Official 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Thread

[Cripey]

Does anyone remember what time the Expo opened on Friday for race weekend? We normally fly in late Friday night after work when we come to DL for a race and hit the expo first thing saturday morning...mostly because of issues at work complicated by the BF and I working in the same department...we kind of have to ration the time we take off together to keep things running smoothly for us...ugh, it gets annoying sometimes, but . Anyway...I'm playing with the idea of taking that Friday off alone and flying out super early in the AM to do the expo on friday, then just have the BF fly in that evening like normal. With all the new stuff opening up at DCA this year, and it being a quick trip for us on race weekend, it would be great to get the expo part over with on friday and have saturday am/early afternoon to hit the park for a bit before it's time to get off my feet for the race. Plus, I gain 2 hours flying out there, so I could potentially be out there pretty early if I can find the right flight!

Am I the only one already thinking about ths stuff and registration hasn't even opened yet??

[kim3339]

Originally Posted by Cripey

Does anyone remember what time the Expo opened on Friday for race weekend?

Am I the only one already thinking about ths stuff and registration hasn't even opened yet??

It opened at 10am last year. I think they did it earlier b/c the 5k was Friday night instead of Sat. morning. It opens at 12 for the DL 1/2, so even if they change it you'll have plenty of time.

And no, you're not the only one! I'm trying to figure everything out too. I have the hotel done, for now, but keep playing back and forth in my head when I want to go down. 1/2 Thursday night and the rest early Fri morning or all Fri morning? Once SW announces their Jan. schedules it'll be easier b/c then I can decide whether I want to fly or drive. I'm really leaning towards flying, b/c I get home from WDW early Wednesday morning and after Goofy, do I really want to drive 6 hours? Normally the drive isn't bad, but after the races the weekend before and then the 1/2 on Sunday and maybe 5k.... aaahhh!! So many decisions!!

[Cripey]

Originally Posted by kim3339

It opened at 10am last year. I think they did it earlier b/c the 5k was Friday night instead of Sat. morning. It opens at 12 for the DL 1/2, so even if they change it you'll have plenty of time.

And no, you're not the only one! I'm trying to figure everything out too. I have the hotel done, for now, but keep playing back and forth in my head when I want to go down. 1/2 Thursday night and the rest early Fri morning or all Fri morning? Once SW announces their Jan. schedules it'll be easier b/c then I can decide whether I want to fly or drive. I'm really leaning towards flying, b/c I get home from WDW early Wednesday morning and after Goofy, do I really want to drive 6 hours? Normally the drive isn't bad, but after the races the weekend before and then the 1/2 on Sunday and maybe 5k.... aaahhh!! So many decisions!!

Thanks!

Oh man, flying definitely sounds like the way to go for you...that's a long drive to have to sit for after doing the Goofy! If you drive, you might need to stop every hour for a good stretch

Will this be your first Goofy? I MIGHT be finally coming around to entertaining the thought of training for the WDW marathon. I've always said that I WANT to want to do it, but the training milege just blows my mind...I feel like I can't even comprehend it! But it's REALLY been on my mind alot lately so I've been giving alot of thought to maybe giving it a shot in 2014. The BF's already registered for our local marathon in Houston (his 3rd year in a row!)that's on the same day as the 2013 WDW full, so the 2013 full isn't an option for me...and I'm kind of glad about that anyway...not quite ready to make the commitment yet and say it out loud! He said if he breaks 4 hours on that race (and he's soooooo close!), he'll do WDW in 2014 instead of Houston...and would run it with me if I thought I wanted to give it a shot. I think I'll come around eventually. BUT the GOOFY??? That just seems like insanity!!! Good for you for doing it!

[kim3339]

Yeah, it is my 1st. A little nervous, but the training plan that seems to be popular starts the week after the DL 1/2, so that'll be good plus I don't have any big races this fall so I can focus soley on this one. And on the Marathon thread, people who've run it before say you really only need 2 or 3 back to backs which makes me feel a little better. And w/ Tink being like a "home" race b/c of all the DL 1/2's and trips to DL I can focus all my nervous engery on WDW. My biggest concern is how to approach the back to back weekends, but I'm think walk every other mile in the 1/2 and run the full and play Tink by ear. If I feel okay then run as long as I can and if not, then walk it, it'll still be fun. As long as I cross the finish line to get a time and a medal, that's all I need to stay on course for a legacy runner!

You should do the 1 in '15 ~ there was a thread asking about anniversaries for the different races and someone said that '15 is the 10th or 15th for Goofy and it'll be the 10th for DL so get get 2 big celebrations in 1 year. I might be tempted to go do it again.

[kirstie101]

Does anyone know how long the expo stays open on Saturday? I doubt I'll be able to get Friday off so we'll be driving down saturday morning....

[niclodn]

Originally Posted by kirstie101

I'm super slow too (13 minute mile) so I'm happy to hear you were able to walk the whole thing within the 16 min mile requirement! I just started running back in February.

Hotels: From what I've read i think the Disney Hotels will be the closest to the start/finish if its like last year. Can't go wrong with Disney hotels really. Personally, I have a reservation at the Hojo because I love their beds, DD and my mom love the property and for the rate I got I can't justify spending more to stay closer. I'm sure I wont love the mile walk back afte the race but I'll survive. It will definitely help me wake up in the morning though! PM me or search the Disneland California board for more info on Hojo's Entertainment card rate which currently is available for that weekend if you're interested.

Thanks for the info! I really want to stay at one of the Disney hotels, but can't beat that Entertainment card rate at Hojo's! It's half of what everything else is and less than 1 night at a Disney property! Need to talk to my running partner, but may just bite the bullet and go with Hojo...

[kim3339]

Originally Posted by kirstie101

Does anyone know how long the expo stays open on Saturday? I doubt I'll be able to get Friday off so we'll be driving down saturday morning....

10-5 on Saturday.

Just on the site, and they updated the info for next year's race. Sadly, the 5k still includes the twilight park tix. I'm really surprised, b/c it didn't sell out last year until the expo and I think a lot of it was b/c the reg was so expensive and included the tix and a lot of people that run it have the AP. So now, don't know about the 5k. Will definitely have to think about it...

[Cripey]

Originally Posted by kim3339

10-5 on Saturday.

Just on the site, and they updated the info for next year's race. Sadly, the 5k still includes the twilight park tix. I'm really surprised, b/c it didn't sell out last year until the expo and I think a lot of it was b/c the reg was so expensive and included the tix and a lot of people that run it have the AP. So now, don't know about the 5k. Will definitely have to think about it...

UGH...why-O-why do they do that? I kind of kicked around the idea of doing it, if I ended up flying in Friday morning, and just walking the whole thing for fun and pics because I am currently not planning on stopping for pics during the half. But I don't need the ticket either!

[specialks]

Originally Posted by kim3339

10-5 on Saturday.

Just on the site, and they updated the info for next year's race. Sadly, the 5k still includes the twilight park tix. I'm really surprised, b/c it didn't sell out last year until the expo and I think a lot of it was b/c the reg was so expensive and included the tix and a lot of people that run it have the AP. So now, don't know about the 5k. Will definitely have to think about it...

Can you upgrade the twilight ticket to a multiday Parkhopper?

[kim3339]

Originally Posted by specialks

Can you upgrade the twilight ticket to a multiday Parkhopper?

Nope. I tried that last year ~ wanted to apply it to my AP purchase, but they said b/c it's a special tix no upgrades.

Originally Posted by Cripey

UGH...why-O-why do they do that? I kind of kicked around the idea of doing it, if I ended up flying in Friday morning, and just walking the whole thing for fun and pics because I am currently not planning on stopping for pics during the half. But I don't need the ticket either!

That's what I use the 5ks for. And having it at night last year was a completely different ambiance than the morning 5ks for the DL 1/2. Everything was lit and they themed the mile markers really well. Maybe we'll be lucky and reg will be $50, but I know that's not going to happen.

[barryzchick]

I am hoping to register for this event when it opens in June. I was wondering what your best recommendations are as previous participants? I am getting a bit overwhelmed with all of the 'extras' (chEar packets, pre-race lounges, etc. etc.). While I don't want to miss out on anything super fun or essential to my race, I also don't want to spend a zillion dollars to run in a race. So. What are your 'must-do's' and best recommendations for an 'as smooth as possible'-weekend? I will be travelling with two non-racers, who will want to possibly cheer for me along the route somewhere. We will also want to enjoy some time in the parks together.

Also, what is your best estimate for cost for the weekend? We are not first-time Disney people, however, I haven't ever done a special event in the park.

THANK YOU!!!!

[Cripey]

Originally Posted by barryzchick

I am hoping to register for this event when it opens in June. I was wondering what your best recommendations are as previous participants? I am getting a bit overwhelmed with all of the 'extras' (chEar packets, pre-race lounges, etc. etc.). While I don't want to miss out on anything super fun or essential to my race, I also don't want to spend a zillion dollars to run in a race. So. What are your 'must-do's' and best recommendations for an 'as smooth as possible'-weekend? I will be travelling with two non-racers, who will want to possibly cheer for me along the route somewhere. We will also want to enjoy some time in the parks together.

Also, what is your best estimate for cost for the weekend? We are not first-time Disney people, however, I haven't ever done a special event in the park.

THANK YOU!!!!

I can give you my two-cents worth on Chear Squad and spectators cheering from my experiences at DL. In the 3 years before the Tink was introduced, we came to DL for the DL half...first year my BF ran and it was both of our first time to DL...we've always been more WDW people It was also the BF's first half ever so we also were interested in an as-stress-free-as-possible experience for him. We ended up staying at the DL hotel that year since it was so close to the start line...I went with him when he left that morning and parked myself in the bleachers at the finish line before the sun came up to assure myself a spot! The following year, he ran again and bought the Chear Squad package for me...I forget what it was called but it was like the VIP package or whatever that is across from the bleacher area. There were private restrooms (that were clean!!!) nice comfortable seating (cushioned folding chairs and some outdoor-style couches, shade umbrellas and a table of fruits, pastries, juices, coffees, etc. Unfortunately for me, the BF had really kicked up his training in the moths prior and I didn't get to enjoy the area for as long as I would have liked because he got is first sub-2 hour half that time However, I did enjoy it and I thought it was worth the extra $$. The 3rd year we both ran the half...no spectating Now, earlier this year for Tink, the BF was there to cheer me on. He studied the course map and was able to make it to 5 different places along the course (and ran with me for about a half mile at one point)...all on foot! Now, I ran it in 2:30 so obviously someone who's alot faster than that probably won't be able to have spectators make it to that many places without missing them...and he said a couple of times he really had to book-it to the next planned spot. We joked that he probably ran a half that day too, but didn't have anything to show for it! So if you have someone that's mobile and good with maps and directions, there are tons of spots where you can have your own personal cheer section! For me though, we've been 4 years in a row now, and I still couldn't tell you which way is up when I'm there though.

oh yeah, i should add, i am not really sure how the Chear Squad worked at Tink in particular...it finished in a different spot than the DL half so it may have been set up differently than it was at the DL half.

[Red Rose]

I will be staying at Disney for the race. I am doing the Coast to Coast as my birthday gift for myself. I know it's a big gift but it's for my 25th. Anyway should I book a room now or wait till the sign up day? I know you save some money when you sign up for a race and stay at Disney. I just don't know if I book the room now then tell them when I sign up I am doing the Tinkerbell.

[geaux_half]

Originally Posted by kim3339

That's what I use the 5ks for. And having it at night last year was a completely different ambiance than the morning 5ks for the DL 1/2. Everything was lit and they themed the mile markers really well. Maybe we'll be lucky and reg will be $50, but I know that's not going to happen.

From the runDisney website:

Entry Fees and Deadlines

Tinker Bell Half Marathon

$150 by July 17, 2012
$165 between July 18 and September 4, 2012
$180 on or after September 5, 2012
Never Land Family Fun Run 5K

$99 per participant
runDisney Kids Races

Dashes : $20 per child
1-Mile Run: $30 per child

[specialks]

Originally Posted by Red Rose

I will be staying at Disney for the race. I am doing the Coast to Coast as my birthday gift for myself. I know it's a big gift but it's for my 25th. Anyway should I book a room now or wait till the sign up day? I know you save some money when you sign up for a race and stay at Disney. I just don't know if I book the room now then tell them when I sign up I am doing the Tinkerbell.

The DLR hotels arent open for booking past dec 31, 2012 right now. We're eagerly awaiting June when the calendar should be opened.