Marathon Characters

[Hayden's Dad]

I have heard that a lot of rare characters come out for the marathons. Is there a way to meet them without being a participant? I'm a little to Pooh shaped to run a marathon, but would cheer on the runners. Thanks.

[Greenlawler]

From my experiance over the last two years, most of the characters are not available to the public. The characters are usually along paths early in the morning or are placed away from the general public.

Remember both races start three or four hours before the parks open. If you go under the guise of cheering on the runners you would be allowed in the parks, but finding a rare character would be hard. If you were lucky enough to find one where you are allowed to roam, you may find a sympatheitc CM, although they are instructed to only allow race participants to meet them.

Just for your info....The largest quanity of rare characters I have seen over the past two years have been at out during the half marathon at Epcot in between the two gift shops beside the lake at the entrance to the world showcase. We found Robin Hood, Little Jon, Sheriff, Prince John, and the Hunchback characters, among others there last year. During the marathon the rare characters were spread out more, but Hades was near the hat in 2008, although he was not out in 2009.

On another note, I am also not your typical runner. I simply started running because I wanted to be there to meet the rare characters. I was shocked at the fact that I could do it. I would encourage anyone to at least give the half marathon a try. I know Joanna and Likes2workout are going for it this year. Do not sell yourself short. There are plenty of people who do not look like runners out there. In fact I would say a majority of the body shapes would shock you.

[joanna71985]

Yeah, I am definitely not the running type. In fact, the main reason I'm giving it a try is to see rare characters.

[Hayden's Dad]

If you are a runner can you get the character's autographs as well? Or just pictures? Thanks for the info.

[Greenlawler]

If you are a runner can you get the character's autographs as well? Or just pictures? Thanks for the info.

I have gotten the autographs. I take cards in a plastic bag, other wise they get soaked. The characters always sign and are amused becuase someone stopped to think about it.

[DisneyAJB]

I have gotten the autographs. I take cards in a plastic bag, other wise they get soaked. The characters always sign and are amused becuase someone stopped to think about it.

I'll be down for the my 9th Disney Marathon. I've had some luck along the way, though my CPs also gave me a few characters. http://community.webshots.com/user/disneyajb

[Greenlawler]

I'll be down for the my 9th Disney Marathon. I've had some luck along the way, though my CPs also gave me a few characters. http://community.webshots.com/user/disneyajb

Great photos! You have some fabulous finds. BTW DisneyAJB you are the one whose photo of Hades I saw four years ago! You are the one who inspired me to run the marathons in the first place! Great to see you on these boards.

[like2workout]

yep, i'll be there running this saturday! i'm getting a little nervous now. greenlawler, thanks for the info on where the hunchback characters are usually found. that's who i really want to see. i'll be carrying my camera the whole way! good luck to everyone running!

[like2workout]

greenlawler - another question. on the 1/2 marathon, do you see the fab 5 dressed in different costumes than they are usually in? i saw a video of the race and it showed a scene of them in colonial clothes. thanks!

[Hayden's Dad]

I know these sound like stupid questions, but I jsut have to ask. So do you stop while running and get their pictures and autographs? And where do you keep your paper and camera? Thanks everyone this is interesting.

[DisneyAJB]

GL that's too funny, it is a small world after all.

Like2orkout - the character do wear different outfits on occasion. the Colonial outfits are in Liberty Square, I've seen running outfits on some characters in the past and the past 2 years in Mexico during the full they had themed characters.

HD - As for cameras & autographs, remember it is a timed event. Some other runners do care about time. And people do sometimes line up for characters. Try to have camera out of your pockets and ready to snap and go. Autographs might not be the best thing if people around you are waiting as they do take some time.

Also I bring along a zip lock bag for my camera to cut back on the sweat as well incase it rains.

[joanna71985]

I'll be down for the my 9th Disney Marathon. I've had some luck along the way, though my CPs also gave me a few characters. http://community.webshots.com/user/disneyajb

9th?! Wow! That's awsome (love the website, by the way).

yep, i'll be there running this saturday! i'm getting a little nervous now. greenlawler, thanks for the info on where the hunchback characters are usually found. that's who i really want to see. i'll be carrying my camera the whole way! good luck to everyone running!

Maybe I'll see you there.

I know these sound like stupid questions, but I jsut have to ask. So do you stop while running and get their pictures and autographs? And where do you keep your paper and camera? Thanks everyone this is interesting.

I plan on keeping my camera in a little drawstring bag.

[like2workout]

i would love to meet any intercot folks that are running!

[Lacy]

Wow, this is a reason to consider the Disney marathons that I hadn't even thought of. I've just recently started running and thought the only way I would do a half marathon was if it was at Disney. I've thought about doing the Disneyland one since it is held in Sept and it is a lot easier to train during the summer here in Denver than before a January event.

Does anyone know if the rare characters come out at the Disneyland events as well?