This is our first marathon. DH is running with my 2 best friends and the 3 kids and I will be cheering him on. I am having a difficult time picturing what it will look like to be a spectator. Can someone paint a picture for me? How early do I need to be there to see them off? How difficult will it be to get over to MK to try to see them? Is it even worth it to go to MK? My kids are 8,9, & 11. Any suggestions and tips are very appreciated. I am very nervous about finding a place to wait.
First, runDisney (marathon web page) has a great 'Online Spectator Tool" under the Spectator Resources button on the left side of the marathon page.
If you are planning on getting up and out to the staging area with the crew, that is the most conservative play. You can hang with him in the staging area until it is time for him to head to the start then head to you first viewing location.
The race has a start (and mile 4 viewing) spot. It is on the north side (away from the park) of the parking lot the staging area is located in. There will be lit signs point it out. Note that this is not one of the greater locations. It is dark and as runners pass for the start they are on the opposite side of the road. But we pass by again at mile 4 and on the spectator side of the roadway. Still dark so you may not see him coming.
To get to MK, simply take the monorail. It will drop you at the TTC. Here you have two options. Either watch here or move to the MK train and watch from Main. The TTC spot (mile 9) is easier to spot him and easier for him to stop for a quick chat. Main (mile 10.4) is just exciting, but if you do this, either stick to the Tony's area (where runners come into the park) or at the far end where runners turn right and leave Main. These are corners in the race and points where the race is not compacted. It is hard to see a runner coming along Main. Note that you can get into MK free for the marathon.
The TTC and MK are a choice. You cannot do both. But from either of these locations, you can get to the Poly (mile 12.8) or GF (mile 12,4) before he arrives. The GF is less crowded for you to get to the roadway. Just head out of either resort and walk to the parking lot exits. You will see folks standing.
I would rule out heading to AK. It is just not easy to get to. So your next spots are either in Epcot where we run into the park or near the finish line. Either are great. The inside the park viewing will require a ticket.
Spectator Checklist.
Know what you runner's pace range is. Both good and bad. Find out what corral they are in, that will give you a start time. Do the math and have it listed on a cheat sheet so you know when to expect them.
Get to your spot earlier than expected... And stay a little late if you do not see them, but not so late that you miss the next spot.
Enrol in the notification service . It will provide text/email updates at mile 5, 10, 13.1, 20.1 and finish. Hopefully the new service will be a lot more timely than they have been in the past.
Both you and your runner should know what each other are wearing.
Station yourself in a corner if possible, one where you can see the runners coming without having to bend to look. You will be seen earlier by the runner if you are in his field of view.
Clap and applaud all runners while you are standing and waiting. A cow bell, clappers, etc will keep hands from hurting late in the race.
Talk with your fellow spectators. You can help each other spot their runners.
Hope this helps
Similar to Houston Marathon miles 22-24. Ish. Those hills were painful then. Hopefully they'll be easier in the half at Disney. We're gonna miss you in WDW this time around.
