I got a message from a friend a couple weeks ago who admitted she had slacked on her training and asked me if she should even try the Princess Half Marathon. My advice was if she wanted to try the race, go for it but just know that they might have to pull her off the course if she cannot keep of the minimum pace. The reality of most large races is eventually they need to open up the roads closed for runner safety and volunteers and paid race staff need to go home. This is especially true for the Princess Half Marathon and runDisney race because much of the course on the roads between the parks does NOT have sidewalks. If you cannot maintain a 16 minute mile pace and fall behind the dreaded “balloon ladies” you are in danger of being forced to quit the race also known as being “swept”.
Of course it’s NOT like a scene from the 70’s Sci Fi classic film “Soylent Green” with the scoop trucks sweeping people up off the road but talk on social media message boards and you can taste the fear of the sweepers and this scene always comes to my mind. I say to you:
That being said, I do think you need to be prepared to avoid the sweepers if you want to finish the race. Some things to consider:
- The 16 minute mile minimum pace that you must stay ahead STARTS when the very last runners cross the starting line at the race.
- At Disney Races, these last to start runners are known as the Balloon Ladies because they will have a balloon to try to make them easier to spot.
- The Balloon Ladies are volunteer pacers who maintain a 16 minute mile. They are there to encourage and help runners stay ahead of the minimum pace. Fall behind them and you are in danger of being swept. My friend Patty did a GREAT post and interview with the Balloon Ladies Here so you can learn all about them.
- If you see someone running with a balloon and are concerned if they are “The Balloon Ladies”, don’t be shy, go ask. I have known some pace groups to use a balloon also for members to stay with them. Talk about putting fear into people!
Here’s what happens when you fall behind:
- runDisney races have the people on bikes who will warn runners who are behind the minimum pace of the Balloon Ladies and are at risk of being swept. I have heard they are also very encouraging and will let you know when the next point of being swept – typically it will be at the next mile marker. Note: Medical personnel are also on bikes, if you are freaked out when you see a bike, don’t be shy ASK “Am I Safe?”.
- If you look in the photo below, you can see a 2 yellow buses behind the 8 mile sign. This was one of the sweeper points on this race – there are several along the course. Once the 16 minute mile pace of the balloon ladies has crossed this point, the road is closed to runners who are told they need to get on the bus. The bus literally pulls across and blocks the road.
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| Keep in mind, the minimum pace for this point would be right at 2 hours and 8 minutes. This clock represents the time the FIRST group crossed the starting line – NOT the time the Balloon ladies started. I started in Corral C and saw the Balloon Ladies after this stretch. Our photo stops really put us in danger of being swept. |
- Runners who do not finish all 13.1 miles and are forced to quit will receive a race medal – the same medal as all who finish . Swept runners ride the bus to the finish area.
- I have heard the bus ride is very quiet and can be full of tears. I have also heard of people trying to refuse to quit; there is no arguing your way back into the race.
- I have heard the ride back to the start referred to the “Bus Of Shame” buy some. I disagree, sometimes just having the courage to start the race, is far more noble in my mind than knowing you can finish. How many people do you know who will attempt 13.1 miles – and get up at 2:30am to attempt do it?!
If you are worried about the sweepers, which we ALL have been there, please keep these points in mind.
- Have you trained consistently, up to minimum mileage for your training program at between 15-16 minute miles? Answer YES, you are good.
- Have you figured out your fueling needs and are well hydrated the week leading up to the race..that is good too. Here are some good hydration tips from Olympian Jeff Galloway.
- Are your dealing with an injury – um, been there done that. Be realistic in your goals….if there is a chance you will not finish because of your injury, accept it NOW and just do your best and set a mini goal. Mine was, I will make it to the Castle…I did and I finished.
- Have you slacked in your training, um been there done that too. If you think there is a chance you will not make 13.1 miles, go ahead and accept it before you start – and set some kind of mini goal…get to the Castle is a good one!
- Character photos and bathroom stops will add to your pace per mile, so plan accordingly and pay attention to your time. The further up you star in the Corrals, the more “extra” time you have to finish the race but pay attention to your time, Character Photos and bathroom stops, do eat into your finish time as illustrated here.
- If you see the balloon ladies and worried, just run with them. It’s the safest way to know you are “safe” is to have them on your heals.
- Race conditions in Florida in February could be vastly different from the area you train in – probably hotter and more humid. Slow down to accommodate for the heat. Jeff Galloway gave some great tips here on this very topic.
- You are running on the road. WATCH OUT for reflective lane markers, they are easy to trip on.
- Watch where you are going – it’s a crowded race and easy to bump into other runners. Also, be extra careful if you leave the course to go to character photo line or bathroom – don’t just STOP in front of runners.
People are swept for a variety of reasons: injuries, lack of training, dehydration, mentally just quit, accidents on race course, etc. And yes, can be VERY close behind the balloon ladies and get swept.
Try not to worry, trust your training and remember, race day adrenaline will get you far! And if you get swept, don’t despair. I have known runners who had “DNF” engraved on their medals which stands for “Did Not Finish” and used the medal as motivation. I have known racers who were swept once or twice and came back to finish a race the next year, what an accomplishment that is! Be proud of having the courage to start the race.
Are you concerned with getting swept? What do you do to ease your fears or help calm friends who might be?
For more info on the Princess Half Marathon from my perspective, including race course Restrooms (real ones, not Port O Potties), My Recaps and other info, check out my runDisney Page.
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Thanks for this encouraging post! I have never really been a runner, but I have really found myself wishing that I WAS just for the fun of the Disney races. I’m a Disney fanatic and the thought of enjoying another aspect of Disney that I have never experienced is very exciting! I thought a person needed to be a top-notch competitive runner to participate. I’m in pretty good shape and I can walk quickly, and now I am thinking that maybe it would be possible for me to participate in the Wine and Dine in November. Even though I’m a non-runner, I can start a training program and just be ready to jog a little and quickly walk the rest of the way!
rundisney puts a training schedule out for each race. If you commit to you, you will do well! Good luck, I am not fast, but I get it done!
We just out ran the sweepers last week. Just past mile 9 a man with a badge held up 4 fingers and said, “You’re 4 minutes ahead of the cut off. Pick up the pace.” My daughter and I ran like it was the Hunger Games. Unfortunately that sprint did me in. I don’t remember much of the last 3 miles. My daughter pulled and I just put one foot in front of the other. I was barely able to stand. Strangers gave me gels and gum. The balloon ladies passed us in Epcot. They yelled, “keep up with us for facebook credit”. I couldn’t do it at that point. We were safe though. We finished together. The sight of that bus being pulled across the road at mile 10 that we saw from the bridge will haunt me forever. They were so close.
We outran the balloon ladies in last weekend at the Princess. At mile 9 they said “You are 4 minutes ahead of the cut off” My daughter and I ran like it was the Hunger Games. Unfortunately that sprint did me in. I don’t even remember the last 3 miles. My daughter pulled me and I put one foot in front of the other. The balloon ladies passed us in Epcot. They said, “keep up with us for facebook credit”. I contend at that point they were going faster than 16min/mi. There was no way at that point I could have matched them. However, we were safe. We finished together. However, looking down from the bridge/overpass and seeing the bus being pulled across the road will haunt me forever.
Nice job! Its very scary to be in the back..we all want to finish. Way to hang in there…my heart literally sank each time I saw a “Parade Bus”.
Not of one with a medal. But the photo taken from above it looks like. From the actual finishline area
Hello. I was unfortunately one of the ones who got swept. I made a friend while run/walking. She was at risk of being swept as well. Her calf started cramping and she didnt think she could finish. I believe she was on a sweep bus right after me. I see that she got a picture at the finish. Her marathonfoto shows her “finishing”. I’m guessing that after I got dropped off I went in a different direction. Were people who got swept still allowed to “cross the finish” and get their picture taken? Or did I miss something? I was swept before her, but she was inevitably going to be swept as the balloon ladies were ahead of us. Does anyone have insight on this?
SO there is a photo crossing the finish line? or with the backdrop and her medal? I have heard they drop you off, let me do some investigation, just curious now. Can you send me an email and I will try to find out what I can.
KT Tape Too……… I’v Started Yoga And Using A Rolling Pin After My ITB Inflammation And Quad Strain. ThankYou For This. I’M Up To Over 8 Miles Post Injury And My Time Is High 12S To Low 14S On A DreadMill. Xoxo Good Luck To all
You are most welcome….. here’s to your recovery! I love the KT tape myself!
I know I’ve said this before…but where was this blog last year when I was FREAKING out? I finished last year’s PHM with the balloon ladies. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Great information in this blog.
Thanks Allyson. The balloon ladies are super nice – hey whatever it takes to finish right?
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(sorry, wrong google name up above!) Julie, this isn’t really about the sweepers but wanted to leave you a little note…I have read a ton of PHM reports in the last couple years, working up to my first half. I ran across your 2011 report though today and I CRIED. A few times! Such a similar story, I have been training for a year (after spending 10 months out with PF…which finally healed) and got up to 10 miles a couple weeks ago (6 weeks from PHM). Runners knee hit me out of nowhere and I have not been able to get up over 3 miles since. I’m resting a ton because getting to the race less injured is the goal. I just wanted you to know that your race report was really fantastic to read and made me feel like there’s hope for me to finish!
OK “Karen”….LOL, but seriously, BIOFREEZE. Its on the course alot. I slathered so much of that stuff on my ankles down my shoes they had blue stains after the race. If you are seeing a PT, have them give you realistic expectation. Ånd if you can make it INTO the Magic Kingdom for the Castle Pic, you are good to go….of course I am rooting for you to go all the way, but trust me when I say ‘I KNOW THE COURAGE IT TAKES TO START WITH THE POSSIBILITY YOU WON”T FINISH AND WILL BE ON THE BUS”. Keep me posted – so glad my quite verbose recap helped out. I cried like a baby when I finished that race!
Thank you so much Julie!! I’m in a good corral and I can walk with no pain, so if I HAVE to walk some of it at the end b/c of pain I will…but I intend to finish! I’ve worked too hard not to! Biofreeze. check!
This post is so great 🙂 as of right now, I’m not worried about getting swept, but I definitely was worried last year! It was my first half marathon and I thought I would stop at everything, but I didn’t. I plan on only stopping at my favorite characters again this year 🙂 also hoping to start in the earlier corrals…so we’ll see! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks Rachel, at the Wine and Dine half my calves started cramping up after mile 10…never happened to me before. I worried a second and then said “oh well, what can I do, if they pick me up they pick me up”…and I was able to enjoy the last SLOW 3 miles….without getting swept. I really want the Minnie and Mickey photo, which has been the longest line I remember….we shall see….. for sure I am not stopping as much this year as last.
It’s ok to “fail.” But I don’t think anyone who starts a race fails. Those balloon ladies are so sweet!
Tried to make that point…….the thing is, sometimes life happens and we can’t train like we wanted, so all we can do is just do our best….no failure in that!
Last year was my first Princess and I was so afraid of being swept. It didn’t happen, but I think the worry kept me from stopping as often as I would have liked and I feel like I missed part of the fun last year. But I know what to expect now, and I think that will help too.
Yep, its very scary your first race….. but really nothing to worry about if you have prepared. Have a great race this year Suzanne!
Having been a “bus rider” in a previous race, I can tell you there are a range of mixed emotions that come with having to board that bus. It isn’t horrible, the people on the bus are SUPER nice, very consoling and very encouraging. There are a number of reasons that make it harder for some people to complete a race of 13.1 miles. There is no shame in TRYING, which is SO much better than NOT trying at all! What *IS* almost unbearable however, are the people who constantly try to belittle you and make you feel as though you shouldn’t accept your medal if you don’t cross the finish line. It is heartbreaking enough, and I have written to Disney and BEGGED them to just stop calling it a “Finishers Medal”. We all know that whether you get off the bus, or you cross the line – you are granted a medal. Disney decides it, not the race population. It is treasured most of the time no matter how you get it. I was pretty sure before I started that I wouldn’t be able to finish, so I was prepared to accept that – but everyone was SO nice and the lady after I got off the bus had such a kind look on her face when she gave me my medal. I am going to try again this year and hope to do better for sure!! But my bus ride was not the end of the world – we had an ABSOLUTELY wonderful weekend and you will too!!!
So please encourage people that slower runners have feelings too – and they do not require the people who finish quickly to give up their medal so others can have one, they have enough for everyone – and it’s very special to EVERYONE! So just enjoy your day no matter how your race ends! 🙂 I’ll see you at the finish line!! :-))
Lisa thanks so much for sharing this with my readers. I wish you the best this year….. just keep moving forward and do your best, its all that we can do. I do think the fact people get up SO early to attempt something not a lot of people would try is incredibly brave and worth celebrating.
This post actually brought a tear to my eye. I have been training for this race since last March and have gotten my 13.1 mile time to a little over 2 hours. I am now on the injured list ( but refuse to sit this race out). Even with the injury I never thought I would be in any danger of getting swept up. I practiced just walking just to make sure and I can do 10 miles in 2 hours. But now your post has made it all too real for me. There IS a possibility that I may not finish and this scares me! Thanks for listening to me babble!
BEEN THERE in 2011! My PT told me, “I think you will finish, but be prepared to get on the bus if you are in pain”. Sounds like you are in great shape though if you can walk the 10 miles in 2 hours…rumor has it after 10 miles you are safe…THOUGH in the past, you had to make it to 11 or 12. Don’t waste a moment worrying, just get out there race day, enjoy and run your race. I bet I see you at the Finish!
I ran my first marathon paranoid of the balloon ladies but I managed to cross the finish line. I love posts like this one. It’s important to remind ourselves that it is part of the challenge and more importantly that when we fall, we get back up again.
Thanks Frank. So many people are afraid to fail, but there is such courage in just trying sometimes.