Within the last several years the relatively new runDisney brand has offered running enthusiasts the opportunity to achieve what is referred to as Coast-to-Coast Challenge status. The Coast-to-Coast Challenge offers runners a chance to earn a special medal depicting the famous Partners statue seen in the Magic Kingdom and in Disneyland. This medal is achieved by completing a runDisney half marathon on each coast within the same calendar year.
In 2011 there were only three combinations from which runners could choose to earn a Coast-to-Coast Challenge medal. Starting in 2012 there will be more races and options offered to runners. In fact there will be a total of eight combinations to choose from which will appeal to all runners and individual schedules.
Walt Disney World runners will have the Walt Disney World Half Marathon as well as the Chip and Dale Marathon Relay. In late February WDW will hold the Princess Half Marathon and in October the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. Besides the Disneyland Half Marathon in September, Disneyland will also offer the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in early 2012.
Recently, Team AllEars Co-Captains Michelle Scribner-MacLean and Mike Scopa completed the Coast-to-Coast Challenge. Their combination of races was the 2011 Walt Disney World Half Marathon and the 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon.
So what are the differences regarding running on both coasts? This is the first of a three part series in which they pass along their observations on pre race happenings, race day happenings, and post race happenings. Note that each piece was written without the knowledge of what the other was writing, and it shows how differently runners can feel about races.
Pre-Race: Michelle’s Take
The race expo was held in the convention center next to the Disneyland Hotel and right away it was clear that Disney had worked out the fact that there was lot of pedestrian traffic. Cast members directed us to a ramp that led to the bottom of the convention center which was decorated with a rug that looked like a track and silhouettes of the characters on the side wall.
The packet pick up area for the Star Wars Family Fun 5K was very short, but then we turned around and saw the line for those trying for the Coast-to-Coast….yikes! The line was five people across with about 40 people in each line.
There were about 30 stations open for those doing the regular half, but only five stations for the 2800 Coast-to-Coasters. Not fun. When we finally got our packets, a volunteer fitted us with plastic bracelets, which distinguished us as CtC-ers. The only thing that was puzzling was the fact that it was Thursday and we were racing on Sunday…that meant three full days with a lovely bracelet (and mine was loose…I was so afraid that it would fall off).
The expo itself was upstairs and, just is the case with everything in Disneyland, it was smaller than the expos at WDW…but also more manageable. The expo area also had a small stage, where audiences got to listen to race info, as well as some tips from runDisney consultant, Jeff Galloway.
Pre-Race: Mike’s Take
First off, I liked the idea that I could actually walk from my hotel room at Paradise Pier to the waiting area and corrals. The disneyland Resort area is much smaller than the Walt disney World Resort and being able to walk everywhere was huge. Here’s the view of California Adventure from Paradise Pier.
Obviously with Disneyland races being on a bit of a smaller scale than those held in WDW, things are handled differently. I found that the DL packet pickup process was less organized than WDW’s edition. I felt as if the race organizers did not take into consideration how many runners were doing the Coast to Coast Challenge and thus there were huge lines for those runners yet virtually no lines for those just doing the half.
I counted 40 volunteers manning the booths for just the Half and only eight manning the booths for the Coast-to-Coast Challenge. Not only that but the Coast-to-Coast Challenge lines were in direct conflict with the line that runners needed to go through to print their forgotten waivers. This led to a gridlock of sorts.
The runner’s expo was as expected, smaller than WDW but still adequate for the number of runners. I think the space was made to good use and the suppliers chosen to attend the expo was well thought out. I felt there were more bargains, be it shoes, socks, running belts, etc. at this expo than I have seen at the WDW expos.
We ran into Joe Taricani who is the host of The Marathon Show podcast and Joe asked us to record the opening of his Disneyland Half marathon show. You can listen to this show here and listen as Joe describes the Disneyland Half Marathon events, including the EXPO and the race itself.
The crowds at the expo indicated to me that the race would be quite interesting since it was obvious that the course would be dealing with a large number of runners.
Next up: Race Day!
Apparently timing is everything – we picked up our Coast-to-Coast packets on Friday late afternoon and there were NO lines for anything except for those who had to print out their race waivers. And that’s been my experience picking up on Saturday afternoon as well- I’ve never had to wait behind more than one or two people.
* * * * *
Laura,
I think you’re right. I think afternoons seem less crowded. Could be that folks want to get this stuff over earlier in the day so they can enjoy the parks. I may have to rethink my strategy.