Originally Posted By ralphistheword I participated in the Disneyland 5K during the 1/2 Marathon Weekend. When I crossed the finish line, I was greeted with a piece of paper instead of a medal (rubber). The paper read "Due to a shipping delay from the East Coast, a portion of our medal shipment did not arrive. We sincerely apologize if you did not receive a 5K finisher medallion this morning. To help us make sure you do receive your medal, here are three ways that you can find out more information about the distribution: -An email communication will be sent to your registered email address after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. -Check disneylandhalfmarathon.com for Bulletin Board updates on Saturday, September 4. -Visit us at the Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo Information Booth after 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 4. Again, we sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. The Disneyland Half Marathon Team." What do you think Disney should have done? What is your reaction?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Well, if there was a shipping delay, which is sounds like there was, I'm not sure what else they could have done. They appear to have been upfront about the situation and are in control of how to handle it. Yes, it's disappointing that they couldn't just hand them out at the finish line, but it seems like they did a pretty good job of solving the problem before guests were even aware that it existed. And if it's a shipping delay from the east coast, it could be related to the hurricane, which seems like a pretty legitimate reason (except that seems to be cutting it pretty close).
Originally Posted By TP2000 It appears there was a shipping delay from the East Coast for some of the medals. It also appears like Disney is managing the situation and has already set up a process to get everyone their medal shortly. It will probably be mailed to your house. What else do you think Disney should have done for you? Maybe pass out free churros to help with the disapointment?
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance I also think it sounds like they did all they could do in this situation. Not like they could make them appear out of no where.
Originally Posted By ralphistheword I think they handled it the best way they could, but the crowd management could have been a little better. <<Maybe pass out free churros to help with the disapointment?>> actually, I like that idea.
Originally Posted By sunNrainfall Congratulations on finishing the race!!! I'm shooting for sub 2 tomorrow! I better go to sleep soon!
Originally Posted By Ohana The same thing happened to us last year with the mesh jerseys for the Half Marathon, but there were enough medals. No biggie, they mailed them out later.
Originally Posted By surfz2003 If it was just a shipping problem, shouldn't we have our medals by now? tomorrow is 2 weeks since the 5k and no medal in the mail.
Originally Posted By ralphistheword I just got my medal On a different note, Disney had my money for the 5K last year, they knew their maximum amount of runners, and they knew when the race was.
Originally Posted By surfz2003 glad to know the medals are really going out. Maybe mine will come Monday.
Originally Posted By surfz2003 Still no medal - 2 phone calls to Disney and just getting the runaround. Maybe someday it'll get here. Really disappointing. My first 5K after losing a ton of weight, trained for months after hearing people tell me I couldn't do it, and I finished!! Do I have a photo of me with my medal at the event to remember the moment, no - that is gone for good :-( Bad planning on Disney's part.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 That's really sad, surfz. I hope you at least feel proud of yourself. You're someone to look up to.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 You know, I realize a lot of folks think this is very trivial and can't understand why anyone would care so much. But here's the thing, you pay a very premium price for a Disney event. I did not run this 5k, but I did run the Disney half last year. Frankly it was underwhelming. You can't go out and promote these events heavily, charge top dollar, and then drop the ball on something so important to the runners. Folks do train, and plan, and stress, and spend big money for these events. It's not that hard to get it right. I have been a volunteer and worked closely with many race directors on big running events. You know what you *have* to get right, and medals are it. Bad show for sure. And as for belittling the complaints here, it's not like the op did get a lawyer or call the press. It's a discussion board for just such things and quite legitimate I think. A little venting goes a long way. And some commiserating and understanding go a little further. BTW, congrats to the runners! Way to get moving and get healthy!
Originally Posted By LPFan22 ~~~ And as for belittling the complaints here, it's not like the op did get a lawyer or call the press. It's a discussion board for just such things and quite legitimate I think. A little venting goes a long way. And some commiserating and understanding go a little further. ~~~ Who's belittling? I don't see anyone acting disrespectful.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Sorry, absolutely not directed at you LPFan22. You have been very nice. If you read the wording, you might guess who it's directed at. Not a big deal, but I get frustrated on many discussion boards when a person wants to vent and is shut down as being unreasonable. I've seen way too many people leave a board and not post anymore because of it. I thought this was a legit topic and was interested myself as I've been debating whether or not the Disney runs were worth it as the entry fees have risen so much.
Originally Posted By surfz2003 Not something to get a lawyer involved with or the press. Just need to vent somewhere since Disney doesn't seem to get it. Having had the medal the day of the 5K would have been a symbol of having finished. On our way back to the car it was hard watching others that had their medals being congratulated by the crowd heading to the park. I still had the bib on and got looked at as having failed by the crowd. Not sure I'll do it next year. Expected so much more from Disney. LPFan22 - thanks, I am proud of myself!!
Originally Posted By TP2000 Sorry gang, I guess I just don't get it. I ran Cross Country in junior high and high school, and I just never got the obsession with medals and wearing them around the post-race public areas. I never kept any of 'em, quite frankly. They were all tossed decades ago. No offense to those who value the medal itself, particularly during the hour or so after the race when folks are milling about the finish line area or walking back to the car. I appreciate that this means something to some folks however. And I trust you sent a well-worded email or letter to Disney's sports management group explaining your disapointment of their mismanagement? The notes here on this message board won't really go anywhere within Disney, or reach anyone who is responsible for the Disneyland race.
Originally Posted By BellesLibrarian I'm debating about doing the Disney 1/2 next year. I've started training for a 5K for next month. I've never been a runner. I agree with the op, if I finished my goal and did not have the fancy medal on the day of the race I would be extremely disappointed, too. Part of the fun seems to be walking around Disneyland the day of the race wearing the medal, and taking lots of pictures. As this will be my first 1/2 marathon, and possibly my only one, I want to bask in it all. Disney knew how many people were coming (though I did read someplace they reserved the right to not hand out medals to those finishing after the 45 minute mark for a 5K). They know how many medals they need. It should be fairly simple to make sure everyone gets one, even that last runner (who will probably be me) struggling to get across the finish line. Heck, it is probably that last runner who needs the moral push more than the ones who cross in the beginning and have probably done lots more races and will do lots more in the future, and who already have a closet full of medals. I agree, not worthy of getting a lawyer, but definitely worthy of asking around in a safe place like this to see what others think. Also a great place to find out if others received their medals that were supposed to be mailed to them. Congratulations on a job well done!
Originally Posted By BellesLibrarian Meant to add ... after reading these comments, not sure I want to spend that much on the Disney 1/2 to not be guaranteed a medal in the end. I live in NJ. I might end up finding one closer to home instead. To someone who has never done a race, or to someone who has done tons of races, not getting a medal at the end might sound silly, but to the person who had a goal of wearing the medal as a reminder that they did it, not having one would be a huge let down.
