Disney, as one might expect, runs a finely tuned event. At each water and fuel station one could easily spot a medical tent equipped with various pain relief items and trained personnel. Such personnel were virtually absent in Newport, with the exception of an occasional ambulance sighting. On more than one occasion in Newport I passed distressed runners, on the ground at the side of the road, often with a stranger and a cell phone calling for assistance. No doubt Disney would have had smiling, if not singing, staff on hand to come to your aid before you could spell out, "M-I-C-K-E-Y." Okay, I may be exaggerating, but you get the idea. Plus one for Disney.
As far as scenery goes, the Newport race lived up to it's claim of being among the "Top 5 Half Marathons on the East Coast." In fact, it greatly surpassed my experience at Disney. Though there are numerous Disney characters to be found along the course for photo opps, I was there to run. Through Disney. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the Princess Half Marathon course took me past the largest Hess gas station I've seen to date. Not exactly the picturesque Disney landmark or refueling station I needed to keep me going.
After rounding the Epcot globe in the final home stretch, we were directed though a back alley with trash receptacles. (That's Disneyspeak for dumpsters.) This is Disney, for crying out loud...the most magical place on Earth! Doesn't trash simply disappear with a wave of Mickey's wand? I've just run 13 miles...shouldn't scents of cotton candy, pancakes, or cinnamon rolls be piped in for all us sunrise runners? Humidity laden, ripe garbage was hardly in my olfactory race plans.
Newport, on the other hand, revealed breathtaking scenery at every mile. It had been many years since I'd visited this beautiful and historic city and I was delighted to be able to run through the streets and gaze upon areas I had either forgotten with time or never traversed. Historic forts, college campuses, multi-million-dollar estates, and ocean views were aplenty. When you need distractions at every step, salty air and rich history outweighs stinky garbage and gas stations EVERY time! Plus one for Newport.
Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall Disney experience as a half marathon first timer. In case you missed it, here's a glimpse of my Disney run: I Ran Like a Princess...Sort of. It's only now that I've doubled my half marathon experience that I can confidently nit pick. :-)
At Disney they have something called the "ChEAR Squad" where your friends and loved ones can fork over upwards of $100 per person to cheer you on in comfort and style. (Mickey Ears sold separately.) I'm not sure how popular this is since my already uber-stylish friends were running with me and my family was in the comfort of our family room back in CT. Yet it's a magical place indeed that can convince spectators to pay money to join a team to watch a race..... 'Nuf said. In Newport we had our own special cheer squad, no registration required, who even brought us pre-race gifts (we are princesses after all!) along with all the encouragement we could ask for, and then some! Plus one for Newport and the CT Princesses!
If I have to be honest I should mention package pick up in Newport was far worse than at Disney. The lines were very long unless you were running the marathon, in which case you were allowed to bypass the line altogether. However, long lines make for some interesting conversations and opportunities to make new friends, including Guinness World Record Holder 1,000-Marathon Larry! Plus one more for Larry!
Though I'd personally love my next half marathon (did I really just say next?) to be at a new location, Newport is certainly one to put on any runner's race list. Wherever you go, be sure to bring your own cheer squad.
Because there's nothing more magical than accomplishing a goal with great friends by your side!
Because there's nothing more magical than accomplishing a goal with great friends by your side!
