Well, with stats like this…
…OF COURSE I should be running a four-day race series at Walt Disney World!
It’s been two years since the last in-person Walt Disney World Marathon. They did have a half marathon last fall… but that was in the halcyon days of vaccinated delta and pre-omicron. If the crowds at today’s bib pickup and race expo are any indication, there’s little to no worry amongst the runner population to be in close proximity for miles upon miles over the next 96 hours or so. I however am I bit nervous about running with these folks.
The above photos are actually the line to get in to buy merchandise… I never even saw the back of the line it stretched so far and wide.
Instead of shopping… or waiting to shop… I just moved as swiftly as I could to get my race bibs and see what was what in the area. I only stopped long enough to show my digital waiver and show my ID to a race volunteer and thank him for being there. Otherwise, I just tried to avoid folks and race through… pretty much a “street clothed” “dry run” for the races.
I’m not sure how they’ll do character stops during the race. In prior years there were characters along the way to pose with, to grab a quick selfie, and oftentimes themed to the section we were on. From the expo and my read of the situation, I suspect there will be three dimensional boxes and cutouts to snap photos with… but even with that, I’m not sure how comfortable I’ll be dashing in and out or waiting even in a short line to get my photo opportunity.
I suppose we will see what tomorrow brings. All races, all distances, start at 5 AM. So the next few mornings are EAR-ly mornings….
