It’s that time of year again – Marathon weekend in Walt Disney World it here! We talked about planning a Disney race and our previous race weekends, so now let’s talk about spectating a RunDisney race. Spectators are a huge part of what makes running a race so amazing. And while the runners have plenty of work to do, spectating a half or full marathon isn’t a walk in the park 😊 Many of these tips can apply to any road race you will spectate. However, as in other ways, Disney is different, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of it and hopefully reduce your stress when you’re out there cheering.
Logistics –
One of the main differences with a Disney race is the difficulty in moving around road closures and the time it can take to get from point A to B. It can take a very long time to get around, even if you know exactly where you’re going. Here are some ideas to help lower the stress level:
- Talk to your runner about where it’s important for them to see you – half way? Close to the finish to give them a boost? Do they feel the finish is something you can’t miss? With road closures, you will have to make some choices, so be clear before race day what is important to your runner. Also, for the marathon, know you will need a park ticket for Animal Kingdom and EPCOT.
- What is your runner’s estimated pace? Of course, things can fluctuate some on race day but make sure you’re clear on this so you have an estimate of how much time you need if you’re going to more than one location.
- If the first place you will see you’re runner is not the start of the race, make sure they let text you when they actually start (or at least a few minutes before). For a Disney race, it can take almost an hour for all runners to cross the starting line, so it’s really important to know your runner is on the move.
- Planning on seeing your runner at more than one place? Take a picture of them as they pass no matter what. It will give you a time stamp to go off when you’re trying to figure out when they will be at their next stop. This is really helpful if it’s the kind of race that you can see them in a few places.
- If you’re coming in from out of town, don’t rent a car just for spectating. It will be much easier to use Disney or race specific transportation.
Instantly part of a community –
Much of this can apply to any race. When you spectate, you’re instantly part of a new community that is the race. How you interact with other spectators and the athletes is important. Here’s how to make the most of it for everyone:
- Be a spectator for all, not just your runner. If you’re waiting for your person to come by, keep cheering! Yes it’s work, but someone who didn’t know your runner cheered from them. You can do the same for someone else.
- When you get to your place to cheer, talk to other spectators. Depending on the area, it might be packed. Magic Kingdom is a very popular location to spectate, but that also means the crowds can get a few people deep. Whether you’re on the rope or not, talk to those around you. Get an idea of when runners are coming past. Most times people will help each other out and shift to allow you up front if your runner is coming. A lot of times they will even help you get your runners attention as they come by.
- Signs are great, just make them big and clear to read from a distance. Everyone is on the move, so they need to be able to read them as they go by.
- Cheer even when you don’t get a response. What do I mean? Well, close to the end, especially of a marathon it might take a runner all their energy to move forward. So you might not get a wave or a thank you. But know that you are heard. It always makes a difference. You might be the voice that keeps someone going.
- That said, be aware of what you’re saying…”you’re almost there” is relative to how the person feels. Unless the finish line is in sight for you and the runner, just don’t say it. Also, don’t be a comedian – don’t intentionally give wrong info, like it’s almost the end and your sign says “13.1 more to go”. I promise, only you will think it’s funny.
Know your runner –
Well, of course you know your runner, but how they are during a race might be different than every day. How we approach an individual race might be different than others, so just talk ahead of time.
- Are you carrying anything as back up for them? Fuel, sunglasses, etc. Be really clear if what you have it something they are planning on getting from you or is it a “just in case” and they will let you know. Either way, for your own stress level, just have it out before you think they are coming. Some races (like Disney) don’t really want you giving food or drinks to runners, know before the race starts too.
- Know what they are wearing (a picture is helpful here too). Sometimes a runner will leave before everyone else wakes up. This can be common for a Disney race since most runners leave by 3am. So you might not see them when they leave. It’s good to be clear on what they have on. I promise you, the neon top you thought would stand out won’t be the only one on the course.
Spectating a race can be such a great experience. Races are different than other events. Once it starts, there’s no slowing down or “wait a minute while I figure out where to go next”. That is how you miss your runner. But if you work out a plan ahead of time, it will help so much. And as a runner – thank you for taking it on! Sometimes races can feel like a selfish event and it is a lot to ask your friends and family to come out to cheer for you. Yes, we know you love us and you willing do it. But we also know it can be a lot. So again, thank you. Your support, whether it’s for your loved one or a stranger makes a bigger impact than you know.
