Marathon Weekend and marathon questions

**Joannelet** · 07-06-2010, 02:33 PM

Has anyone either ran in the marathon or was a spectator for someone in the marathon?
My hubby will be doing the full marathon this year and I was wondering what it's like and how easy or hard it is for spectators who have members running be able to view the event?
Where do you go? How do you know what the route is? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Also, Is it a must that the spectators arrive with the runner in order to get into the park easier? I was reading that Epcot is extremely crowded....I'm assuming that this is where it ends?

**Strmchsr** · 07-06-2010, 02:50 PM

Epcot is where it begins and ends. It really wasn't hard to find a spot to watch the runners so you'll be able to see your husband easily.

As for parking - allow as much time as possible. It does get congested.

**kdbianchini** · 07-06-2010, 06:03 PM

We have gone twice as spectators of the marathon. My dad ran. He got a map of the race and estimated what times he would be where so that we could see him. We watched him at the entrance to Animal Kingdom, towards the end in Epcot and then met him at the end in the Epcot parking lot. The traffic does get a little crazy. We took the bus and they knew exactly what routes to take to get us to our locations. Just make sure you give yourself enough time. We have found this is the best time to go to Disney. We usually spend the week after the marathon in the parks.

**Melanie** · 07-06-2010, 06:15 PM

My husband has run the marathon twice, and is doing the Goofy Challenge again this coming January. It begins and ends in the Epcot parking lot, not in the park itself. Our favorite place to watch for him on the route is at Hollywood Studios. They are about 22-23 miles in at that point, so after seeing him, we have always jumped a bus over to Epcot and met up with him at the finish. There are maps with the route available. In the past, they've started at Epcot, went to MK, then Animal Kingdom, then Hollywood Studios, then the finish at Epcot.

Plan accordingly with the traffic. Leave early for your destination, whether you are using Disney transportation or your own car. I'd love to say it's easy to see your runner at multiple points on the race, but it's best to pick one spot on the route, then meet at the finish.

Oh, and last time my hubby registered his chip and I got text updates on his progress. Sure hope they are doing that again this year.

Good luck to your hubby and have fun spectating.