Here we go: time to start planning Fall races! I usually try to plan out my destination races 6-9 months so I can break up the expenses throughout the year. This year, my top choices are:
This race looks awesome (it made my top destination races a few months ago). I’ve never been to Vegas before, and this sounds like the ultimate way to do it – run the Vegas strip at night! The only issue is this year it was moved to the Sunday before Thanksgiving (last year it was in December), which will be tough to get off time for travel.
2. Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon
This has been a runDisney race I’ve wanted to do for almost a year. I haven’t been to the Wine and Dine festival at Epcot before, but my friends have been raving about it. Plus the medal definitely helps! This race is early in November, so no real conflicts with work.
I need YOUR help! Which race would you choose? Any experiences with either (or both) of these?
Both great choices – though I am sure you know which one I have a bias toward
Here are a few things to consider:
- Wine and Dine will be an anniversary next year; which can sway you either way, if you think about it! The medal is awesome (love mine) and may change next year…and of course, with it being anniversary next year, will likely take another price increase. Also, if it’s better for your schedule with work, it might be nice to take a little extra time to relax at Disney in a less busier season.
- Vegas is fun, my sister was actually in town for a conference there during race weekend and said the energy was really great and despite the big event, it wasn’t crazy crowded. Only issue, as you said is the change in schedule. You might not get to spend as much time there as you’d like.
Now, i don’t think i’ve helped (at all) but maybe these points added to pro/con list you already are forming
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Tough call, but I have to say you should go with Vegas this year and save Wine and Dine for next year when I’ll be running it. Oh yeah, and it’s the anniversary year or something.
Matt recently posted…Come #Run3rd at the Sandy Hook Run for the Families
Have you done a runDisney race or a RNR before? That can also help in deciding.
I vote for Wine and Dine. The less stress involved (i.e. taking time off of work, the holidays) the better and getting your race-cation out of the way before the holidays might be a better plan. And if this were me, even tough next year is the anniversary year and all, I LOVE the medal right now and wouldn’t want to risk them changing the Epcot ball, but again, that’s just me
Oooh, such a tough decision! I would say since you just ran two races at WDW for Goofy, go for Vegas this year and Wine and Dine next year. But I don’t think you can go wrong either way.
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I would totally to the wine and dine, because it is at disney, warm climate and you get WINE
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the wine and dine sounds like a blast. I haven’t traveled for any races ever… yet! I usually just sign up a couple of weeks before if its a 5k or if my friends are doing it. haha
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I don’t know a thing about RnR Vegas, but love, love, love both Disney’s Food & Wine Festival and the Wine & Dine Half-Marathon. I’ve run it all three years & it just keeps getting better! The Food & Wine Festival is amazing too. You’ll want to go back for more than just the post-race party, though.
I want to run both of these as well. I think the biggest factor is the date of RNR Vegas, that alone would make me not able to do it, so my vote is runDisney
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I have coached at Vegas and one key point is it is at night which makes training much different. If you don’t want to train long runs at night this race will be tough!
Wine and Dine is on y list but no first hand experience
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Do the Wine and Dine!!! Florida is my home state, and I’ve done this race, and it is a blast. Plus the after party and food rock!! Seriously…WINE AND DINE!!! Plus I can tell you all the good places to go and where to eat while you are there!
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Personally, I’d do Vegas. I’ve been so many times it’s not funny and there is always stuff to do (besides gambling because honestly I hate losing money!). Since you’ve already done a Disney event, branch out with your fall race and do a different one. Hubby wants to do the RnR Vegas race, but this year is out, too much going on already. It’s gotta be a flat course and the strip would be awesome at night! I will say, I can’t imagine you won’t have fun whatever you choose!
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LOVE Wine & Dine, I’d totally recommend that one!
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i did vegas this past year and it was such an amazing experience! i do want to do a disney race at some point, and wine and dine looks great, but for me, vegas was more fun. it’s a once in a lifetime experience and we had a ton of fun before and after too!
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Tough call. Both Vegas and FL have nice weather in the fall. Personally, I’d rather run at Disney only because I could bring the whole family and we’d all enjoy the Disney experience. I’ve been to both places and don’t think I’d ever tire of Disney though I’ve yet to run in either location.
Just found your blog and post doing a “RunDisney Minnesota” search. I’m starting up a Jeff Galloway training group in Minneapolis and looking to add on another half marathon training group for fall. It would be cool to offer training here in Minneapolis that coincides with a RunDisney race as well as a local one.