You’ve got your training in and your runDisney race weekend is almost here! I remember the excitement of my first race – the 2014 Tinker Bell Half Marathon – and I still get just as excited each time race weekend approaches. Here are some tips to make your weekend memorable and get the most out of your experience on the course, no matter if you are aiming for a new PR or just looking to enjoy the Disney Magic along the route!
Say Hi and Get Social
Step out of your comfort zone and say Hi! Runners are a pretty friendly bunch and runDisney runners are the most friendly I have ever met. Share your experiences and pictures on social media. RunDisney always has race weekend specific hashtags. Include these for a chance to see your experiences featured… and of course make new running friends!
Photo Ops!
One of the amazing experiences available at a runDisney race is the amazing photo opportunities there are! Not only do you have chances to have your picture taken with Disney Characters along the route, but there are tons of iconic places as well. Don’t forget to snap a picture in front of the castle, or your favorite attraction. One photo op I think many runners forget about is the spectators! In previous years, The Red Hat Society ladies have lined the course for the Tinker Bell Half marathon (we are talking hundreds of them) and are the most amazing cheering section. I personally am planning on stopping and getting a picture with as many as I can!
A few tips; turn off your flash. Character stops are well lit! Have your camera ready – at most spots there will be a cast member that will be happy to use your camera or phone to get a great picture. Make sure your bib is visible if there is an official photographer there. If you are going to take pictures of iconic spots or with spectators, be sure to move over to the edge of the course so you don’t create a traffic jam or cause accidents.
At the Start Line
If you are worried about being able to meet the minimum pace requirements, get to the start line early and move to the front of your assigned corral. Be prepared for it to get pretty crowded, and stay crowded for the 1st mile or so until your corral group begins to spread out a bit. If you need to pass runners simply say, “Excuse Me” or “Coming Through” (or “On Your Left” for you Captain America fans)
Running together
Running with friends is the best thing! When you register, you’ll be assigned a corral based on your expected finish time and pace. If your friends and family run at different paces and end up assigned to different corrals, don’t worry! The people assigned to earlier corrals are welcome to move back and start at the later corrals.
If you are running with a larger group, remember to only run 2 abreast so you don’t clog the course and other runners can get by you!
Hydration and Fuel
Obviously – hydration and fueling during your race is a huge deal. Don’t try anything new on race day, but you can feel confident that
there is enough water on the course, I never carry additional water. There is also plenty of Powerade on the route. I do carry fuel with me, but if you find you need a little boost there is typically Clif shots handed out at about mile 9.
If you are grabbing water or Powerade from a hydration station, move all the way to the table to grab your water. Move away from the table to drink, so there is plenty of room for other runners to grab the water they may need.
Obviously the most important thing to remember – and the biggest tip I can share – is HAVE FUN! You have worked hard to get here… don’t let the little things (and there will be one or two) get to you! I still contend that runDisney puts on the most amazing race events!
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