Hydration During Disney Races About This Page:

[tinkerbell24601]

Hey All! I am starting to plan out all my running accessories for the Princess Half Marathon (can you tell I am getting excited)? I was curious for those who have run Disney races (or other Half/Full Marathons) if you prefer to wear a hydration belt or Camelbak (I have both) or if you just hydrate at the water stops? I am trying to figure out what to do about hydrating.

Also, I know Disney has water and Powerade at the hydration stops. Does anyone know if there is a particular Powerade flavor they hand out? My favorite is the blue flavor, so I was just wondering. Thanks

[Ashli]

I've done the WDW half, and I just hydrate at the water stops. I can't drink too much while I'm running or it upsets my stomach, so a little cup of water/powerade here and there is perfect for me. I just make sure to hydrate REALLY well before and after the race and it works for me. I want to say that the Powerade I had at WDW was red in color (punch flavor?), but I can't remember for sure. Sorry!

[disney_duke]

Like Ashli, I just use the water stops during the course. They're just about every mile to mile and half, so that works out great. And you're welcome to as much or as little as you want. Due to the frequent water stops, I don't really think it's necessary to bring your own. But if you'll be training with lots of water/powerade, then definitely bring your own. I suppose you never know if you need a quick sip and then the next water stop is like a mile away or something! I've learned to train w/o it - also due to my upset tummy issues while running. I, too, hydrate a bunch prior to and then after the races! I just take tiny little sips, and even that doesn't start for me until mile 5. No powerade for me until mile 10 cuz it turns into gut-rot in my tummy. Yuck!

Powerade flavors could be anything. I've never had the red colored one during a race yet! The colors I most frequently see are the blue and the yellow. No clue what the flavors are called though.

They also hand out Clif shots around mile 9 or so during a half. Should you want/need one of these, and if you think you'll be towards the back of the pack, they may run out of "good" flavors by the time you get there. I only eat the strawberry ones. One year, all they had left was chocolate and something else. I grabbed chocolate and promptly threw it out after trying it! So I bring strawberry with me from now on!

[tinkerbell24601]

Great, thanks for the information

[mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince]

I bring my own water and my own nutrition. I've done two Disney races where they ran out of nutrition, and I am by no means in the back of the pack. I run with my water belt at home, though, so I'm used to it.

[tinkerbell24601]

Good to know! Thanks

[kadterp]

We did Wine and Dine and we brought our hydration stuff with us, but then as we were getting ready for the race, we decided not to bring them and left them in the room. Disney has lots of hydration stations...almost too many I think. The volunteers are awesome, they do a great job calling out gatorade or water so there is no confusion. Have a great time! Im so jealous! Wish I could run with you!!!

[tinkerbell24601]

Aw thanks!