ABOUT
This was the 4th Annual Celebration Marathon weekend located right outside of Disney in the charming little community of Celebration, FL which hosts both a marathon and half marathon with a total field of approximately 2,100 runners.
The buzz was brewing about this race at one of the previous races I had done in Central, FL the prior year, so I had to check it out. Online I had found information that they offered discount codes to running clubs/organizations, so I sent off an email and I quickly received a PinkFeet discount code!
HOTEL
Celebration is an easy drive from Jacksonville, so we drove in the afternoon before and stayed at the Radisson Celebration. This is a 3star property so I was a little hesitant, but with the travel agent rate, there was nothing in comparison in price. I honestly wasn't disappointed, except for the fact that after explaining my traveling companion was running the full marathon and would need a shower before driving home, and would probably be finishing after the late 1p check out, the representative told us the pool had a shower, however we later learned it was an OUTDOOR shower! Thankfully a quick complaint and we were let back into the room for another hour.
COMMUNICATION
There was lots of communication on the Celebration Marathon Facebook page, website, and emails, except there seemed to be a couple of different email lists, as I was left out on one of final emails.
PACKET PICK UP/EXPO
Packet Pick Up was a breeze. We were given the typical resuable drawstring bag but also given a pretty awesome traveling mug as well as a lite up arm band and race rag!
The Expo was held in 2 small rooms and had enough vendor options in case you forgot to pack some sort of race supplies
PRE RACE
We decided on Disney Springs for our evening entertainment and dinner which was just a short drive from Celebration. This place is packed full of restaurants, bars, and tons of shopping! We had dinner at Portobello which had amazingly tasteful food and fun friendly staff.
WEATHER
This was the 4th Annual Celebration Marathon weekend located right outside of Disney in the charming little community of Celebration, FL which hosts both a marathon and half marathon with a total field of approximately 2,100 runners.
The buzz was brewing about this race at one of the previous races I had done in Central, FL the prior year, so I had to check it out. Online I had found information that they offered discount codes to running clubs/organizations, so I sent off an email and I quickly received a PinkFeet discount code!
HOTEL
Celebration is an easy drive from Jacksonville, so we drove in the afternoon before and stayed at the Radisson Celebration. This is a 3star property so I was a little hesitant, but with the travel agent rate, there was nothing in comparison in price. I honestly wasn't disappointed, except for the fact that after explaining my traveling companion was running the full marathon and would need a shower before driving home, and would probably be finishing after the late 1p check out, the representative told us the pool had a shower, however we later learned it was an OUTDOOR shower! Thankfully a quick complaint and we were let back into the room for another hour.
COMMUNICATION
There was lots of communication on the Celebration Marathon Facebook page, website, and emails, except there seemed to be a couple of different email lists, as I was left out on one of final emails.
PACKET PICK UP/EXPO
Packet Pick Up was a breeze. We were given the typical resuable drawstring bag but also given a pretty awesome traveling mug as well as a lite up arm band and race rag!
The Expo was held in 2 small rooms and had enough vendor options in case you forgot to pack some sort of race supplies
PRE RACE
We decided on Disney Springs for our evening entertainment and dinner which was just a short drive from Celebration. This place is packed full of restaurants, bars, and tons of shopping! We had dinner at Portobello which had amazingly tasteful food and fun friendly staff.
WEATHER
Race day came and it was cold (40s) and rainy. Weather in January in Florida is so unpredictable. It could be warm one year and freezing the next. The rain is the part that threw us off, not sure on how much colder it will feel because of being wet and what clothes will keep us the most dry, etc.Thankfully we had ponchos and mylar blanket as we waited for the start (actually, my friend ran her entire marathon in hers).
PARKING
There wasn't a designated parking lot or shuttle for this race. They did warn ahead of time, to plan to walk up to 1.5 mile to the starting area. We arrived about an hour before start and were able to secure a neighborhood spot on the street just a block away.
STARTING AREA
Because it was raining and cold, we waited in the car for a while before heading over to check out the starting area. Most people were huddled under the one building there that protected you from the elements. There were plenty of porta potties and we had no issue waiting. There was a dj, but really we just wanted to get this thing started.
There wasn't a designated parking lot or shuttle for this race. They did warn ahead of time, to plan to walk up to 1.5 mile to the starting area. We arrived about an hour before start and were able to secure a neighborhood spot on the street just a block away.
STARTING AREA
Because it was raining and cold, we waited in the car for a while before heading over to check out the starting area. Most people were huddled under the one building there that protected you from the elements. There were plenty of porta potties and we had no issue waiting. There was a dj, but really we just wanted to get this thing started.
COURSE
This is a loop course, with the Start and Finish just 1 block from each other. I truly did enjoy the course. The neighborhoods are very pretty (and look brand new) and we ran through a lot of parks. There were a lot of sidewalk and boardwalk running, but I never felt over crowded and the wooden boardwalks were not as slippery with trail shoes on. The half and full marathons run the same course up until about M12 when the full marathon continues on and basically does another loop.
HYDRATION STATIONS
Everything was well stocked and properly manned. They even offered GU on course.
SPECTATORS
Because of the rain, its hard to tell if this race would usually have more spectators. There are a lot of areas where spectators just wouldn't be (like in the parks/boardwalks), however there was also a lot of neighborhood running too. There were a handful of supporters out and my favorite was a little girl sitting at her door step with about 5 of her stuffed animals lined up, all cheering us on!
RESULTS
This is a loop course, with the Start and Finish just 1 block from each other. I truly did enjoy the course. The neighborhoods are very pretty (and look brand new) and we ran through a lot of parks. There were a lot of sidewalk and boardwalk running, but I never felt over crowded and the wooden boardwalks were not as slippery with trail shoes on. The half and full marathons run the same course up until about M12 when the full marathon continues on and basically does another loop.
HYDRATION STATIONS
Everything was well stocked and properly manned. They even offered GU on course.
SPECTATORS
Because of the rain, its hard to tell if this race would usually have more spectators. There are a lot of areas where spectators just wouldn't be (like in the parks/boardwalks), however there was also a lot of neighborhood running too. There were a handful of supporters out and my favorite was a little girl sitting at her door step with about 5 of her stuffed animals lined up, all cheering us on!
RESULTS
I started very slow as I needed a warm up being in the cold rain. I ran with my mylar for about a mile, then the poncho for another mile. By mile 3, I was able to take my jacket off, but I still had arm warmers on. About half way through I was able to take the arm warmers off and felt good and thought this was perfect racing weather! Then it started raining again. I pulled my arm warmers back on, but never needed my jacket again. I think with the gradual increase of speed helped me feel good. We also started towards the back and I think mentally it made me feel confident passing so many people. My runs were longer than normal and my walks much shorter. I did not use a pace alert and instead just ran by feel. There were a lot of people doing the run/walk and there were official pacers as well. I ended up finishing with my fastest time of the year, but still 5 minutes short of a PR.
FINISH/AFTER PARTY
Right after receiving your medal, you were given a tiny wrap, cup of pasta, and a brownie. There were also Cliff bars readily available.
The Finish Line was pretty hoppin as the half marathoners finished, but because there were less than 500 full marathoners, it became pretty sparse over time. When I had finished, it was still drizzling and I was soaked and cold. I decided since I had to wait for my friend to finish the full marathon anyways, I would go back to the hotel and shower, put on warm clothes and come back.
The concept of the after party was a great idea. They gave punch cards to each runner and you got a sample of food or drink at each of the 10 (?) tents, in which two were the Columbia...perfect! You also received 2 beers and a mimosa.
The only way I would see to improve that, is to give the punch card in your packet pick up, or to mark your bib when you get one. It seems you could have easily gone back and got more than one card, or passed your bib to a nonrunner and get one as well. I only say this, because by the time my friend came through, a couple of the tents had run out of food.
There also were complimentary massages at the Finish. I usually do not partake in these because I feel like my muscles are too tired and I dont want anyone touching me, or the lines are always too long. However,we were able to walk right up and lay down. I was already refreshed from going back to the hotel and showering, so it worked out perfectly! It was probably one of the best massages Ive ever had! She definitely knew what she was doing for a runner and even gave recommendations for masseuse and book!
MEDAL
The Finish Line was pretty hoppin as the half marathoners finished, but because there were less than 500 full marathoners, it became pretty sparse over time. When I had finished, it was still drizzling and I was soaked and cold. I decided since I had to wait for my friend to finish the full marathon anyways, I would go back to the hotel and shower, put on warm clothes and come back.
The concept of the after party was a great idea. They gave punch cards to each runner and you got a sample of food or drink at each of the 10 (?) tents, in which two were the Columbia...perfect! You also received 2 beers and a mimosa.
The only way I would see to improve that, is to give the punch card in your packet pick up, or to mark your bib when you get one. It seems you could have easily gone back and got more than one card, or passed your bib to a nonrunner and get one as well. I only say this, because by the time my friend came through, a couple of the tents had run out of food.
There also were complimentary massages at the Finish. I usually do not partake in these because I feel like my muscles are too tired and I dont want anyone touching me, or the lines are always too long. However,we were able to walk right up and lay down. I was already refreshed from going back to the hotel and showering, so it worked out perfectly! It was probably one of the best massages Ive ever had! She definitely knew what she was doing for a runner and even gave recommendations for masseuse and book!
MEDAL
The medals are super cute! The full and half are the same, but the full being larger
SHIRT
SHIRT
The shirts are gender specific and short sleeve. I would have liked it to have matched the medal. I am not sure where a tree came from.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I would highly recommend this race. The registration fee and what you received for it, was definitely well worth it! ....especially still being in the Disney area, but not having to put up with the outrageous Disney prices! You are still very close to Disney and can make this an extended weekend to visit the parks.
Half Marathon #70
13.1-2:20
Half Marathon #70
13.1-2:20
I am on a 10 year mission to run a half marathon a month as well as run one in each of the 50 states, all to help spread the word of breast caner prevention, early detection, and living a healthy lifestyle. Please consider making a DONATION today to show your support. 100% net proceeds go towards the Mayo Clinic and Donna Foundation.