I signed up to the 36k challenge, so I completed the 5k and and the 10k prior to the half. This was my first half marathon and I was aching by race morning but I was super excited to see what the race would bring today. I only got 1 character stop by this point so was keen to get some more. I set off in coral D so approximately set off around about 45min to an hour after the first wave. The races started at 7am. They had characters at the start wishing you well from the tannoy.
Along the course there were lots of character, this time however the lines were more varied, some with no line, some with still very long lines, maybe people doing the half just wanted to get a time or maybe it was because some of the characters were the same as the previous races, but this worked out well for me. The first part of the race takes you through both parks with character stops and of course that beautiful castle. With opportunity for a PhotoPass castle shot. What would have been better is if the photographer took a series of shots as I tried a jump shot but they literally took one picture, something maybe that could be considered for future races. There were cast members out on the course cheering and clapping you on. Just note that not all character or photo opportunity points had a photographer so take a phone or something you can ask someone to take with your phone for you. There is music playing around the park and generally a feel good atmosphere. There were wrist bands for cheer squad to come into Main Street but they ran out at the expo so quickly so if you have cheer squad coming and you want them there defo get in early. Once you leave the park you go out into the french villages, it’s very picturesque and the mile markers continue. There are no characters out but there a local bands, cheerleaders, there was a Dj and break dancers out playing music and keeping you entertained. The locals also came out to cheer and from their houses. This does seem like a long stretch as the course does eventually go back on itself and I feel like that’s when I realised I was actually running a half marathon. The last 5k took us around the back of the hotels and down the stretch towards Newport bay hotel and back up the other side of the lake, I got to 19k and my mum and dad were standing there ready to push me the last couple of km. the last 2km took you back into the back of the Stuidos park and the finish was near Tower of Terror. The medal was gorgeous. If doing the 31k or 36k you had to go back to the expo to collect your challenge medals. There was a photo pass photographer at the end and was happy to take one with family in it to. It was my slowest but most exciting half marathon. I can’t wait to do it again next year. The course again is relatively flat all the way around, again I can’t comment on parking as I didn’t use this service. I stayed at Sequoia Lodge and this was about a 10min walk to the expo and start line :)