think it was standard fair? The only things I ever got from them were bananas and some ginger ale.

Weather and typical race conditions

  • Typical weather is hot, humid, and strong sun with virtually no shade.
  • This year was a cooler year, I have no clue what the temps were. It was rainy and very wet. At night I was still warm enough running in only my sports bra and shorts, I say this all as a PNW runner. I know a good number of locals were cold at night. I was only cold once at night during the sideways rain/wind/hail/”I think the wind is blowing the ocean on us” downpour. It rained so hard both my pacer and I had to empty the water out of our running jacket sleeves a few times.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Good reflective gear, clothing to protect you from the sun, ice bandana, and cooling towels. Bring coolers or buy locally.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, very much so!

How’s the Swag?

A super awesome and colorful belt buckle for the solo hundred milers.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Out of how many stars? I give it how ever many I am allowed to. It was awesome and I cannot wait for 2019.

keys 100 race report

Keys 100 Mile Race Info

Summary: With the race slogan of, “Think Turquoise,” runners should expect to see a lot of water as they run from Key Largo to Key West, crossing over more than 30 islands and 40 bridges on their way to the finish. Runners will be on a mix of mainly bike path, pedestrian bridges, service roads, and road shoulders as they make their way under the hot Florida sun. This race produces some fast times, being minimal elevation gain, and offers other distances such as 50k, 50 mile, and relay options.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Be sure to read all the race rules, especially regarding the nighttime lights and clothing requirements: 7:30pm Saturday until 6:00am Sunday, ALL racers (and pacers, if any,) must wear a vest or similar item with reflective material clearly visible 360 degrees, as well as colored blinking LED lights facing front and rear. Requirements are checked at packet pickup
  • Heat and humidity, heat and humidity, heat and humidity
  • Limited shade, so not only is it hot and humid, there’s no hiding from the sun
  • The aid station mile markers count down during the race
  • Ice, ice, baby – ice towels at each crew spot, ice bandanas, ice in arm sleeves, anything to keep your core temp cool
  • Around mile 43 you enter the Tunnel of Hell, which is a path off the highway, and home to utility poles, high trees, grass, and marshy water.
  • Around mile marker 47, runners make their way onto Seven Mile Bridge, where they run close to bustling traffic, with orange cones between the runners and cars. Not for the faint of heart!
  • With aid every 5 miles, you can micromanage the course quite a bit and break it into smaller chunks
  • With sweating so much from humidity, have a plan for preventing and/or treating chafing and/or foot blisters
  • Lots of GI issues with this kind of heat and the massive amount of sweating. Know your body’s signs for too much/too little water/electrolytes/calories and be prepared to adjust as you go
  • Be ready for stretches without other runners, so whatever you can do that motivates you, engages you (music, podcasts, creating new recipes 🙂
  • Quite a few race reports with crew snafus getting to the right aid station at the right time, so be prepared to adjust if that happens and try and keep it together mentally
  • Quite a few gas stations along the way – cool off in the air conditioning inside if you have to (recommended that you buy something if you go inside to cool off/use the bathroom)
  • While you don’t need a crew to run this, it was apparent in the race reports that they provide so much more than supplies, as they provide a mental boost, a desire to make it to the next spot, and help in problem-solving small to large problems when the runner’s brain isn’t working (which most of the time started around mile 10!)

Elevation

Total gain/loss: < 500 ft

Detailed Course Map broken into 5-10 mile segments

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 11

Furthest distance apart: ~10 miles between full aid stations, ~5 miles between water/ice stations, plus full at mile markers 73.9 and 25

Locations: See website for detailed locations, including stopping points for crew, and detailed mile markers here.

What’s available: Typical aid station fare at the full aid stations

Crew access

See Individual Crew Support Locations and Rules here

Pacers

Allowed after the first 10 miles, and pacers must comply with the same lighting requirements as the runners at night (see race rules)

Race qualifiers

None

Race reports

Stacey N’s 2018 race report

https://ultrarunning.com/featured/keys-100-lessons-in-survival/

http://www.jodiweiss.net/keys-100-the-little-bags-journey/

https://davekrupski.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/how-to-survive-and-thrive-in-the-keys-my-keys-100-playbook/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKD4G3RbVOY

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1000095010

Race Website

http://www.keys100.com/

Prepping for an ultra? Check out our 7 Steps Towards Running your First Ultra!

dopey challenge race report

Walt Disney World Marathon Race Info

Summary: If you’re a Disney fan, the Walt Disney World Marathon is a must-run race given the location, the atmosphere, and the swag. Be prepared for an early start, a chilly morning, and some logistical work to make it happen.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Lots of walk/runners on the course, so if you start further back, you’ll find it quite crowded, as it’s a big, popular race (~18,000 runners)
  • Because it’s so crowded, pace groups tend to be big and hard to pass
  • Expo is also really crowded – with so many races going on over the weekend, there are tons of runners in town, heading to the expo (~100,000 runners)
  • It’s about a mile from where the shuttle buses drop you off, so be ready to walk that far
  • Even though average temps are quite warm, historically it’s been very cold at the start (~30s), and with such an early start and time standing around until the start, be sure to wear layers you can toss at the start or along the way, as you’ll be in the start area for quite a while (or wear them the duration of the race)
  • Again, it’s a long wait in the start corrals, so have layers, food and water (and hot coffee) for while you wait, as there’s none offered by the race (at least not in the past)
  • A lot of tight turns along the course, particularly through the Wide World of Sports area (miles 18-20) as well as all the other theme parks along the way
  • It helps to stay at the resort in terms of ease of getting to and from the race on race morning
  • Race is mainly flat, but little hills can still be challenging
  • Because the weather is so unpredictable, pack for warm, cold, wet, windy…

Course

Type: One big loop with some small twists and turns along the way in and around the different theme parks

Start/Finish Info: Both at Epcot center, need to arrive well before 5am to park. Be sure to know shuttle options and parking rules.

Hills: 2 gradual hills of ~20 feet from miles 10.5-13 and miles 15-16.5. Otherwise, very flat course with minimal elevation change.

Map/Elevation

Course Guide

Aid stations

Locations of water stations: About every 1-2 miles, both water and Gatorade

Locations of electrolyte stations: Bananas and Gels at miles 12, 16, and 20, approximately

Electrolyte offered: GU brand in past race report, but not confirmed for 2018

Spectator access

Access Locations: Mile 5.3 in Magic Kingdom Park; otherwise, spectators must purchase tickets to enter the other parks. Online tracking is available, as are Cheer packages that spectators can purchase.

Boston qualifier?

Yes

Race reports

http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=481170108 (includes reviews and experiences from past participants, including pros and cons)

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2014/01/15/10-things-i-learned-from-running-the-walt-disney-world-marathon

http://www.disneylists.com/2016/01/disney_marathon_survival_p1/

Strava links

https://www.strava.com/activities/239658268/overview

https://www.strava.com/activities/467803023

Race Website

https://www.rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon/

Running your first race? We’ve got you covered with First Time Runner Race Day Tips

lake to ocean 100k

Lake to Ocean 100k Race Info

 

Date

6/3/2017

Avg Temps f.

90/80

Gain/Loss in ft

Minimal

Furthest Aid

15 miles

Highest Elev.

23ft

Time Limit

18 hours

Start

6:15am

Surface

95% single track

Course Records

RIch White (11:46:00)

Renee Tavakoli (14:08:00)

Sunrise/set

6:26am/8:10pm

Longest Climb

20-40 ft in sand dunes

Hashtags

#l2o

#l20100k

Summary: 95% single track point to point run along the Ocean to Lake Spur of the Florida Trail. Runners must have a crew and crew stops are from 5-14 miles apart. The course isn’t marked for the event; you’re supposed to follow the Orange blazes of the Ocean to Lake Spur of the Florida Trail and it could be dry or could be knee-deep sections of water. Course starts on a couple miles of gravel road, then into single track trail, and has a couple miles of sand late in the race.

Race Details

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

It’s hot and heat training can help

Have ice to put around your neck, in your pack, in arm sleeves, in your hat

Have crew pack ice, ice towels, umbrella for shade, chairs

Sections can be bone dry or knee deep in water

Easy to get off course

The course is challenging to follow, so pay extreme care to stay on track.  The course is well marked, but being fairly new and little used, there isn’t a starkly defined single track of bare ground to follow for much of the race.

Bring socks and shoe changes for muddy feet

Possibility of lightning and thunderstorms in exposed sections

2.5 miles of sand dunes late in the race with small hills

No aid stations – just crew access points so you must have crew

Elevation

Total gain/loss: Minimal

Map

Elevation profile on Strava links below

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 6 + Start/Finish Line

Furthest distance apart: 15 miles

Locations:

0.0 – Nena trailhead
15.0 – Dupuis/Corbett powerline rd
22.3 – South grade road
31.3 – Hungryland
36.3 – Beeline/710
47.0 – Riverbend
60.5 – US1
63.0 – Da beach

What’s available: Crew only aid stations, so they must bring everything you need

Crew access

Furthest distance apart: 15 miles

Crew access points:

0.0 – Nena trailhead
15.0 – Dupuis/Corbett powerline rd
22.3 – South grade road
31.3 – Hungryland
36.3 – Beeline/710
47.0 – Riverbend
60.5 – US1
63.0 – Da beach

Pacers

No

Runner Tracking

Unlikely

Race qualifiers

Doubtful

Race reports

http://a2ultra.blogspot.com/2015/06/lake-to-ocean-100k-june-6-2015-on.html

http://a2ultra.blogspot.com/2014/06/lake-to-ocean-100k-june-7-2014.html

http://floridahikes.com/floridatrail/ocean-to-lake/

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1019814915/overview

https://www.strava.com/activities/599231611/overview

https://www.strava.com/activities/319947871/overview

Logistics

Packet pickup

No packet, just your shirt and course info cheat sheet given

Transportation

On the runner and the crew

Race start and cutoff times

5:45am? Race reports mention cutoffs

Race Website

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=39758

Registration

Email the race director – “invite-only”, the RD needs to feel comfortable with you out on the course for you to get an invite. 

Location

Race starts on the East side of Lake Okeechobee, near Port Mayaca, and ends on the ocean near Hobe Sound

Travel

Closest airport is Palm Beach International Airport

Accommodations

Race starts on the East side of Lake Okeechobee, near Port Mayaca, and ends on the ocean near Hobe Sound. Could base lodging near the start or finish. Closest to the start are in Indiantown, with Okeechobee being a bit further away.  Tons of lodging relatively close to finish in Hobe Sound, FL.

disney princess half

Glass Slipper Challenge – Ashley S

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!

disney princess half