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Are you running in the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend races? Race weekend is quickly approaching. Are you ready? Read on for 10 things every Wine and Dine runner should know!
Preparing For Race Weekend
Being prepared for a race helps calm any runners nerves. Knowing these 10 key tips will help you have a fun and smooth race!
Regardless if it is your first runDisney event or tenth, runDisney events are always magical. It is a race like no other! I know that knowing these key bits of information have helped me have great races!
I hope you enjoy the tips and have a great race weekend. I’m cheering for you all!
1. Expo
The expo is not just for bib pick up. It has so much more to offer. You can purchase event specific and general runDisney Merchandise. Other vendors will be there with helpful race gear. If you forgot anything for your race day, you will most likely be able to grab it here!
In previous years, the Expo would offer special activities. For the 2020 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Races (LAST IN PERSON RACE) they offered:
- Yoga
- Ask Jeff with Jeff Galloway
- Runner Pints and Pours
- Animation Academy
- Foam Rolling and Stretching presented by AdventHealth
- Pin Trading
- Card Creation Station Supporting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
None of these special activities are listed on the website. I am interested to see what the Expo will look like this year.
2. Walking to and from the Start and Finish Lines
You have done the training and are ready to run your race, but did you know that the buses don’t drop you off close to the corrals? You will find that you will walk 1-2 miles from where runDisney transportation drops you off to where the actual start line is.
There are staging areas that you will need to go through prior to getting to your corral. For Wine and Dine the staging area looks pretty close to the starting line compared to some previous races.
Be prepared – your walking before and after the race could be lengthy!
There are several corrals and several waves in some of the larger corrals. Your exact start time will most likely not be the official race time. There are about 2-3 minutes between each wave.
This year, they have changed up the start a little more. There are different start groups. I would expect to see the start spread groups spread out more than in years past. Read HERE for more details.
Once you have reached the finish line, you will have a chute to continue walking through. Race volunteers keep runners moving through this chute to keep the Finish Line clear.
You will receive your medal further down the chute. It is still a short walk to the self-treat medical tent, but it’s even further to the water and Powerade. The snack box was almost at the very end of the runner walk out.
Maybe thinking of these long walks as a warm-up and cool-down will help your tired feet!
3. Pace
Photo Credit: KtP Writer Heather Alosa
Disney enforces a 16 minute/mile pace. However, this pace is enforced from when the last person crosses the start line.
You may have heard of the “Balloon Ladies.” These are runDisney runners just like you and me; they are not Cast Members.
They are not to be feared but to be used as a visual reminder of the 16 min/mile pace. Your goal is to stay ahead of them so you don’t get swept by runDisney Cast Members.
4. Crowds
Photo Credit: KtP Writer Heather Alosa
The races are usually very crowded. The amount of people does add to the fun atmosphere. This year may look different as they may have limited the number of runners and there is still spots open for some races! This may not be the race to get your personal best or to try and qualify for Boston. Some people can, but it also can be very challenging with the number of people.
With crowds, it may be hard to navigate certain sections of the course. At certain points, you may be forced to walk because of the congestion. Use this race as a victory lap from all your training. You did it!
Celebrate by soaking up every moment while you run through the Most Magical Place on Earth! In previous years there was so much on-course entertainment, I hope this year is the same!
5. Entertainment
From before the race even starts to the finish line, runDisney provides race entertainment like no other. Meet and greets with characters at the Expo, start line, and finish line.
I would still expect on course meet and greets, but they will guaranteed to be distanced.
You will find the opportunities to take quick pictures with rare characters along the course as well! There is no real interaction or autographs during these meets.
Also along the way, there are DJs pumping out music and cheering you on. It is an amazing experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
6. Runner Etiquette
Some runners have been running for years, while this may be a first for some. runDisney does educate runners on some important runner/race etiquette.
Jeff Galloway has great training plans with run/walk intervals. I use these myself and recommend them.
Jeff Galloway is the official runDisney training consultant
I got my personal best in a local half marathon and my legs felt great when finishing. It really works! With many runners using the run/walk intervals there are people running and walking at all different speeds. There are also pace groups on the course. Find one of these if you are trying to finish in a certain amount of time.
A few things to look out for when you are out there on the course:
- Run/walk no more than two people across.
- When walking, stick to the right of the course.
- When your run interval has ended check who is behind you, raise your hand, and move to the right before slowing down.
These three tips can help make the race more enjoyable for all!
7. Costumes
It is not required to dress as your favorite Disney Character, but it is fun. Even just a themed shirt can add to the Disney race experience. You will see some people really get into their costumes.
If you need some costume inspiration, check out Donna’s article about her costumes for the Princess Half Marathon!
8. Lay out your race items the night before
Having all of your race gear and attire out and ready the night before leaves less of a chance of forgetting something. Nobody wants to get to the race and realize they forgot their body glide or fuel.
These races are very early in the morning. I was up at 1:30 a.m. and heading to a bus around 2:30 a.m. I wanted to be on the first bus out of my resort, so I was able to meet several characters prior to getting into our corrals.
9. Have fun
Relax and enjoy yourself! You have done the training and are now running through the Most Magical Place on Earth! it is an amazing experience so be sure to take it all in!
Don’t forget to smile for that camera because “every mile is magic!”
10. Show off that bling
Don’t forget to wear that medal – you earned it! You will see many other runners wearing their medals.
Congratulate your fellow runners! You all have done something amazing! Plus, you will get some awesome pictures with your bling in the parks!
Don’t forget to check the Digital Event Guide to get all your race weekend information. This guide holds all the information for the Expo, transportation, spectators, runner info, and maps.
Extra Tips
Not sure what to pack for your runDisney race-cation? Check out my five must-pack items. Planning on getting in some warm-up or shake-out runs? Check out my where to run guide when visiting Walt Disney World.
Are you participating in the Princess Half Marathon Weekend? Do you find these tips helpful? Let me know below or head over to the KtP Facebook page. Share with friends by using the blue Facebook button below!
-Heather Alosa
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