It’s official! The much-anticipated inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon is coming to France from September 23-25, 2016. Disney announced the new race at the start of the Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Walt Disney World in Florida on February 22, 2015.
No other information about the race has been released just yet. But you can register your interest at DisneylandParis.com to get more details about the event and registration when it’s released.
My husband has been trying to get me to Paris since we first met seven years ago. As a native Montrealer, he speaks French fluently, attended French school while living abroad as a child, lived and worked in Paris in college, and loves all things French. Methinks this will finally get us to book the trip. I’ve only been to Paris once about 15 years ago. So I’m definitely overdue. I think a runDisney race is the perfect excuse.
How about you? Aspirations to run the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon in 2016?
As a member of the media, I have attended runDisney events courtesy of Disney. But as always, all opinions are purely my own. I really do believe in being honest about my experiences. For more information read my Disclosure Policy.
The Disney Princess Half Marathon is finally here! Time for the running costume reveal!
Today, I ran the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K as Shredded and Torn Cinderella. It was a bit too cold for my costume as planned—barely 40 degrees!—so I added some arm sleeves.
Torn Cinderella
And best moment of the day: my photo opp with Cinderella! We got a great before and after shot. Thanks Fairy Godmother! Cinderella looks much better after a little magic.
Before and After
But what will I wear to the Disney Princess Half Marathon? On Friday, my sister and I ran as Disney’s most infamous sisters—Anastasia and Drizella. Read the rest of this entry →
What to wear for the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K? You all know I’m obsessed with Cinderella. She’s my boo. I’ve run three runDisney races as Cinderella:
At Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (Photo: brightroom)
Carrie & Kelly of Sparkle Athletic were my inspiration. (Photo: Disney)
Cue up “Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale.” It’s time for a little music lesson with Drizella and Anastasia Tremaine, Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters. And, oh, are they nasty. But what fun costumes!
Above is a little sneak peek at my Drizella running costume. We borrowed the idea wholesale from the ladies of Sparkle Athletic, who kindly geared us out for the occasion. If you’re ever looking for costume ideas, be sure to check out their running costume gallery!
If you see us at the race, please say hello! We might just stick out tongues out at you, but only because we’re “in character.”
After playing a bevy of beauties like Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, and Esmeralda at runDisney races, it will be fun to be bad!
As a member of the media, I’m attending the Disney Princess Half Marathon courtesy of runDisney. But as always, all opinions are purely my own. I really do believe in being honest about my experiences. For more information read my Disclosure Policy.
Running with my Prince Charming at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. (Photo: brightroom)
Although this weekend snuck up on me, I’m incredibly excited. It will be my seventh runDisney race, second time at Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and the first doing the Glass Slipper Challenge. For a gal who named her dog Cinderella, this is pretty exciting stuff.
But even more important than earning a Cinderella-themed medal is the woman who will be by my side: my sister.
Back in 2012, my husband (then fiancé) and I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon as Cinderella and Prince Charming, where he paced me to a new personal best. I’d been training hard and was really excited for the race.
My sister and her kids came along for vacation too. My niece and nephew ran in the runDisney Kids Race, and Sis was out there early on half-marathon morning cheering me on along the course and at the finish.
She’s long been one of my best supporters, coming out to root for me at the Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon, and other races, often with a home-made sign in hand. Read the rest of this entry →
The 2015 New Balance runDisney Retro Collection (Photo: Disney)
New Balance and runDisney are at it again! New Balance announced the release of another pair of Disney shoes for the 2015 runDisney Retro Mickey and Minnie collection.
The new 860v5 are a performance shoe meant to compliment the previously released 990v3 recovery Retro Mickey and Minnie shoes. Steamboat Willie, Mickey’s Mouse’s debut character in 1928, was the inspiration for both styles, along with New Balance’s classic styling. Using black, grey, and white like the original black-and-white film, the shoes also feature musical notes and images of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
The 860v5 is a stability shoe with soft cushioning for runners who overpronate moderately. Two levels of foam make up the midsole with a lightweight TBeam for stability and arch support, along with an asymmetrical heel counter for added stability. The upper is a stretch air mesh with no-sew overlay for lots of wiggle room in the toes. And mono mesh paired with an underlay create a secure mid-foot wrap. Read the rest of this entry →
Nick Arciniaga wins the 2014 Disneyland Half Marathon. (Photo: Jimmy DeFlippo/runDisney)
The 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in Anaheim, California from September 3-6 sold out in a matter of hours. But you can still register for the Disneyland Half Marathon, Dumbo Double Dare, the Disneyland 10K, and Disneyland 5K through charity and tour groups.
The Dumbo Double Dare, Disneyland 10K, runDisney Kids Races, and Disneyland 5K all broke their sell-out records from 2014. The Dumbo Double Dare and Disneyland 10k closed in approximately 30 minutes in 2015. The runDisney Kids races filled up in about 90 minutes and the 5K followed in roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes. The Disneyland Half Marathon sold-out the next day. Tickets for the Pasta in the Park Party, 10th Anniversary Party, and ChEAR Squad remain.
But if you really want to be a part of the sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, you still can if you register through a charity or tour group. Contact the following groups directly to find out how to register for the race through them. Charities will ask runners to raise a certain amount of money for participating in the race, and tour groups may require purchase of a travel package. Read the rest of this entry →
Registration for the Disneyland Half Marathon 2015 Weekend presented by Cigna opens Tuesday, February 10, 2015. The title half-marathon celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. For the occasion, runDisney has added a special 10th anniversary medal and Disneyland Half Marathon Anniversary Party to the schedule.
The race weekend from September 3-6 in Anaheim, California includes the Disneyland Half Marathon, Disneyland 10K, Dumbo Double Dare, and Disneyland 5K, all presented by Cigna. And don’t forget the runDisney Kids Races, Pasta in the Park Party, Disneyland Half Marathon Anniversary Party, and free runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, where runners can snap up a pair of the coveted New Balance runDisney sneakers.
The new Disneyland Half Marathon Anniversary party on Thursday, September 3 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. will be a ticketed event with entertainment, character meet and greets, and Disneyland attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain. Runners at the party will also have exclusive access to Disneyland’s “Paint the Night” Parade, part of the park’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration.
The Disneyland Half Marathon tours runners from Disney California Adventure Park to Disneyland Park and through the streets of Anaheim and Angel Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels. The flat, single loop course has a reputation for fast times, that is, if you don’t stop to take photos with the Disney characters, marching bands, and other entertainers lining the way.
Last year, 15,979 runners finished the Disneyland Half Marathon and another 9,608 ran the Disneyland 10K. Over 5,700 of them completed the Dumbo Double Dare, running the 10K and half-marathon on back-to-back days. Runners came from all 50 U.S. states and 26 countries for the races.
Disneyland Half Marathon 2014 Sell Out Times
If you want to run at the Disneyland Half Marathon 2015 Weekend, be prepared to register right away. All of the 35,500 bibs at the 2014 Disneyland Half Marathon sold out in 12 hours.
Dumbo Double Dare runners (Photo: runDisney)
The Dumbo Double Dare filled up in just 41 minutes. The Disneyland 10K sold out in 53 minutes, followed by the runDisney Kids Races, which closed in 2 hours and 48 minutes. The Disneyland Half Marathon itself sold out in 9 hours and 20 minutes, while the Disneyland 5K closed in 12 hours and 13 minutes.
Will 2015 prove to be an even faster sell-out? The 10th anniversary of the Disneyland Half Marathon is sure to lure some extra runners. The Dumbo Double Dare and Disneyland 10K are now in their third year.
The new Star Wars-themed race weekend includes the title Star Wars Half Marathon, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, runDisney Kids Races and the two-day Star Wars Rebel Challenge, where runners complete the 10K and half-marathon on back-to-back days. All told 23,000 runners are scheduled to take part in the races, with many of them registered for multiple events.
Runners earn finisher medals themed to the franchise, with characters from the movies appearing along the course.
Here’s a look at runDisney’s newest race weekend by the numbers.
Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend By The Numbers
209,000—runners who take part in runDisney events each year
28,950—registrations for the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend
Angela Brito of Ecuador is the first female at the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon. (Preston Mack/Disney, photographer)
The Walt Disney World Marathon 2015 Weekend presented by Cigna from January 7-11 at Walt Disney World in Florida wraps up Sunday with the title event, a 26.2-mile tour of Mickey Mouse’s realm.
The medal haul from the Dopey Challenge. (Photo: runDisney)
The four-day extravaganza is the largest running festival in the U.S. with 84,150 registrations and an estimated 65,000 finishers in the weekend’s five events: Walt Disney World Marathon, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, Walt Disney World 10K, Walt Disney World 5K and runDisney Kids Races.
Here’s a look at Mickey Mouse’s favorite race by the numbers.
Walt Disney World Marathon 2015 By The Numbers
209,000—runners who take part in runDisney events each year
84,150—registrations for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Do you want adventure in the great wide somewhere? Do you want it more than you can tell? You might be a Belle!
One year ago today, I put together this Belle running costume for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Over the last two years, I’ve run every race at that event—the marathon in 2013 and the 5K, 10K and half-marathon in 2014—and in costume too.
I wore Belle’s blue “provincial” dress at the inaugural Walt Disney World 10K. Apart from Aladdin‘s Jasmine, this might be the most basic of all the costumes I’ve made. It also might be the most sewing I’ve ever done. That said, it was all hand-stitched in one evening and I have zero sewing skills. I mean, I never even took home economic. If I can do it, anyone can.
But I also chose this costume because it’s really easy to run in. If you have brown or auburn hair like me, no wig is necessary. In this look, Belle’s hair is pulled back, which I prefer when I run. And if you forgo a basket and book, this costume doesn’t need any props. It was made for running.
How To Make A “Beauty & The Beast” Blue Belle Running Costume
Gather all the pieces for the costume. The sewing tools I used were:
After the Walt Disney World 10K (Photo: MarathonFoto.com)
1. Needle and thread
2. Safety pins
The costume items I used are:
1. Sparkle skirt
2. Blue shorts
3. Old pillowcase for apron
4. Ribbon for apron
5. Sparkle fabric for shirt
6. Old T-shirt for blouse
7. Sparkle Sleeves (It was SO hot and humid on race day, I ended up not wearing them)
The 2015 Retro Mickey and Minnie shoes (runDisney)
UPDATE 2/14/15: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Runners can sign up at nbvirtualqueue.com using their bib numbers starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, February 19 for an early chance to buy the shoes at the Disney Princess Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. Everyone else (and runners too) can sign up at 6 a.m. on Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21. The queue is first come, first served. Scroll down for more info on buying the New Balance Disney running shoes.
UPDATE 1/14/15: Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend
Runners can sign up at nbvirtualqueue.com using their bib numbers starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, January 15 for an early chance to buy the shoes at the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend Health & Fitness Expo. Everyone else (and runners too) can sign up at 6 a.m. on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17. The queue is first come, first served. Scroll down for more info on buying the New Balance Disney running shoes.
2015 Disney Running Shoes Unveiled
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna from January 7-11 is just around the corner, which means the arrival of the 2015 New Balance Disney running shoes!
2015 Retro Minnie Shoes (runDisney)
New Balance announced they’re releasing a new limited edition runDisney shoe for 2015: Retro Mickey and Retro Minnie 990v3 inspired by Steamboat Willie, the black and white film that introduced the iconic mice to the world in 1928. The new pairs of kicks (above) debut at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Health & Fitness Expo starting January 7.
The black and white shoes in men’s sizes ranging from 7 to 15, and grey and white in women’s sizes ranging from 5.5 to 12, have musical notes on the front sole, images of Mickey and Minnie, character signatures and Mickey heads on the liners. They will sell for $185. Check out a 360 degree view of the shoes and scroll to find out how to buy them.
The 2014 shoes
2014 Disney Running Shoes Return
Didn’t get your hands on any of the 2014 shoes? Not to worry! New Balance is bringing them back to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna in Florida and Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend presented by Sierra Nevada Corporation from January 15-18 at Disneyland in California. That includes the stability 860v4 Sorcerer Mickey & Pink Minnie Disney running shoes and the neutral 890v4 Goofy & Cinderella Disney running shoes.
How To Buy New Balance Disney Running Shoes in 2015
Want to snap up a pair of the 2014 or 2015 Disney running shoes? They’re only available at runDisney race expos throughout the year. Your first chance is coming up soon at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
The only way to get a spot to buy the shoes is through NBvirtualqueue.com. At Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, two of the four expo sales days are reserved exclusively for runners, with the general public able to make an appointment to buy shoes during the other two days. Read the rest of this entry →
This is it, runDisney fans: your last chance to run the Expedition Everest Challenge at Walt Disney World in Florida. Registration for the May 1-2, 2015 race weekend opens Tuesday, December 16 at 12 pm ET. After that, runDisney will bid namaste to the Yeti’s signature event.
Cargo net crawl (runDisney)
The Expedition Everest Challenge is a mash-up of a 5K obstacle run and scavenger hunt through Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park starting at 10 p.m. Themed to the Expedition Everest roller coaster and its mythical (or real?) Himalayan Yeti, runners complete about five miles total between the 5K and scavenger hunt.
Runners earn a compass medal for running the 5K with three obstacles—often a tire run, cargo net crawl, and hay bale jump—then solving a series of clues around the park to complete the scavenger hunt. Participants can compete as individuals or in teams that complete the race together.
The compass medal
Where are they running to? A late-night post-race party inside Animal Kingdom, of course, with entertainment and wait-free rides like Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and DINOSAUR, which go until 2:30 a.m. Race registration includes entrance to the party. Friends and family can buy party tickets to join you too.
I’ve never run this one, but it’s long been on my list. That medal might be the best one in the entire runDisney collection. Maybe this will finally be the year… Read the rest of this entry →
A Whole New World of running costumes! (Photo: Marathon Foto)
In honor of the 2014 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, I thought I’d share how I put together an Aladdin and Jasmine running costume for my husband and me. We dressed as the duo at the 2013 race, and had a blast in the process.
Aladdin and Jasmine were definitely the easiest of the running costumes I’ve put together:
Honestly, this is a costume that anyone could make. If you want to put together your own Jasmine and Aladdin Disney running costumes, here’s my step-by-step “How To.”
How To Make A Jasmine Running Costume
Gather all the pieces you need to transform into Jasmine. I have zero background in sewing, so the sewing tools I used are:
Runners, your last chances to buy the 2014 Disney New Balance shoes are here: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World in Florida from November 7-8, and Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland in California from November 14-15.
The procedure for buying the Disney New Balance shoes will be the same for each race. Registered runners have the chance to get an appointment at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo on Friday of each race weekend. The general public can march straight to the expo on Saturday. Runners can also go to the expo on Saturday.
How To Buy Disney New Balance Shoes At Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Registered runners can sign up with their bib number online at NBvirtualQueue.com, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Friday, November 7 to get an early bird appointment to try on and buy Disney New Balance shoes.
2014 Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Shoe
You can reserve one style and size through the virtual queue, and pick up to five more pairs at your appointment.
Spectators and other shoppers can buy the Disney New Balance shoes at the expo on Saturday. For more information and to sign-up, visit NBvirtualQueue.com.
After you sign-up, you’ll get a text or e-mail confirming your group letter and a time to return to the expo. Then you’ll get a second notification when it’s time to high-tail it to the expo for your appointment. Head to the New Balance tent to check in near the West Entrance to the Jostens Center. They’ve got a queue that tells you when it’s your turn. Read the rest of this entry →
I’m not the fastest runner and I’m not the slowest, but I am a running nerd. A journalist by trade, I love to research, read, learn and cogitate. So stick with me. Like all good nerds, I’ll do the homework and share it. But the running is up to you!
