Many runners choose Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for destination races that can be combined with a family vacation. Disney World Sports offers a series of endurance races capped off with the popular January marathon and half marathon weekend. Disney World races are known for several things:
- flat course
- beginner and walker friendly race pace
- excellent spectator support along the race course
There are four half marathons spread throughout the year at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Disney began holding the full 26.2-mile marathon in 1994. A Donald Duck-themed half marathon was added several years later. Runners and walkers can choose to do the half marathon alone or can combine it with the full marathon to complete the 39.3 mile Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge. This is the biggest of the half marathons with over 12,000 finishers per year. Race weekend also includes a themed 5K and children's races. The half marathon race course includes a trip through EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.
Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The Princess Half Marathon began in 2009 at Walt Disney World and is focused on women athletes. The finishers medal is a sparkly, bejeweled tiara. Athletes are asked to choose their favorite princess when registering. Princess trivia questions are placed on signs along the course in addition to various princess cast members who are available for photo opportunities. Princess athletes also have the opportunity to race through Cinderella's castle.
Men are allowed to participate in the race, but are not eligible for prizes. The Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place in early March and includes a 5K and kids' races.
Disneyland's Half Marathon Weekend
Billed as the "Happiest Race on Earth", the Disneyland Half Marathon is usually scheduled for Labor Day weekend in September. It began in 2006 and usually includes more than 11,000 racers. The course takes runners and walkers through Anaheim, visiting the Honda Center and Angel Stadium. Participants also go through the California Adventure theme park as well as Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland. Those people finishing the Disneyland Half Marathon along with one of the Florida races, receive a special Coast-to-Coast medal to commemorate their achievement.
Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon
The newest addition to the Disney half marathon schedule is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon in October which will begin in 2010 at Walt Disney World. This will be a night race and promises a course different from that of the Donald or Princess half marathons. It replaces the Race for the Taste 10K and the Tower of Terror 13K. Events during race weekend will include a 5K and children's races.
There are several half marathon options at Disney to accommodate various race and vacation schedules. Runners and walkers looking for a fun, low-key race atmosphere should check out a half marathon at one of the Disney resorts.
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