Friday, February 9, 2018

Countdown to Princess Half 2018





The Princess Half is almost here!  This year we will be celebrating 10 incredible years with an amazing run at the most magical place on Earth!

There will be well over 20000 participants in the Half Marathon - which is unbelievable!

Download this episode of Beyond The Kessel Run (right click and save)
 
The weekend starts on Thursday before the 5K with the opening of the Expo.  So, lets get started with a breakdown of the whole weekend!

The Expo
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Thursday, February 22, 2018 - Noon - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, February 23, 2018 - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 24, 2018 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Expo is required to pick up your Bib, Your Check In Bag and Princess Half Merchandise.

I actually suggest getting in line for the Official race merchandise first, then going to get your Bib because the line will be long and the merchandise tends to fly off the shelf!



Transportation Hours for runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
 
RESORTS
Thursday: 11:30 a.m.* - 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Buses will continue running for 30 minutes after the end of the Expo to bring guests back to the resorts from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  *Transportation for VIP Race Retreat Runnners ONLY begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday

DISNEY SPRINGS

Buses will run from the Expo to Disney Springs, departing every 30 minutes, as follows:
Thursday: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

RACE DAY INFORMATION
5K
Race starts at 5:30 AM
Start and Finish are in the Epcot Parking Lot
The Course is a little different, but still in and out of Epcot.  One water Stop Only as you are entering the World Showcase.  But remember, you have the water fountains and restrooms of the World Showcase!


Transportation Hours for Disney Princess 5K

3:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. & 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Participants must board a bus no later than 4:00 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.

!0K
Race Starts at 5:30 AM
Start and Finish in the Epcot Parking Lot

The first 3 miles will be the toughest since it will all be parking lot and roadway.  But that is a good thing, because the run through the World Showcase and Boardwalk will be exciting and will go quickly for you.



There will be water stops after Mile 1 ; After Mile 3 as you enter the World Showcase; and after Mile 4 on the Boardwalk.  There will not be water after Mile 5, so plan to get your water before then.  Remember the bathrooms will be open along the World Showcase, so stop if you need to there!

There will be 1 first aid station and that will be after mile 3 and before you enter Epcot.

Bus Transportation:
3:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. & 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Participants must board a bus no later than 4:00 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.


Half Marathon
Starts at 5:30
Begins and Ends at Epcot Parking Lot

You will run 5 miles along World Drive before you get to the Magic Kingdom.  The on ramps are tough, so if you need to walk them, walk!.  But as you get to the MK,  you will be thrilled.. This is the most exciting part of the race. You will run down Main Street, through tomorrow land, then fantasyland and through the Castle.  Really big photo opportunities throughout the MK and especially the Castle.  If you are concerned about time, the Castle is a must do, and the rest you can bypass.



Water stops and First Aid will be near miles 1, 3, 4 and 6.  The Best place to stop and use a “real bathroom” will be in Fantasyland by Gaston’s Tavern.
Be sure and grab some Pixie Dust as you leave the Magic Kingdom because here comes to tough spot!!

You will have 6 miles from the Magic Kingdom back to Epcot.  Miles 7 and 8 will run by the Golf Courses which is quiet and pretty and you will find a few characters there usually so keep you eye out!  Water will be after Mile 7 and the Food Station is after Mile 8!. Be sure and stop to boost energy!. Very Important!
The Next 4 Miles will be Back onto World Drive and those darn on ramps!. Take your time and push through! For me, this is the toughest part. But knowing what to expect is the best defense to beat the challenge here.

Water will be right before miles 9, 10, 11 and 12. Important to note that First Aid will be right before miles 9 and 11. You start to feel issues by this time, so stop and get Tylenol or ice if you need to.

Keeping pace through mile 9 is important.  The Balloon Ladies are out there – behind you…. I looked through all the results from last year and the last person to cross the line was at 4 ½ hours after 5:30.  Keep moving!


Transportation Hours for Disney Princess Half Marathon

3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. & 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Monorail transportation to Epcot® will be available starting at 3:00 a.m.
Participants must board a bus or monorail no later than 3:30 a.m. in order to make it to their corrals on time.*** 22000 people running so it will be crowded
Don’t stress though! Things happen. We had bus issues one year. I’ve missed my corral start, and they will just let you in the next one.

You can access the Digital Guide HERE - Can't download it, but keep it bookmarked for reference!


It will be a busy, busy weekend – be prepared for crowds everywhere – so take in a deep breath, relax and have fun!




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