Temps high 50s starting out good day to run. This race starts at 530 and we were on a bus to race site at 3:30 so that leaves a 2:30 wake up and a few hours of sleep. I turned in a 3:05 qualifying time so I was in the first corral at the start. I thought I would be able to run some where around 3:10. It was a half mile to the staging area from bus and another 1/2 to the corral and a 45 minute wait in the corral. Gun went off and I saw the 3:05 pace group fade into the dark in front of me. 1st mile 7:15 and it felt like a 6:30. I hit 3 ports in the first half with the 3rd being an extended stay. The first 11 miles was in the dark but most of the course is well lit but you still find yourself feeling for the ground. Most of the course has Disney workers, cartoon characters, and race fans cheering you on. There is also a NASCAR track you do a lap around that is lined with the corvettes, a baseball stadium you do a lap around on the dirt warning track, castle you run through all making this a marathon worth doing. Although I suffered from tight hamstrings and some stomach issues making a lap around Disney World was worth the investment. My daughter Stephanie finished her first marathon here so we had a good day at the race. What more can I ask for. | 