RunDisney Balloon Ladies: 5 Tips to Avoid Getting Swept
In the world of runDisney events, runners have grown to fear the Balloon Ladies. If you're lacing up for your first runDisney race or you're a seasoned pro, you've likely heard of the Balloon Ladies at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Princess Half Marathon Weekend or Springtime Surprise Weekend.
The Balloon Ladies are volunteers who carry large Mickey Mouse balloons and mark the official 16-minute-per-mile pace requirement. They are more than just pacers; they are a set of friendly motivators that assure you stay on the course and don’t get “swept”.
runDisney participants are especially wary of the Balloon Ladies on longer races, like the Walt Disney World Marathon or various challenges because of the horror stories they’ve heard of runners who are swept mid race.
The Balloon Ladies start as the last people in the last corral, and when they begin, the official pace clock starts with them.
The Balloon Ladies maintain a 16 minute-per-mile pace throughout the race (though there are no race pace requirements for the 5k distance in runDisney events.
As long as you're in front of them, you are in a good position. They are the unofficial end-of-line cheer squad, providing encouragement and support to ensure you experience the full joy and accomplishment of crossing the finish line.
If you fall behind the Balloon Ladies, you’ll be swept off the race course, meaning you’ll board a bus and your race is over.
There are countless stories online of runners who, unfortunately, could not keep pace and end up swept off the race course. Don’t let these stories discourage you from registering for a runDisney event. And most of all, don’t let fear of the Balloon Ladies ruin your training or Walt Disney World race weekend plans.
Here are 6 Tips to Avoid the Balloon Ladies at your next runDisney race!
1. Submit a Proof of Time
runDisney places each running in a starting corral based, in part, on your expected finish time. To support your expected finish time, you can submit a proof of time from a different race.
Proof of time must be provided by the participant for each individual race from an officially timed 10K, 12K, 15K, 10-Mile, Half Marathon or Marathon race reflecting results within the last two (2) years.
You cannot self-time a run for proof of time.
If you’ve never run a race, it’s best to schedule a local practice race so you can obtain a proof of time to submit to runDisney.
By submitting a proof of time and getting an earlier corral, you place more distance between you and the Balloon Ladies at the back of the race.
2. Practice Your Race Pace
runDisney encourages training at least in a 15-minute-per-mile pace. Most training plans recommend lots of “easy” miles, where you are running much slower than your expected race pace.
While it’s important to run a lot of easy miles, it’s also important to make sure your body understands what your race pace will feel like. Make sure you have lots of training miles in your race pace so your body can adapt and you’ll be comfortable with your pace on race day.
3. Join a Pace Group
If you're concerned about keeping up, consider joining a pace group led by pacers. They can help you maintain a steady pace and are experienced in helping runners reach specific finish times.
runDisney races include pacers in all of the corrals and there are also typically pacers from various running clubs or communities throughout the races.
Finding pacers or pace groups gives you a group of people to bond with and motivate you through the finish.
4. Know the Course and Be Aware of Who is Around You
Race events through Disney parks are the reason why people flock to Orlando for race weekends. Because of the nature of running through and around theme parks, there are a lot of areas where the course becomes very narrow.
When there are hundreds or thousands of people all running or walking at different paces in small areas, it can make it difficult for you to run your race at race at your pace.
You may find yourself sprinting through grass to get around people walking, or slowing down because you can’t get through. All of this can throw off your mental edge, your energy level and your pace.
Study the course map in advance and be sure to visualize your race. Know there will be areas where you may have to slow down unexpectedly, hit the bathroom or grab water. Build all of these factors into your race pace when making sure you stay under the Balloon Lady pace.
5. Select an Appropriate Training Plan
Don’t get aggressive with your fitness level. Know your level of fitness before you start training and be sure to schedule your training well in advance (usually at least 16 weeks, especially for a marathon) before the race.
If you over-do your training it can lead to injury. If you under-train, you may end up swept with the Balloon Ladies.
6. Make a Decision on Character Photos Before the Race
One of the best parts of a runDisney race is the character photo opportunities throughout the course.
Most underestimate the amount of time it can take to slow down, wait in line for a photo, and then build your pace back up.
That’s not to say you should skip all of the character photos.
What’s important is to know how much time you can spare based on your pace to spend taking photos. If you are running a 15 minute pace or slower, you probably can’t afford to stop for photos.
Practice on your training runs by slowing down to a stop and waiting a few minutes, then build back up again to see how it impacts your pace.
With these tips in mind, run your race and don’t fear the Balloon Ladies.
