Crowds at the Olympic marathon trials? I doubt there will be many apart from close family, friends and coaches of the athletes. Sad but true.
Wish the downtown Orlando hotel prices for that weekend represented an expected lack of crowds because they certainly are asking a lot for hotels.
I pretty much gave up on any local hotels after just a few inquiries. And too bad the NFL made that announcement the same week we learned of the Trials course and start time. Last year's 'revamped' Pro Bowl had nearly 60,000 fans. I grabbed an AirBnB 1 block from the course with 2 bedrooms for less than the hotels are asking.
There is a usatf members discount for some hotel brand. If you are a member might be worth checking into. Also the noon start should make staying aways away possible. You could get there even from GA without much trouble.