2024 Dopey Challenge Race Report Part 3: Half Marathon

• Race Name: WDW 2024 Half Marathon
• Location: Disney World
• Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024 @ 4:45am

Pre-Race Prep:

Similar to the 5K and 10K, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan leading up to the race. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy for Sunday (marathon day). The night before, I laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early.

Race Day:

I remember there being a very somber feeling in the air that morning. Many people were disappointed that the race was shortened due to the threat of inclement weather. I supported Disney’s decision but at the same time, I felt bad for the people who came solely for the half, and even worse for the people who were looking forward to their 1st half and/or runDisney event. I got to my corral early (no rope drop but 1st wave nonetheless) and it was just a completely different vibe than the previous two days. The DJ, God bless her, was doing her best to hype everyone up but the people wanted nothing to do with it. It was like:

DJ: HOW’S EVERYONE DOING THIS MORNING?!

Crowd: *silence*

DJ: HOW ABOUT EVERYONE TURN TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF?!?!

Crowd: *death glares*

The secondhand embarassment I felt for this poor woman was unreal.

The Start:

The big priority seemed to be giving as many people a chance to get through the abridged course as possible, so that morning the race started at 4:45am instead of the usual 5. Caution was apparently thrown to the wind this morning when it came to starting because it also seemed like they were pumping out the corrals a lot faster than normal. No complaints from me though, who got to start at 5:34!

Nutrition and Hydration:

With this being a longer distance than the previous two days, I made sure to hydrate when needed. I’m not a fan of beans, gels, or any of that other stuff so my nutrition of choice for the half marathon was cereal for breakfast and Reese’s Pieces during race (what did we say about not judging me?).

Support and Crowd Interaction:

The support and crowd interaction wasn’t really there during the half but I believe the only culprit was the weather. At one point, Photopass photographers and character stops were taken off the course. Apparently the race was cut shorter for some people so they didn’t even get to do the modified 7 miles.

Finish and Post-Race:

After getting my medal, snack box, liquids, and precious banana, I felt a mix of things. Cold. Unbelievably wet. But also, unfulfilled. Unlike the days prior, I didn’t feel right putting on my medal just yet. Sure, I had finished the modified course, but for me, that wasn’t enough. Rather than end the workout on my watch, I paused it. My goal for the day was 13.1 miles and I was going to see it through.

Highlights/Challenges:

A lot of runners had the same idea as me because I ran into many of them finishing up the half around the resort. It was a great reminder of how cool the running community is. Despite us running and walking in the rain, there were so many exchanges of high fives, smiles, and encouraging words as we passed one another. I also tried my hand at a jumpshot and finally got one. It was awesome!

Results:

I ended up finishing the half in what felt like the most soaked sneakers known to mankind. With every squishy step, I added to the small pool of water gathering around my toes. Ohh, you meant results as in my time? 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Conclusion:

There were many different reactions to the half. Some people chose understanding, realizing that it was out of anyone’s control. Some people chose entitlement, demanding a refund and proving once and for all that NO ONE reads the terms and conditions they agree to. The half was not what anyone was expecting, but I chose to make the best of it and still have fun.