Family Fun Run 5K – WDW Marathon Weekend Report
I’m a dope. I know that, you know that. This weekend, I’m taking that dopiness to the next level by participating in the Dopey Challenge during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. For those unfamiliar with it, the Dopey Challenge is participating in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon. All told, it’s roughly 48 miles (I’m going to round it up to an even 50 to account for the epic strolls to the corrals, plus extra distance weaving among crowds). THAT’S RIGHT, 50 MILES.
If you read my Walt Disney World Marathon Preview that I posted a couple of weeks ago, you know training wasn’t going so well (big shocker). In that post, I vowed to start training harder in the home stretch…but that never happened (double shocker). In this case, it was because a couple of friends privately messaged me (likely to save me deserved embarassement) after reading my nonsense and informed me that it’s not recommended to start intense training at the last minute. So, at least this time I have a good excuse, I suppose.
If you have followed my “progress” as I learn how to run (and I don’t use the term “learn” sarcastically–there’s a surprising amount to know besides just putting one foot in front of the other at a rapid pace…that, or I’m just clueless), you know I did the full Marathon last year (if not, read about my misadventures in my Walt Disney World Marathon Trip Report) followed by the Disneyland Half Marathon last September. I’m also strongly considering the inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon in the fall.
This morning was the Family Fun Run 5k. Spoiler alert: I didn’t win this one. Unless you’re talking about the “Getting Up Early” Sweepstakes. It was the first of 4 straight mornings getting up 4 a.m., which might be the biggest challenge of this whole circus. This is doubly true for me, as I’m stubborn, and have a really difficult time leaving the parks before closing. (If I leave a park before closing, did it really close? These are the great questions I ponder.)
In any case, this morning, my alarm went off at 4:20 a.m., and I immediately checked Uber to see what the vehicle situation looked like around me. I’m staying off-site at Floridays Resort Orlando, and don’t have a rental car. I was slightly worried that there would be intense demand this morning for race participants not wanting to deal with parking, but I was wrong. Uber pick-up was prompt, and I got to Epcot in about 10 minutes. Much better than paying exorbitant on-site hotel prices for what has become one of the highest occupancy weeks of the year! (Which would otherwise be one of the least busy…whomever dreamt up this “runDisney” scheme for Disney deserves a generous raise.)
Since I arrived at Epcot way, way before the 5K was to start, I decided to screw around and take “selfies” in my fly Figment outfit with Spaceship Earth in the background.
The race was short, so I brought my Nikon D750 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens with me, so I decided to rig the camera up on the ground and turn on the self-timer to take photos of myself.
This went on for about 10 minutes in a couple of different spots as I had to deal with passers-by and also try to stand still for the 2 second exposures with my camera propped up on the ground. One of the uncropped outtakes is above, with the one “good” photo at the top of the post. I’m sure it looked like quite the comical process for those wandering past.
Fast forward over an hour, and my corral, Corral E, was off. The first 3 miles of the 5K were spent dodging people walking in front of me (you do the math). I really, really need to remember to submit proof of time next time, because even though I’m slow, I’m not that slow.
As for the race itself, there’s really not a ton to say. The weather was perfect, and it was a nice little stroll through Epcot.
Running: distinctly unpatriotic.
It was nice that the Christmas decorations were still up, and illuminated as we ran through the park. A bit ironic that they had “Let It Go” playing over the loudspeakers in World Showcase, though.
In terms of temperature, the weather was great, but it was still a bit humid, with a light mist (that you can almost see in these photos) in the air.
Since I had my DSLR with my, I felt compelled to stop for some photos. Above is a 1-second exposure with blurred runners passing over the bridge between France and the United Kingdom.
I finished! I don’t keep track of my time (and I don’t think Disney provides times for this individual event), but it was not exceptional. Aside from stopping for photos, I jogged the entire time, and I still am guessing that I averaged around a 12-13 minute mile.
Due to my starting corral, I had to weave among groups of walkers, which really slowed things down. Totally my fault for not submitting a time. Although…you’d think runDisney could somehow link my past runDisney times in their system.
Afterwards, I joked that this 3.1 mile jog were a good way to start training for the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday. Of course, I’m joking, but the fact is that this is a really easy event. If you can walk a day at Walt Disney World, you can do a 5K. (Heck, you can do a 10K!)
That’s really about all there is to say for today’s event. I know I haven’t covered the Expo, or other encompassing details about Marathon Weekend (such as the last ever Osborne Lights last night 🙁 ), but I figured I’d double back and do a recap like that after the weekend is over (I’ll also get back to the WDW Christmas Trip Report after the Marathon!). However, I wanted to get this posted quickly, today.
For those of you at Walt Disney World this weekend, for the race or otherwise, hope to see you around. If you see us in the parks or on the course, say hello! 🙂
If you’re planning on getting into runDisney, read my runDisney Race Reports (plus other running-related posts). Also be sure to check out my runDisney Packing Tips post for what you should use to train, and what to carry on race day.
For additional planning resources, the best places to start are our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide and Disneyland Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
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YOUR THOUGHTS…
Did you run the Family Fun Run 5K this year? Are you running any of the events of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend? Any questions? I’d love to hear feedback from other runDisney enthusiasts…or those who watch from afar!
Congrats!
My son and I ran the 10k in the rain Friday 😉
It was great to meet you and Sarah at the TTA- aka (to my kids) as “the blue choo choo”
Hi Tom!! I wrote a message to you in the uber vs rental car, is an old post so I’m not sure if you have seen my message…I’m hoping you can help me…I have a question about your uber experience so I know what to do once I get to mco airport…
Congrats on your run!! Thank you!!!
Just went to pick up my packet, and they said they actually are updating corrals with proof of time. You’d have to wait in a 10 minute line, but it might be worthwhile
Hope to see you at the Marathon! (and hope you make it!!) Great info, as always.
I love how you ran (or jogged) the race with your DSLR. Good luck this weekend.
Those self timed photos are adorable, firstly. Love these Run posts! I have been wanting to start doing RunDisney events for a couple years but have been dealing with chronic foot issues. And I have zero running experience but several friends who do most of the runs and love them. Your posts get me so hyped up to start running and doing these events! Now that I’m starting to finally heal my foot, I’m going to start training! 😀
Also, side note: I love that you take your camera with you. I would definitely want to do photos along the way as well but I’d be worried about anything I take with me being damaged. How do you transport the camera while running?
Best of luck for the rest of the Dopey! Looking forward to your reports!
I hold the camera in my hand pretty much the entire time while running. It’s a serious pain, but worth it so I can take photos along the way.
Im waiting for the dopey shot of your legs all iced up after the challenge…then you can yourself an official dope
Good Luck, I wish I was there. Did Dopey last year and Goofy the year before. Was surprised how much more tiring the Dopey was – but still great fun.
I like the Peter Pan pose!
If I can complete the 5K with my bum knees anyone can do it. I did the Tinker Bell 5k at Disneyland just to check out the back stage areas. I also stopped to take photos along the way. The two kids I went with left me in the dust, and they didn’t win so they had to walk home (just kidding).
Tom – Best wishes the remainder of your races. I did the 1/2 last year as well as the Dumbo at Disneyland in September. You lack of preparation almost makes me think I could tackle the full Marathon. Then that little voice in my head tells me that I also really like playing in the parks. I only started running 2 years ago as an excuse to go to Disney More. The husband has bought into my Disney Crazy so I just keep running.
I look forward to reading your race recaps! Good Luck!
Good luck! I’m planning on doing Dopey next year so perfect timing! I loved your reviews on your marathon last year, especially the photos. Finish strong!
“The first 3 miles of the 5K were spent dodging people walking in front of me (you do the math). ”
“If you can walk a day at Walt Disney World, you can do a 5K. (Heck, you can do a 10K!)”
Could not agree more with those 2 statements!
I did the Tinkerbell HM last spring at DL and the park was pretty quiet afterward. We walked another 12 miles and hit most of the big ticket items in both parks before 9PM. Thanks for the link to the September DLHM review. Considering that one or Avengers in November… or maybe both if I can convince DH 😉
Tom – Good report for your first race of the weekend. Remember – no basketball shorts for Saturday or Sunday ! Trust me on this one – go to the expo and get a couple of pair of actual running shorts. They will serve you much better on mid distance races.
Good luck with the 10k tomorrow!
Great job, Tom! I look forward to the following reports and the final one. I hope you stay energized and pumped throughout the entire weekend.
I was wondering if anyone had any links to other reputable Disney Blogs? I LOVE this one and I would like to read more, but don’t know where to go other than Google. Help!
Once again, GOOD LUCK TOM!
Love http://www.easywdw.com
and touringplans.com has some interesting blog posts on their blog
THANK YOU!
Best of luck with the more difficult legs of the Dopey Challenge!
We have a friend who ran a half-marathon, then got into marathons, then triathlons, then completed her first ironman. Now, she trains other triathletes and her whole life revolves around training, diet, etc. I enjoy reading about the runs form someone a bit nor “normal” in their approach to the runs. (If normal can be applied to someone who voluntarilly runs 50 miles…)
This is the second year in a row I’ve made the mistake of booking a weekend at WDW during the runDisney races. Whoops. The fully-booked resort hotels in the middle of January should have been my first clue…
I love that you still stopped to take photos during the 5k 🙂 Good luck to you this weekend, looks like there will be some rain so I hope that doesn’t make it too bad!
Have fun!! Wish I was running this year! 🙂
This post is getting me pumped for the marathon on Sunday! I fly down to Orlando tomorrow and the excitement (and anxiety?) is getting strong.
Did you notice them kicking people off of the track if they were not keeping the 16 minute mile time? I am glad to know that if you can do a day of walking at disney you can survive the 5k or 10k.
Will you be running the Star Wars event in April?