The Big Five Marathon

The Big Five Marathon in South Africa is held among the wildlife of the African savannah. Runners from all over the world will meet in one of the most spectacular “Big Five” game reserves in Africa. 

In these magnificent surroundings, one can combine exciting game drives with a challenging marathon route going right through the habitat of the most famous African game: Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. No fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates the runners from the African wildlife.

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International Tour PackagesThe Big Five Marathon 2013 

The Big Five Marathon is an exclusive event that combines a challenging marathon experience with a classic African safari vacation. Situated in the Limpopo province, the Entabeni Safari Conservancy provides the perfect setting for the event. Within this 22,000 ha, malaria-free, private game reserve, several accommodation facilities are provided, varying from tented camps to luxurious lodges.  Choose between a 5 and a 7 night tour package for the event. More Info

Marathon Report:

By Stuart Mann, participant in The Big Five Marathon 2008 

The route is simply fantastic. This was the second time in my life that I enjoyed a course so much that I found myself half dreading each kilometer board. As the name suggests the race is run in Big 5 territory with rangers out to “marshal” the more dangerous animals (dodging rhinos seems to be the biggest challenge). 


The first kilometre is a gentle downhill before the fun starts with a climb of about 350m over 9kms to the highest point on the course (1714m according to Garmin).  After negotiating the initial climb there are a few easy kilometres of gentle downhill before a 2.5km plummet (the drop is about 400m) that completely annihilates the quads. At this point in the race you cross paths with the half marathoners who are on their way back up the hill and my friendly greetings were returned with nothing but vacant-eyed stares of distress and horror. I hoped that I would look better when I made my way back up to the top, but first one had to negotiate an eight-kilometre loop in lion country… 

There are 12 lions on the lower part of the reserve. I suspect that part of the reason for the latish start is to allow the (hopefully well-fed) pride to settle into their mid-morning slumber. Apparently, one of the rangers spent 36 hours with the pride to ensure that their location was known and that they didn’t pick off the weaker runners. Thankfully the only sign of lions that I saw were some (fairly) fresh tracks on the sandy part of the route but fortunately it looked like they were heading in the other direction. 

During this part of the course I was reminded of the saying that, “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows that it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows that it must out run the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It does not matter whether you are a lion or gazelle. When the sun comes up in Africa you had better be running.” 

When you are a runner in Africa you know that you can’t outrun any lion but that is OK because all you have to do is run faster than the next guy! Fortunately, this part of the route is predominantly run on a soft, sandy surface that makes running difficult for most people. 

After summiting the next hill, there is a pleasant 3km downhill before another nasty climb of the same distance followed by another fast downhill section. At around this stage I was informed during a water table chat that I was in fourth place and should “hamba” (Zulu for “leave”). So, with the third place runner within my sights I decided to pick up the pace and soon found myself in third place and feeling strong. 

Just to make sure that you don’t get complacent there is another lengthy climb, after which the lake (that gives Lakeside Lodge, the location of the finish, it’s name) comes into view far beneath you and you know that it must be all downhill for the last 2.5kms. Although you are much higher than the finish point they somehow manage to sneak in one last, nasty hill before you fly through to a friendly finish! 



This is perhaps the only race in the country where every runner is greeted by name as they come into the finishing straight and is personally handed their medal and given a handshake or hug by the race organiser – and this friendly vibe continues until the last runner makes their way across the line all the way to the seven hour cut-off. Note – if you want a more vocal finish you should aim to finish before 13h00, as this is when lunch is served and much of the support disappears! 

Considering the time spent on photographic exploits, several water table chats and a handful of territorial markings, I was pleased with my time of 4:01 – especially since this was good enough to hold onto third place. In keeping with the Big 5 theme, the first three men and women receive a striking and elegant wooden carving of one of the Big 5 (my lion is going straight to the pool room!). 

The event concludes with a gala dinner on Saturday evening and there was plenty of spit-braised lamb and impala to satisfy everyone’s protein replenishment program. 

Everest Marathon

The Everest Marathon is the highest marathon in the world.   The start line is at Gorak Shep 5184m (17,000 feet), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.   The finish is at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446m (11,300 feet) and the course is a measured 42 km (26.2 miles) over rough mountain trails.   

It is the world''s most spectacular race and has been held fourteen times since 1987.

To acclimatise naturally to the high altitude all runners join together for a 26 day holiday in Nepal.   This holiday combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 15 day trek to the start under medical supervision, ascents of Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m) for the best views of Everest and one of the most gruelling races in the world.

Although the course is basically down hill, there are two steep uphill sections.   There may be snow and ice on the upper part and there is considerable exposure along much of the route.   For this reason the race is only suitable for runners with recent experience of cross country, fell or mountain running and endurance events.   Experience of rough terrain is essential and road marathon experience is not sufficient on its own.

Acclimatisation

In order to acclimatise naturally to the high altitude, the race is preceded by a 15 day trek in the Everest region. This allows time for high altitude training under medical supervision. Before the race most people will have a chance to ascend both Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m) from where there are splendid views of Everest across the Khumbu glacier. After the race competitors are flown back to Kathmandu from the high altitude airstrip at Lukla.

The Marathon

The race starts at 6:30 am and there are cut-off points at Tengboche monastery (14 miles - 12.30 pm) and Chorkhung (20 miles - 2.30 pm), just above Namche Bazaar. The last 6 miles, out to Thamo and back, are on an exhausting undulating trail. It is essential to finish by nightfall at 6.00 pm.
There is likely to be snow and ice at the start of the course. The terrain is very varied: boulders, grass, sandy scree, stone staircases, trails through forest and exposed paths which contour the mountain sides. The trails will seem quite good to those used to mountain or fell running but there are additional hazards by way of narrow suspension bridges and yak trains. The race course is not marked and it is the responsibility of each runner to learn the route on the trek up.
There are aid posts approximately every 3 miles each staffed by a marshal who can provide refreshments. Doctors are also available at some aid posts to provide medical cover.

 

Mont-Blanc Marathon

 The Mont-Blanc Marathon  starts in Chamonix and climbs steadily towards the upper valley, progressively passing through the hamlets of "les Bois" and Lavancher to reach Argentière (1250m).  The trail then heads towards Le Planet and then Montroc.  A refreshment post is available a the top of the Col before finally climbing up to the Aiguilles des Possettes (2201m) where you will be rewarded by a breathtaking panoroma of the Mont Blanc range.  At the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges massif, opposite the Mont-Blanc range, the route climbs up towards la Flégère (1875 m).  The gradient increases until just before the arrival at Planpraz (2050 m) giving one of the most beautiful views of the Mont-Blanc.   The Marathon has a vertical gain of 2511 meters and an elevation loss of 1490meters.

 

 

 

 

Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon

Well this video really says it all:

The Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon course looks breath taking, and the event sounds incredible.  New Zealand is a true runners paradise.

EVENT DATE: Saturday 22nd February 2014

RESERVE DATE: Sunday 23rd February 2104

EVENT VENUE: Ben Lomond High Country Station, Queenstown

RACE ENTRY FEE: $170 inc FREE Race T-Shirt (valued at $60), 4WD Coach Transport to the start, finishers medal and a Wanaka Beer Works Ale at the finish line!

COMPULSORY GEAR CHECKS *MARATHON ONLY
Gear Checks are compulsory and will be available / carried out between 10:00am – 8:00pm at Outside Sports, Shotover Street, Queenstown on Thursday 20th February and Friday 21st February 2014.

COMPULSORY CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR THE MARATHON

• Short Sleeve Thermal Top
• Long Sleeve Thermal Top
• Full length tights
• Seam Sealed Waterproof Jacket
• Thermal Beanie & Gloves
• COMPULSORY FIRST AID KIT: First Aid Kit must contain the following items:
• 1.5m long (un-stretched) roll of 5cm wide crepe bandage
• 5m long roll of 2cm wide strapping tape
• 10 band aid strips
• Triangular bandage
• Small scissors,
• Survival bag

The compulsory garments and first aid kit must be worn or carried for the duration of the race.

COURSE MAP:

A map of the marathon course will be allocated to all runners upon collecting their race numbers and packs and completion of compulsory gear checks at Outside Sports, Shotover Street, Queenstown on Thursday 20th February and Friday 21st February 2014.
The map illustrating the course and checkpoints will not be publicised prior to the event as the entire race takes place on the private Ben Lomond High Country Station which is actively farmed. The Station owners do not wish for any farm animals to be disrupted by people venturing on to the course should information be disclosed beforehand.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS:
4WD Coach Transport to the Marathon start is included in race Entry Fee

DRINK STATIONS: Participants are responsible to carry their own food and hydration for the Marathon – however water and energy drinks will be readily available at EIGHT checkpoints located approx every 5km along the Marathon course.







Salomon Team Runner, and NZ lass Anna Frost Ran the 2013 Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon, you can see her photo-blog of the event here: Frosty's Footsteps

Anna Frost climbing in the Shotover Moonlight Marathon
Photo: Frosty's Footsteps

Asics Kepler Challenge

The ASICS Kepler Challenge Mountain Run is described as "the jewel in NZ's mountain running calendar", while it's sister event the ASICS Luxmore Grunt is justifiably respected. Both events are organized by a voluntary committee with the support, on race day, of approximately 200 Te Anau residents. This gives the event a truly "community" feel.

The ASICS Kepler Challenge is held on the 60 km Kepler Track circuit. This year's race will be held on Saturday 7th December 2013.

An easy first 5.6 km to Brod Bay turns to a steady, well graded further 8.2 km climb to the Luxmore Hut at 1085m. This first section also forms the route for the sister race, the ASICS Luxmore Grunt. For the next 14.5 km an excellent track undulates across the tops, reaching an altitude of 1400m before the spectacular descent to Iris Burn hut. It then follows a 16 km journey down the Iris Burn to Motorau hut via Rocky Point. A 9.5 km stage along the Waiau River back to the Control Gates completes the course.

The course and race map

Although the actual course may change slightly from time to time as mountain conditions alter the route, the following maps should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Drink stations, loos and gear check locations

There are drink stations at all the major check-points which serve water, leppin, bananas and generally oranges, museli bars and jellybeans. All these are marked onthe race map along with loo points. Note that the Rainbow Reach toilet is across a short bridge off the main track - approx 100m return.

Kepler in profile

Put simply, the full Kepler goes up sharply, down steeply then tailing off to a long slow incline. The steepest and potentially most treacherous part are the long stairs down from the Hanging Valley shelter. These are in 6 sections and around 200 steps in total.

Some facts and figures about Running The Kepler Track

Total km's running uphill:
8.2 + 4.1 + 3.4 = 15.7km ascent

Total elevation running uphill:

1197m + 150m = 1350metres

Total km's running downhill:

1.5 + 16.2 + 4.5 = 22km descent

Total descent elevation:

1350 metres (same as above)

The highest point is called the 'Luxmore Saddle'
There are 10 drink stations

Prizes for runners

All competitors in the ASICS Kepler Challenge event will receive:

• An event souvenir
• A commemorative medal on finishing
• A certificate of achievement
• There will be a special medal for those competitors who have completed 5 or 10 Kepler Challenge events

That's in addition of course to a great sense of achievement!

Training for the event

Getting ready for the big day requires preparation and commitment. We've asked a few people to share their
programmes with us so you can get an idea of what to plan.

The attraction of traversing 60 kilometres through mountains in one of New Zealand's remote wilderness National Parks whilst running on a fairly comfortable trail has been drawing runners from around the globe to compete in the Kepler Challenge. There is no doubt about it that a run like this is not the sort of event that one can just turn up to and knock off on the day, not without sheer pain and likely injury. It requires training and there in lies the difficult question. How to train for such an event?

Different people have different approaches depending on what they want to get out of the event. There are however some basic things to think about, common to all competitors wishing to train for the Kepler Challenge. Here are some tips - for personal advice we suggest you speak to a professional.

Training Tips

1. Firstly and importantly - learn to run with a pack or bumbag. Because of the potential risk of extreme bad weather the minimum equipment list requires carrying thermal top and tights, a woolen hat, wind and waterproof jacket, gloves and survival blanket. You will also need to carry food and liquid.
2. Learn to eat and drink whilst running. Work out what foods your body can handle. Complex carbohydrates such as bread, energy sachets such as Leppin Squeezy as well as Uncle Tobys muesli bars are good. Drinking small amounts all the time is recommended. 
3. Allow the body time to adapt to increasing distance in training. If this is a first time for running an endurance event it is a good idea to take 3 months to gradually increase the kilometres. It is advisable to have run at least 70-100% of the distance in a single run at least 3 weeks before the event giving enough recovery time before race day.
4. Have spaces between long training days to allow recovery and help to prevent overuse injuries.
5. Choose similar terrain to the Kepler Track to train on. Use trails, which are softer under foot rather than roads. This lessens the impact on the body. Do some hill training and be prepared to learn to walk hard up hill. The majority of competitors will walk some part of the course. Doing long tramps is excellent training as this race is about time on the feet and climbing up and down hills.
6. Learn to stretch at risk muscle groups. If niggling pains occur it is probably best to seek advice from a Physiotherapist. Everyone is built bio-mechanically differently. Prevention of injury is so much better than cure.
7. Allow 3 weeks to wind down the distance prior to the event to allow the body time to rest in preparation for the mammoth effort on race day.
8. The primary important ingredient is to HAVE FUN in your training. Find others to train with. There is no better way to cement a friendship than spend hours on a beaten track together. Keep the respiratory rate to a level where you can still talk on the longer runs and push the speed factor only on the shorter runs.

Marathon de Paris

 The Paris Marathon is a unique opportunity to discover the city whilst participating in one of the most exciting races over the mythical distance of 26 miles, 385 yards.

The Paris Marathon is today one of the five biggest in the world (along with New-York, London, Berlin and Chicago), not only in terms of the field present, but also by the performances accomplished, the services and logistics put in place and the media coverage.

One hundred nations and more than 40,000 runners will be competing over the 26 miles and 385 yards of the most mythical event that athletics has to offer.
On the second weekend of April, this journey through Paris, from the Champs-Elysées to avenue Foch via the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne woods, boasts an unrivalled backdrop dotted with a wealth of popular events.

The “Running Expo” fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre during the 3 days leading up to the Marathon has also become an unmissable event, by bringing together 60,000 visitors and around 200 professionals from the running world.


Each year, this route appeals to more and more athlete-tourists, with almost 16,000 competitors from outside France, making up approximately 40% of the field.

The personal challenge of the race also combines with a visit of the city, as the runners hit the streets in the most prestigious of thoroughfares and squares: at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, the participants take starter’s orders, before heading down the Champs-Elysées, towards Place de la Concorde.

The Rue de Rivoli then leads runners to the Place de la Bastille and after the greenery of the Bois de Vincennes wood, the difficulty of the return journey is soothed by views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and then the Eiffel Tower.

The Paris Marathon is a mass event, with 50 000 registered people. Starting on the prestigious Champs-Elysées is comfortable:

• access by public transport is very close
• access to start is easy by two broad sidewalks
• luggage deposit are relatively close (avenue Foch)
• the first km is run on a 28 meters wide avenue.

The route then takes you to the heart of the capital, along the beautiful sites and monuments.

Thus we will stagger the departure of 50,000 participants.
After the warm up music orchestrated by the coaches, start area will be opened one side at a time to limit the number of competitors starting simultaneously.

The first two starting zones (elites and preferential) will go as a group, at the starting signal.
The start of each other areas (red, yellow, blue ... pink) will follow simultaneously based on the ranking of the areas on the departure line.
There will be no delay between the starts of different timing references.

Of course, the timing system will allow you to get your real race time; the chip is detected when crossing the start line.

The start will be at 8h35 for the disable and at 8h45 for the others.

Refreshments
Every 5 km (water, raisins, oranges and bananas).

Sponges
Every 5 km from km 7,5.

Timing
Will be shown every 5 km, km 1, km 21,1 and at finish line.

Duration of the race : 6h.

Medal and certificate for all finishers.


The finish line is located on Avenue Foch after 42.195km of hard efforts!

 

What is the date of the Paris Marathon?

The 37th Paris Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 7th, 2013.

Who can register?

The race is open to all athletes, sport federation members and non members, of French or foreign nationality, born in or before 1993. All athletes must be in possession of a medical certificate.
The race is limited to 46 000 runners.

What time does the race start?

At the top of the Champs Elysées.

• starting time handisports (disabled sports): 8.35 am,
• starting time marathon: 8.45 a.m.

Where is the finish line?

At the bottom of Avenue Foch.

What is the timing system?

Every runner will be given a Chip (chip stuck on the back of each bib) when collecting his bib and kit bag at Running Expo. Check points will be placed at the start, every 5km and at the finish, to control each competitor's time.

Is there something to eat and drink along the route?

Every 5km, you will find mineral water, dry fruits, fresh fruits and sugar.
+ at km 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35.

Training in music

Imagine running the marathon of Paris with a personal trainer by your side..

The Paris Marathon course provides a unique and original running tour around the City of Light. Jiwok - your mp3 personal trainer - adds a new cultural element to its fitness service, offering you a world exclusive, one of a kind marathon training program:

The Paris Marathon has teamed up with Jiwok to create a unique audio training program in Mp3 format. This program will guide you through your marathon with expert advice and encouragement as well as time alerts to keep you on track. In addition, your coach will also direct you through the various historical sites and architectural wonders of Paris that you encounter in your stride. Your session includes an Mp3 music track based on your favorite musical genres, which is then mixed with the voice of a Jiwok coach.

For example, you will hear the coach say the following:
Sample race advice:

• "Stay calm from the start, there are many people around you, don't get carried away."
• "On the incline, use a small, economic stride."
• "Attention - provisions coming soon, keep topped up with supplies."
• "You should be in your 3rd km."

Sample of a tourist guide:

• "The Louvre Museum."
• "Just after the Tuileries Gardens on your right you'll see the Louvre and its famous pyramid.."
• "It is the largest museum in Paris and its surface spans over 60,000 square metres..."

These free audio programs will be available in French and English a few weeks before the start of the Marathon.

Jiwok

Jiwok offers a unique fitness service that coaches you by mixing music with the voice of a professional trainer.  With Jiwok, your experienced coach is in your mp3 player.  This is a simple, fun and motivating way to achieve your marathon goal.  Jiwok offers a range of marathon training programs to suit your fitness level and availability. The Marathon of Paris offers a chance to try it out.

The Great Wall Marathon

I heard of the Great Wall Marathon years ago, before I really did much running (here read: became addicted), and even then thought as though this sounded like an incredible experience. 

This has to be in my TOP 5 must do races.

Marathon Information:

The Great Wall Marathon features three distances: a full marathon - 42.195km/26.2mi, a half marathon - 21.1km/13.1mi and a 7.5km/4.6mi Fun Run.  All three distances start and finish at the Yin and Yang Square, at the fortress at the Huanyaguang section of the Great Wall, Tianjin province. The race will start in waves with intervals of ten minutes. You will be assigned to a wave based on the running time you provided on the entry form.

 The first section which covers approximately 9 kilometres takes runners to and over the Great Wall. This part of the course is marked by steep ascents and descents of up to 10% and consists of thousands of steps. Runners are advised to run slowly going up and down the mountain, as well as to walk when tackling the steepest parts of the Great Wall. Full marathoners will complete this section of the course twice, whereas half marathoners will only pass it once. The second section of the course, which takes runners through picturesque villages and rice fields, is run on flat asphalt and gravel roads. All roads are in good condition and do not require special footwear. Full marathoners should prepare for a long ascent at approximately 21 kilometres.

"The course is much tougher than traditional marathons with participants challenged by 5,164 stone steps and many steep ascents and descents"

 
Kilometre signs are placed at each kilometre along the route. The signs are colour coded according to the distance they represent. The signs will also indicate the equivalent distance in miles. Timing mats will be strategically placed on the route to ensure that all runners complete the distance they are registered for. There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometers along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas.

FREE massages at the finish - best idea ever!

The finish line for all distances is located at the centre of the Yin and Yang Square. All runners will receive a medal after crossing the finish line. Results will be posted at Yin and Yang Square during the race. Final results will be published here. Lunch will be served at the designated area. A limited number of cold showers are available in the neighboring courtyard of the Yin and Yang Square.  A massage service is available at the entrance of the Yin and Yang Square-Your entry ticket is valid for one free massage (Brilliant!).



It is actually not possible to compete in the Great Wall Marathon without signing up for a tour package.  Lots of marathon tour operators offer package deals that include race entry, accommodation, sightseeing tours and meals.  I am not promoting any company or travel offer, but in my extensive day dreaming research I have found tours that offer some pretty sweet experiences surrounding the marathon itself.  Here are some of the tour inclusions that I like the sound of:

• Meals, hotel, transport to/from marathon SORTED
• Registration pack waiting for you on arrival
• Pre-race marathon route inspection (a couple of days before the race), usually includes a walk on the Great Wall!
• Tours of Bejing (or freedom to explore)
• Various package tours and 'experiences' in rural and suburban China

Fingers and running shoes crossed, that this is a run I get to do one day soon.

Disney World Marathon

 Kerry McCarthy shared her experiences of running the Disney World Marathon in the April 2013 issue of Runners World (this is where I heard about this race).  McCarthy's race included plenty of Disney character action, including being chased by a cutlass-weilding Captain Jack Sparrow.  Highlights of the marathon include:

• Mickey Mouse's startline speech
• Starting line fire works display
• Disney tunes playing on loud speakers throughout the course (although maybe there are only so many times one could hear "Its a small world" in the course of a marathon
• Gospel choir stationed a km from the finish to boost you the final distance.
• Special Disney medals
• Closing ceremony in the park after it has closed for the day

McCarthy was amazed by the huge crowds of spectators and supporters that cheered on every runner "they roar you on, making eye contact and giving you personal encouragement at the top of their voices" (this sounds like an excellent reason to do this race all on its own!).  Spectators "even jump out onto the course and run with you if they feel like you need a boost, as well as waving halarious placards that they've spent ages making for every runner taking part". God bless American spectators!

One of the highest-highlights of McCarthys race included "laughing at the 30km mark where a troupe of characters were digging graces for those who had hit the wall - many runners flopped head long into a headstoned grave for a photo op!"

Yes, please, this race sounds perfectly awesome, and excellent fun.  The only way I could imagine improving it, would be if you could run between rides - run several kilometers, then enjoy the Pirates of the Caribean ride, before running a few more k's to the next adventure.

Here is some of the sort of info I alway love to read about my bucket-list races while I dream about enetering them one day.

Walt Disney World Marathon Information:

The Walt Disney World® Marathon course takes you through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, starting at Epcot, continuing on to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios before an exhilarating finish back at Epcot.

The Course:

The marathon course takes competitors to the Magic Kingdom Park where they pass through Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle, then to Walt Disney World Speedway followed by a trip through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where they will run past the Expedition Everest attraction.

After Animal Kingdom the course heads towards the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Mile 20 Spectacular before entering the lights, camera, and action of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Runners pass through Washington Square Garden, get a taste of the Big Apple on New York Street and pass by the Sorcerer’s Hat before exiting the park at the end of Hollywood Blvd.  Finally, athletes run by the charming coastal village of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort and through Epcot for to the unforgettable finish!

Beverage Stations and Food Stops:

A total of 21 water stops will be located along the course. All stops offer water and lemon-lime Powerade. There will be four food stops located along the course.

• Chiquita bananas will be available at Mile 11.5 and Mile 18.3  
• Clif products will be distributed at Mile 15.4 and Mile 19.4 
• Sponges will be provided at Mile 17.1
• Lolly’s will be available at Mile 22.5.

Pacing Requirements:

All athletes entering the Marathon and the Half Marathon must be able to maintain a 16-minute per mile (9.9min/km) pace throughout the race. Anyone who is not able to maintain a 16-minute per mile pace may be picked up and transported to the Family Reunion Area at Epcot.

You may be picked up at any point along the course for not maintaining a 16-minute per mile pace. It is suggested that athletes train for a 15-minute per mile (9.3min/km) pace or faster to allow time for breaks (restroom breaks, photo opportunities, etc.). 

Results and Runner Tracking:

The complete list of results for the Marathon will be posted on Sunday evening. Family and friends will be able to track their participants with live online runner tracking also available on runDisney.com. Participants will have the opportunity to send split times via email,  text messaging and PDAs by registering for this service on the website or at the Expo.