Originally Posted By sunNrainfall BellesLibrarian>it's pricey to run most of the big races. I think they are worth it, at least a few times. I am a runner who prefers big races over the small races, some prefer otherwise. The prices of all these events are going up. The NYC marathon was over $200 when I ran in 2009-the LA Marathon is now $145. They are typical now for big city races. Not getting a medal would suck, but after this year, i would say you can be sure it is unlikeIy it will happen again. I think you should run Disney's half, at least once-the accomplishment you will feel after completing a distance event is nothing you can compare to. I say go for it!
Originally Posted By Christi22222 I have to agree with sunNrainfall's comment for BellesLibrarian. I ran the Goofy at WDW in 2009, and then did the Disneyland half to get the Coast to Coast medal. Although Disney is one of the highest priced races even amongst so many high priced races, it is a lot of fun if you are a Disney enthusiast. I don't think I could cough up the money every year, but I'm glad I did it that once. (And may even again in the future.) I will say that I found the WDW half to be far better than the Disneyland half. So much of the DL half is run on boring and ugly city streets. Certainly the parks are fun, but that is a relatively short segment, and the WDW grounds are lots prettier for the in between stuff, IMO. I also felt like the resort itself revolved completely around race weekend at WDW, and not so much at DL as it was busy Labor Day weekend. But both had very good crowd support and good water stops. Neither had issues with registration or the like. And for the races I ran, as far as I am aware, every runner got their shirts and their medals. Probably they will learn from their medal shortage, and you won't see that happen again. At least, I would certainly hope not. So go ahead and indulge your Disney obsession. I think it is unlikely you will be disappointed.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>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.<< This is an excellent point. Let Disney know (nicely) how this made you feel as a runner. They may not realize. Sometimes they get so wrapped up in the logistics of the longer races, they forget that all of the races mean something to each participant. A gentle reminder might help them see that the 5k needs to be just as big a priority. You might save another runner from a repeat scenario next year, and feel better about doing it again yourself.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 ^^^^^whoops! The suggestion is to surfz2003. The quote is from TP2000.
Originally Posted By surfz2003 I have sent 2 emails, a letter, and 2 phone calls. I have been extremely polite and simply laid out my story and what a disappointing end to my first 5k this was. On the phone they don't want to hear your story, you get cut off - they just stick to their script, sigh. For those who don't understand how important this medal is to some picture accomplishing something that you were being told you could not do and something that you got laughed at during your time of training for only to not get what you were promised at the end. I'm sure the medal meant less to those that crossed the line first and went on to the 1/2 the next day than it would have meant to a lot of people that day. Part of the problem is that you can't get a clear answer. When I flat out asked if everyone will get their medals the "cast member" I was talking to would not say yes, everyone will get their medal. She muttered something and tried to end the call. Really frustrating. I'm still proud of myself, but the excitement over the moment of finishing and having something to show for it is gone. I won't bother the board after this.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 I don't know how it personally feels to want or win a medal for running. But I understand how it feels to long for anything (and then sometimes, actually accomplish it). Many people do. And it's nice to cheer others on as well as be cheered on when it's your time. I hope you get to experience other firsts, surfz, and the medals that come with them. Good luck! =)
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Hi Surfz, Kudos to you for actually contacting Disney to explain your difficulties and to request your medal. Please let us know when/if Disney responds to your letter and e-mails. Or if you finally receive your medal. I'd like to know how this gets resolved as it will say a lot about Disney. Your disappointment is completely understandable, but I hope you still feel very proud of your achievement.
Originally Posted By sunNrainfall christi222..>I did the Goofy Challenge in 2009, too, and to DL for the Coast to Coast congrats! we seem to have had good weather compared to those who did goofy or either 2010. I am a legacy runner for the DL 1/2s so I am obligated to run them now forever....hahaha. surfz2003> the medal doesn't mean less to some than others, it just means something different. as i said having run many races, and all are a different experience, the journey to get there, the experience, accomplishment are all amazing for each person who crosses any finish line no matter the distance. the real medal is your heart- nobody can take that away from you and you did it all on your own. I completely understand you want a representation of that accomplishment and you are owed that, but like you said those unfortunate people who questioned your ability to finish didn't finish YOU did congrats and i really hope you continuing running and reaching all your running goals.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Hi sunNrainfall, Congrats to you,too! It was really a lot of fun. What a coincidence that we both did Coast to Coast and Goofy in 2009. And, yes, I am soooo glad that was the year we picked because the weather has been terrible other years and you just feel awful for folks. Quick question, what is a legacy runner? And do you live near DL, or just like going every year?
Originally Posted By sunNrainfall ^legacy runner just means you have done all of the races they have had since the inaugural race (usually starting with the 5th year they start doing something extra for legacy runners-this year we got a different bib-it was blue-and an extra lanyard with our medal-it was red. This was the 5th year, and i did all of 5. For as long as you do every race you are considered a Legacy Runner. For example the LA Marathon has had 25 (or 26) marathon, and there are 224 people that have done ALL of them since the race started, so they are considered a legacy runnner. if you miss a year, you are no longer a legacy runner. And yes, I live about 10 minutes from DL, so it's VERY convenient I'd love to go back to florida for the races, but i still want to do the chicago marathon, honolulu marathon, and the london marathon-before repeating a race.
Originally Posted By BellesLibrarian Thanks for the encouragement! I was just trying to be sympathetic to surfz's predicament. I'm a big Disney fan, especially DisneyLand, so if I can do the half next year I'd love to. Love the point that they will be more careful to have enough on hand next year. I so hope so, because I might just be the last one across the line and I want pictures of me wearing that medal in Disneyland. BTW, great point about the WDW vs. DL half marathons. That is really something to consider if I decide to do another half.
Originally Posted By surfz2003 The medal FINALLY came. Hopefully next year I'll get the picture of me with that medal instead of another piece of paper.
Originally Posted By BellesLibrarian Last night friends were telling us about next weekend's Food and Wine Festival 1/2 marathon at Epcot. It starts at 10 PM. My first thought ... could I possibly run 13 miles after walking around Disney all day (because you know if I am in the area, I AM spending the whole day at Disney)? Decisions, decisions.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 Yay, Surfz2003!! I realize there is still disappointment at not having pics of the finish, but you have your hardware finally! That is great, and I hope you display it proudly to all of the naysayers who told you that you couldn't do it! And to remind yourself that you can do anything you set your sights on! Congratulations.
