Last corral for marathon. Is it really that bad?

[Melanie]

I will say that my hubby wasn't happy on the half day with corral J. He had a hard time getting around walkers who would spread out/hold hands/etc. and block the runners. I sure hope they get a grip on the Dopey placements for next year, because it wasn't handled very well for this inaugural.

[k10]

I will say that my hubby wasn't happy on the half day with corral J. He had a hard time getting around walkers who would spread out/hold hands/etc. and block the runners. I sure hope they get a grip on the Dopey placements for next year, because it wasn't handled very well for this inaugural.

I was in corral J, too. For the Disney 1/2 this past weekend. It was very, very congested. People running for a bit then immediately stopping to walk, right after the "go" signal. I was surprised.

Admittedly, I was a little surprised to be in a corral as high as J. So I got over to the right-hand side and stayed there the entire race, so as not to injure anyone w/ my slow running pace.

[AgentC]

I will say that my hubby wasn't happy on the half day with corral J. He had a hard time getting around walkers who would spread out/hold hands/etc. and block the runners. I sure hope they get a grip on the Dopey placements for next year, because it wasn't handled very well for this inaugural.

I just don't get that, Mel. It's like the people who drive below the speed limit in the left lane. Why not just get out of the way?

[Melanie]

I just don't get that, Mel. It's like the people who drive below the speed limit in the left lane. Why not just get out of the way?

I'm sure they aren't doing it on purpose, as they are no doubt excited and just want a special experience with friends and/or family. BUT, while everyone knows that personal records are not something to strive for at Disney races, there should still be awareness of those around you. Unfortunately not everyone follows proper race etiquette like k10. Maybe Disney should require some kind of online tutorial for those running their first runDisney event.

The fact that there were folks who almost immediately began walking after the start in the same corral as Dopey runners just isn't right. But I blame Disney (and whoever they outsourced to do the corral placements) for that and hopefully there were enough complaints that changes are made next year.

[BriarRose0708]

I actually was shocked I got placed in a corral before James. I know I was only doing the one race, but really? A first time half-er being placed ahead of a MARINE?

The race etiquette and expectations were explained in writing in the program booklet, but with so many people participating I don't see how race organizers could address it any other way or require tutorials when everyone is arriving at different times. Packet pick up and the Expo are crazy enough as it is! I tried to run as much as possible either in the middle of the lanes or on the right so I could easily dash over if I needed a walk break. I think it's great that so many people are using the Galloway method but need to remember that you can't just take your walk break wherever you want.

[Melanie]

I actually was shocked I got placed in a corral before James. I know I was only doing the one race, but really? A first time half-er being placed ahead of a MARINE?

Well, he's definitely not 30 anymore.

But seriously, my understanding of what happened is that the company who did the placements automatically tacked on 30 minutes to the submitted marathon times for all Dopey runners. They took it upon themselves to figure that the Dopey runners would be tired by Sunday and therefore would have a longer time. This therefore affected the corral placements greatly for both the half and full, since they were assigned the same corrals for both races.

[EpcotNut]

Well, he's definitely not 30 anymore.

But seriously, my understanding of what happened is that the company who did the placements automatically tacked on 30 minutes to the submitted marathon times for all Dopey runners. They took it upon themselves to figure that the Dopey runners would be tired by Sunday and therefore would have a longer time. This therefore affected the corral placements greatly for both the half and full, since they were assigned the same corrals for both races.

That makes sense as I did see several Dopey and Goofy runners in the back. I do agree about the walkers and was shocked how many were walking right out of the gate. As I said, maybe I just got lucky, but I found the timing between corralls, etc to be great. It was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to doing more in the future. Admittedly, I did get over to the left side almost immediately and ran more that half the race well off to the side (in the grass even, where I could) and that seemed to help a lot.

[EpcotNut]

I'm sure they aren't doing it on purpose, as they are no doubt excited and just want a special experience with friends and/or family. BUT, while everyone knows that personal records are not something to strive for at Disney races, there should still be awareness of those around you. Unfortunately not everyone follows proper race etiquette like k10. Maybe Disney should require some kind of online tutorial for those running their first runDisney event.

I actually think this is a great idea!