The Firehouse Travel Blog: Disney's Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run: The lessons I Learned

It seems like every where you look, there appears to be a new Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5k popping up across the country. Some are just standard runs while others have unique themes or obstacle courses added to them. They generally support a good cause and can be fun for those who run in them. Like many others who have wondered what a 5K or Half-Marathon is all about, I set myself a goal to get in shape and attempt a 5k. My goal wasn't just to do any hometown run, I set my goal high and to run an event at one of the Disney Parks. While working to get in shape and watching some of the local running events, I hit roadblocks along the way but never lost sight of my goal. I was overjoyed when runDisney announced an event at Disney World at a time I already had a trip planned. I immediately signed up, ran it, and survived! I am hear to tell you that NOBODY puts on a running event like runDisney!

It is 5am and I am here now what?

Annually runDisney hosts several events throughout the year at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Disneyland's events usually include The Tinker Bell Half Marathon and The Disneyland Half Marathon. Events hosted at Disney World include The Walt Disney World Marathon, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, Disney's Princess Half Marathon, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, and Expedition Everest Challenge(an obstacle course). With each of these events there is usually some sort of 5k ,runDisney Kid's races, Health Expo, and after-party associated with the headlining event making it a weekend long extravaganza. This year runDisney added The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler to its growing list of events and with it came Disney's Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run.

The Health Expo there are a couple people here.

Disney's Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run became my first official 5k and runDisney event that also happened to benefit Autism Speaks, a great organization. Just like other runDisney events, there was the opportunity to see an area of Disney most people don't get to see which included some unique photo opportunities. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler weekend was kicked off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with the waiver drop off/ bib pickup which was associated with a Health Expo.This was an extremely efficient process considering the hundreds of people that had arrived to take part in the 5k and 10 miler.Once you dropped your waiver off and got your bib, you were directed by one the many of the hundreds of volunteers, to another table to get your goody bag and commemorative t-shirt based on which event you were participating in. But wait there is more! This Expo provided ample opportunity for the novice and expert runners to attend key note addresses from several sports trainers and nutritionist for FREE. Of course, there were several vendors on the show floor selling the the newest, greatest, and gimmickiest sports gear to all those willing shell out massive amounts of dollars. For hefty prices, there were also official souvenirs available, most of which were limited edition of course. Picking up a few pins and couple t-shirts separated me from close to $200 easily! One could easily spend hours at this event as many did! We on the other hand, had a date with the mouse at his Not So Scary Halloween Party, another great event!

It is early and we are all corralled up

After a long night at the Magic Kingdom getting our sugar fix from trick or treating and Dole Whips, we made the short trip from our resort at roughly 5 am (this was important) to make it into our corral for the race.Knowing how large the crowd at the expo were and the time it took to find a place to park, we decided it was best to get to the race site early. It paid off for us because shortly after we got there, the photo op that was available with Mickey had line that grew to about 1.5 hour long! We were rounded up into 5 corrals of runners with about 250- 300 people in each corral, some in very unique and classy costumes(something that makes runDisney events different than other events). It was a very humid and dew covered morning and by the time the race started with the Elite Runners at 7 am, the corrals were overflowing with people and the temps were easily in the 80's already.While we waited for our corral to be escorted to the starting line,w e were kept entertained by a DJ and family-friendly MC that kept the runners and spectators pumped up.

BUGS!!!

As participants of this event, we got to see a smaller portion of the headlining The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler course and unique look at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This run was a nice trek around the sports complex and into the Floridan wilderness. Along the way we encountered larger than life Bugs, Br'er Bear, Br'er Fox, a shipwreck(in the woods no less), Gravediggers, and Mickey Mouse! The run was fun and there were many stations along the way to keep people hydrated and places to use the restroom. One the things that was really amazing was seeing 2 Bald Eagles fly over the finish line as we crossed it(that wasn't even planned by Disney). Also as we crossed the finish line, Mickey gave us a high 5 and a Volunteer gave us our Medal for participating in the event. From there it was on to another Photo op and goody table with a box of recovery foods, bananas, and sports drinks. So after watching a few families and other participants cross the finish line with huge smiles as they got their medals, we made it back to the car by 10:30 am and headed back to the room to recoup before we attempted to attack the parks for the rest of the day. Now that I have my first runDisney 5k under my belt, I have set myself the goal of doing the Expedition Everest Challenge!

While the entire event from start to finish was blast I learned some valuable things about runDisney events and 5ks in general.

These are only suggestions and are not medical advice! Always seek advice from Medical Professionals or Sports Professionals.

Before you attempt a 5k,Half-Marathon, Marathon, or Obstacle course; See your doctor first! Running can be both good and hazardous for your heath.
Set your goals! Make sure you set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements!
There are waivers involved with the races. A travel agent CANNOT sign waivers for you!
IF at anytime during a race or while training you experience chest pain, Stop immediately and contact EMS ASAP!
Get your Family, Spouse, or Significant other on board with you. If they aren't going to run, they can provide moral support when you hit road blocks or even volunteer to help at the event!
Grab a running partner or join a running group. They can help you keep on track and could make great traveling companions for events. There are many running groups out there, some are even sponsored by Sporting goods stores and have programs in place to prepare people for lengthy runs. It is always safer to work out with someone, especially if medical emergencies should arise.
Make the investment in shoes. Shin Splints suck as do sore backs. Check with the pros about what kind of shoe would be best for you. You can buy all the pretty clothes and outfits you want but if you don't have happy feet, shins, or back; those outfits may just end up in the closet.
Be prepared to put the work in to get in shape. Not many of us can hop off the couch and straight into a 5k. I really don't suggest doing that at all! No matter how you look at it, a 5k is 3.1 miles! Once again make sure you check with your Doctor and follow their recommendations!
Be prepared for Road Blocks, they are going to happen! Work with someone to help get you over them! Again going back to a central theme here, make sure your check with your Doctor and follow their recommendations.
Understand the pacing requirements! Many runs have pacing requirements and if you fall behind pace, the race officials will end your race! If you want to take part in the photo ops at runDisney event, Train so you are faster than the minimum pace to allow for longer waits that can occur at one of these stops.
Running on treadmill in a controlled environment is much different than running a course outdoors. Treadmills will help with your training but include the outdoors in your training. That said, training in dry 50 degree temps is much different than running in humid 80 degree temps! No matter what the weather, ALWAYS stay Hydrated! During the 5k and 10 miler there were many protein spills and heat related illness that occurred Some were caused by the weather conditions others from lack of proper training! Once again if you not feeling well during an event, stop and have someone let EMS that at the event know!
Sign up early for runDisney Events, they sell out fast. I would even suggest Signing up for the event first, then worry about lodging and transportation later. If you can't make the event, your entry is nonrefundable and nontransferable, consider it a charity donation that is helping a good cause.
Check with a travel agent, like myself, to see if a runDisney Vacation Package is better than other Packages that are available. Lets face it most people come to the resort for the specific event and once the event is over leave, runDisney is going to take advantage of that and try to make some coin off ya while your there. Let us do the "Disney Math" for you to see if you are getting a good deal.
Arrive early!! You are going to be running with hundreds of your closest friends. You might all be vying for the same transportation. Our event started at 7 am . The parking lot of ESPN Wide World of Sports was full by 5:20 am.
Bring your Camera! There will be photo ops and professional photographers along the run. The professional photographers do a great job and pictures become available fairly quickfor you online. THIS IS NOT A PHOTOPASS OPTION, if you want your pictures from the professional photogs, they are gonna cost you. Many of the volunteers along the trail will be more than willing to take your picture with your camera at no cost to you!
IF this is your first event or your not a strong runner, stay to the back of your corral. Once the Fireworks pop and the race begins, it becomes a wildebeest stampede and you don't want to end up trampled like Mufasa!
Running in a costume can be fun but hazardous to your health. Along the way there were many people that were shedding their costumes(no there was no nudity) because they were over heating, only replacing them when they were at the photo ops. Make sure you read the guidelines when it comes to costumes!
Don't think you can run an event? Volunteer at event. It can be just as rewarding volunteering as it is running. Volunteers are the back bones of these events.
Be Prepared for a good time at the After-Party! Sometimes these are included with your event registration, sometimes they are an up-charge event. For this years Twilight Zone of Terror 10 miler, those actually running the 10 miler got into the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash with their race registration. There were Bash tickets available to spectators and those in the 5k for an additional charge. This event was a Family Friendly Event that took place from 10 pm until 4 am at the Hollywood studios. Lines for the attractions were minimal since tickets were limited!
If you can't run a race and don't want to volunteer, be a spectator and cheer on the runners. Make sure you go to the designated spectating areas though!

While this year's Walt Disney World Marathon and The Tinker Bell Half Marathon are SOLD OUT, there are a very few spots left for the Disney's Princess Half Marathon and those will fill very quickly! Registration will start soon for the Expedition Everest Challenge and will sell out quickly also. If any runDisney event interests you give me a shout and I will be more than willing to help you figure out the event and book a package for you ! In the meantime enjoy the pictures and share your runDisney stories!