Wine and Dine
November 9, 2013
10 PM Night Race
Expo-5/5
Getting to the Disney Expo before the crowd comes is KEY! My running partner and I went to the expo Friday afternoon. This allowed us time to walk around without being in a huge crowd, as well as check out the awesome race gear without waiting in lines. The expo had printers there just in case you forgot your form at home! There was a lot of people to help you to the next location, as bib pickup and shirts were in different buildings. I somehow ended up in Corral K (last corral). Luckily, I was able to look up my PR from Country Music to switch Corrals. I ended up in Corral D but stayed with my friends in Corral F. Jeff Galloway was at the Expo too. They had a guy talking about the course, fun Disney shirts and a ton of running booths.
Race Swag-5/5
I LOVE my race shirt! The long sleeve shirt is made by Champion, athletic gear and is a dark color. On the sleeve it has each park that we ran in.. one of my favorite things about the shirt. On the back of the shirt is the race map!
I just love the lanyard and of course I love the medal! It has Mickey on the front and on the back a place to engrave name and race time. Disney medals are solid and heavy which just proves they use material that isn't cheap.
Starting Line-4/5
The only part I did not like about race was waiting around. We got to the starting line 2 hours early :( They did have loud music playing, characters to take pictures with (more waiting) and a ton of bathrooms. There were runners sleeping in the grass waiting to get into their assigned corrals. The corrals were blocked off by gates which prevented runners to jump corrals :) Each corral had its own start....fireworks went off about every 2 minutes! I love the fireworks its a great touch!
Of course I am going to be pleased with the course... I mean come on we got to run in the parks at night! We ran in Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot! Everything was lite up and there was music all around us. I have never ran a night race so this experience was completely different for me. This course was super flat. I don't think you could PR here but then again I was to busy taking pictures.
My favorite part of the course was when we ran in the Christmas area (I believe it was Hollywood Studios). Every single light bulb was bright, in the perfect place and just stunning to look at. I had to stop to take pictures of this magical spot on the course!
Water Stops-5/5
There was a water stop almost every single mile.
Final Line-5/5
I can't even remember much about the finish line since there was so much going on. I did stop to take a picture with Mickey before I crossed over. Minnie and I believe Goofy were at the finish line too. I was awarded my medal before I went into gear check. The food wasn't great nothing I would eat at least. They did offer bananas, water and some sort of sugary drink. After we picked up our Gear we headed over to the changing area to change. There was a huge line for the wine/beer but this was worth the wait! :)
After Party-1/5
I have heard so many amazing things about the after party. I did love the fact that Epcot was open all night for the runners but there seriously wasn't a lot of food to pick from. We literally walked all over the world to find good food (we wanted something we knew we would like). We found fries and some kind of egg roll. I am so picky when it comes to food, especially after I ran 13 miles. The last thing I wanted to do was walk around looking for food. We did walk an extra 6-7 miles after we ran...SERIOUSLY. I don't think we found food till probably 3:00 A.M. (we finished around 1). They did have awesome drinks everywhere but wasn't the best idea after running for 3 hours. If I was to run this race again I would skip the party to get some GOOD food back at the hotel.
Results-Doesn't MATTER :)
I went into this race just wanting to have fun. In fact, if you ever want to run a Disney race the main goal should be FUN.
Overall-5/5
I had a blast at this race :) I loved every single minute! I do think the race started a little late. Starting 1-2 hours earlier would be a good idea so people could finish before midnight. Would I run it again?!?! You bet! This race allows grown adults to relive their childhood...some of us even got to play dress up (if you run Disney costume is a must!) When I am running down the streets of Disney I can't help but think of my family vacations there. I got off the plane with a smile and left with a lot of joy in my heart... that is because Disney is simply amazing!
What's up next?!?!
This Guy of course :) Yep, I am heading back to Disney in 50 days to run a 4 day race (Jan 2014). This race will really test my mental state, endurance and my ability to continue when things get tough. I will be covering 5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon...also known as the Dopey Challenge! I am excited to head back to this magical place because I know I will have fun no matter what the outcome (I better finish) :) See you soon Dopey
~Happy Miles
Kathy :)