I've got to get myself packed, which means I have to figure out what I want to wear. Not always an easy task, and I'm sure many of you have seen the forecast where rain is possible (though currently it seems more afternoon than evening, but you never know). It also seems to be quite hot and humid down in sunny Florida. The low isn't below 60, which means shorts and a tee or tank for me. If it rains, it might actually feel nice with that heat. I'm not going to worry myself over it, just bring some clothes in gear check to change into post-race. I failed to do this last year, thinking it would be a pain to change and I would just get wet again, but regretted that when my mom and I were walking around Epcot shivering.
Anyway, here's a hodge podge of information and tips that will help you have a fun, relaxed trip.
Download and print your race waivers prior to leaving.
On your half marathon race waiver, you'll find your bib number. You can check what corral placement that is here.
Download the Wine and Dine 2015 Official Event Guide.
The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo is at ESPN Wide World of Sports. If you are staying at a host resort (listed below), transportation is provided to and from EPSN WWS. Buses run on Friday from host resort to expo 9:30am–6:30pm, and concludes from expo to host resorts at 7:30pm; Saturday from host resort to expo 8:30am–2:30pm, concludes from expo to host at 3:30pm.
Host Resorts:
- Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All Star Music ResortDisney’s All Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Transportation Hours for Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K
- 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- 5K participants must board buses no later than 5:30 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 6:15 a.m.
- Transportation begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and concludes at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday
- Half Marathon participants must board buses no later than 8:00 p.m. in order to make it to their corrals by 9:15 p.m.
- Transportation will continue throughout the evening for spectators
- Finish Line Party admission to Epcot® begins at 7:00 p.m. and a party
- ticket is required.
- Rest up on race day. I know, you're in Disney World and want to play, but you'll want to rest your legs and feet. There's quite a bit of standing around before the race even begins, so save up some energy. Plus, you'll want it for the finish line party at Epcot that goes until 4am :)
- If you want to run with a friend that is in a different corral, the faster friend moves back to the slower corral.
- If you are doing gear check, make sure to use the clear gEAR check bag given to you at the expo and attach your bib number to it (there's a tear off on the bib that is for your gEAR check bag). Also, there is security before going into the race area, so you'll have any bags on you checked. If you have no belt or bag, there'll be a separate, quicker line for you to enter. I personally have never had any problems with the security lines – there are plenty of officers checking bags, and the lines move quickly.
- Pack a drawstring bag in your gEAR check, so that post-race it's easier to carry around all of your stuff. Those gEAR bags are a bit of a pain.
- Pack extra clothes in a ziplock bag – if it's rainy, it can help keep your post-race clothes dry in your gEAR checked bag.
- Run or walk NO MORE than two abreast. I know you want to run with all of your friends, but there are places that are cramped, and you have to make sure, for your safety and others, that other runners can safely pass.
- Make sure at water stops to grab your cup and keep moving. If you need to stop to drink, move over to the side. I don't know how many aid stations I've been to where I've bumped into other people because they stop dead in their tracks to grab water. It's ok to stop running, but keep moving forward and go to the side if you have to stop completely.
- If you are running and decide to walk, raise your arm for a few seconds or say 'walking' so runners behind you know you'll be slowing to a walk. Also, make sure it move to the side, and look behind you before stopping so that if there's someone close behind you, you can move over more so they won't run into you. You'll help avoid injury to yourself and other runners this way.
- Hydrate! There are 9 water/Powerade stops – use them wisely. It's going to be hot and humid, so you'll want to make sure you are prepared. This also means starting the hydration process days before the race.
- Celebrate your accomplishment at the after party!! Grab some post-race eats at one of the Wine and Dine Festival kiosks. There's plenty of options.
- Bring your Wine and Dine gift card to use after the race. Depending on how much you'd eat/drink, you might not even need money (I personally bring some in case, but I know others that don't).
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| Mom and I at Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2014, lovingly dubbed 'Splash and Dash 2014'. Despite the rain, we had a blast. |
Have a great trip and amazing race, everyone!
Keeping my fingers crossed for all of you runners that the rain stays away! Have a great time!
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