Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2025 (Feb 20-24 2025)

[Sleepless Knight]

Would it be foolish of me/feasible to start the 1/2 and then self sweep at mile 1ish? I don’t know if that would make me feel better or worse, getting to do a little of the race and not being able to keep going, or not do that race at all? Because it’s not just one mile, it’s getting to the starting line, waiting in corral, and then walking.

One factor to keep in mind is that the doctor may be recommending not doing the races because they're thinking "running" as opposed to walking, especially since walking around the parks is apparently a non issue.

In other words, you may be able to walk the races and finish them if you're able to walk them in the 16 minute per mile limit. Yes, you may not be able to get any photos with characters and/or the castle during the race, but still might be able to finish the race(s).

That said, know what your actual limits are and adjust accordingly, even if that means having to cut a race short because you're in too much pain. While it's very different, after I was in the hospital for one week with pneumonia, the doctors instructed me to not run until at least 4 weeks later to avoid a collapsed lung.

 

[Herding_Cats]

It's also worth pointing out that just stopping at the first med tent or whatever means that you'll have to wait for all of the other runners to start, the sweep point to get to you, and *then* load up on the bus. And it could be not-great weather where you'll have to just sit there and wait.

 

[sandam1]

Been in PT and wearing a boot for weeks now. Saw doc today and I don’t have to wear a boot, but he strongly suggests I don’t do the 5k, and the 1/2 is off the table.

One factor to keep in mind is that the doctor may be recommending not doing the races because they're thinking "running" as opposed to walking, especially since walking around the parks is apparently a non issue.

I guess my question for the doctor and/or my physical therapist (and personally, I lean more heavily on what the PT suggests as they are seeing you in a functional way on a more regular basis) would be "what is the worst that could happen if I decided to try to do this?" Then you can make an educated decision for yourself on how to proceed.

Back a few years ago, I went into Dopey with plantar fasciitis and undertrained. I talked to my PT extensively beforehand and knew that it was going to hurt and I was probably going to be prolonging the healing process by participating, but that I wasn't risking permanent damage by trying. At the end of my last appointment before the race, I was told "be smart." All of that information helped me make the best decisions that I could when I needed to.

 

[sandam1]

It's also worth pointing out that just stopping at the first med tent or whatever means that you'll have to wait for all of the other runners to start, the sweep point to get to you, and *then* load up on the bus. And it could be not-great weather where you'll have to just sit there and wait.

This is a good point. In this case, if you know that you are definitely going to pull at the first medical tent, I would recommend starting in the last corral.

 

[mollygirl13]

Would it be foolish of me/feasible to start the 1/2 and then self sweep at mile 1ish? I don’t know if that would make me feel better or worse, getting to do a little of the race and not being able to keep going, or not do that race at all? Because it’s not just one mile, it’s getting to the starting line, waiting in corral, and then walking.

2 years ago my DH and I both signed up for Princess Half. DH is a marathon runner and I am the Jeff Galloway method walk/run combo athlete. When we signed up for the race DH was fine. Few months before the race his knee was acting up and was advised on treatment by his doctor. Continued to have soreness in his knee leading up to the race. We figured he would begin the race with me, we would split up and then he would self-sweep when he couldn’t do it anymore. That was the plan.

And off we went.

Well, with all the excitement, the adrenaline, all the fun Disney race course entertainment, some good music and walking the entire Half, he finished! He listened to his body, never once overdid it or felt like he was doing additional damage to his knee. Imagine my surprise when I texted him at the finish line saying I was done and I got the response, “I’m about a half hour out I’ll meet you at the finish line!”

While I’m not a Dr and everyone’s bodies are different, only you can decide what is best for you and your health. But in my opinion if you were given clearance to walk in the parks, then I would assume that at the very least walking the 5K would be ok. And knowing that you can self-sweep if the Half got to be too much then see how you feel after the 5K and decide from there. Best of luck to you!

 

[lookingforsunshine]

Would it be foolish of me/feasible to start the 1/2 and then self sweep at mile 1ish? I don’t know if that would make me feel better or worse, getting to do a little of the race and not being able to keep going, or not do that race at all? Because it’s not just one mile, it’s getting to the starting line, waiting in corral, and then walking.

I started the marathon once knowing I probably wouldn't finish-- I made it 11 miles. The only thing about sweeping at the first mile of the half is that you will not get any park time since MK isn't until a few miles in. But you know you and how you'll feel best!

 

[Disneyhanna]

I just finished packing, I don't know how I manage to bring so much stuff for a short trip...I packed an empty duffel so I can check a second bag if I need to coming home.

I am not making the same mistakes as Marathon Weekend again, I am wearing fleece leggings, a fuzzy sweatshirt, puffer vest, and puffer jacket for that 5k! Right now the real feel is showing around 35F, and we will be in a later corral than I'm used to and planning to walk.

 

[prncssjas]

I am not making the same mistakes as Marathon Weekend again, I am wearing fleece leggings, a fuzzy sweatshirt, puffer vest, and puffer jacket for that 5k

lol I can appreciate this! Our car was reading -2 degrees driving to the airport this morning! I stubbornly refused to wear a full-on coat despite this because I’m flying to Florida dammit! I packed arm sleeves for the races and that’s it! I may or may not question life choices later but that’s ok…

Have a safe flight/travels to all. Can’t wait to get this party started!

 

[KCO5988]

The lows are starting to look a little better! Hourly right now shows 40 for the 5k morning but otherwise I'm feeling slightly better about these temps!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

lol I can appreciate this! Our car was reading -2 degrees driving to the airport this morning! I stubbornly refused to wear a full-on coat despite this because I’m flying to Florida dammit! I packed arm sleeves for the races and that’s it! I may or may not question life choices later but that’s ok…

Have a safe flight/travels to all. Can’t wait to get this party started!

I’m wearing layers to the airport today for the same reason. I do not want to bring my winter parka. It’ll be warmer when I fly back so what’s the point of bringing it? I’ll just book it from my parking spot to the terminal.

 

[The Expert]

lol I can appreciate this! Our car was reading -2 degrees driving to the airport this morning! I stubbornly refused to wear a full-on coat despite this because I’m flying to Florida dammit! I packed arm sleeves for the races and that’s it! I may or may not question life choices later but that’s ok…

Have a safe flight/travels to all. Can’t wait to get this party started!

If you find you need something more, I found a good puffer vest on sale at Uniqlo at Springs for MW when I decided I needed one for the 10K. Bonus if you can fit into a size from the kid's section! I was able to order online and just pop by to pick it up.

 

[fatmanatee]

RD just posted instructions on how to link race photos using the new IDs, would assume race shirts will be coming a bit later today.

 

[nancipants]

There will be merch previews on Instagram tonight, between 6-6:15. Runninginmakeup and Thecastlerunner are the two accounts I saw.

 

[rick1zoo2]

 

[dobball23]

View attachment 940169

I have never seen that in the daylight! We drive to Florida from PA, and South Carolina always times out to be part of our overnight shift.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

I have never seen that in the daylight! We drive to Florida from PA, and South Carolina always times out to be part of our overnight shift.

...

Probably better that way.

 

[rick1zoo2]

I have never seen that in the daylight! We drive to Florida from PA, and South Carolina always times out to be part of our overnight shift.

We left at 3:30am to get past DC traffic and ahead of the big snow storm. We just caught part of it. First time I have made the drive in about 25 years. And that one was overnight.

 

[Zutroy]

I have never seen that in the daylight! We drive to Florida from PA, and South Carolina always times out to be part of our overnight shift.

You’re missing out, because you’ve never sausage a place before. When you’re there, you’re always a wiener.

 

[azrivest]

I hope y'all like blue race shirts

 

[nancipants]

I give them a resounding "meh." But at least the 10k shirt will match the skirt I was planning to wear, since it'll be too cold to just wear a sports bra. And if I need to, I can wear the challenge shirt with my Snow White costume. Silver linings.