You will never find a happier race in the world! There is something magical at Disneyland for children, but in early September the dwarves, princesses and princes step aside for thousands of adults to experience the magic. The scenery is unlike any you will encounter on any other race, and the weather is perfect for a fall jot through Anaheim.
Add on a fast, flat course and you see why thousands of runners scramble to the finish line of the Disney Half Marathon each year.
Race History
The Disney Half Marathon is offered by the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The complex offers a variety of sporting events throughout the year, and the race is just one of their more popular offerings.
This has been one of the most exciting half marathons in California for many years, though limited information can be found regarding dates and circumstances of the very first race.
Race Course
The race starts at Disneyland California Adventure Park and leads through Disneyland Park. It also explores the streets of Anaheim, California, visiting all of the following along the way:
– Honda Center
– Santa Ana River
– Angel Stadium
– Disney Paradise Pier Hotel
– Disneyland Hotel
The race comes to an end at the Disneyland Hotel, so that is the perfect place to get a room if you are traveling in from another state or even another country.
What makes the Disney Half Marathon course stand out from all other marathons is the unique scenery.
This is the only half marathon that allows you to explore the many faces of Disneyland as well as the most notable landmarks in Anaheim. The atmosphere is lively and the race is known as the “happiest race in the world!”
What might make you happiest is hearing that the course for this half marathon is completely flat and is known as one of the fastest available right now. If your goal is to break your fastest time, this could be the race that allows you to meet that goal.
Registering for the Disney Half Marathon
You have to register early for the Disneyland Half Marathon, because there are a designated number of slots and they do sell out early in the year. Registration for the event opens in January, and it is common for the race to completely sell out within a couple months.
There is also the Pasta in the Park event held the night before the race, and that sells out even faster. If you do not have your Pasta tickets by early January, chances are you will not be enjoying the carb loading in the park with the characters of Disney.
You will also need to make travel arrangements, and the best hotels will sell out equally as fast as the race. It is best to book everything early so you know your weekend will be enjoyable and hassle free. The Disney Hotel is the best place to stay, since that is where the finish line for the race will be placed.
Training for the Disney Half Marathon
There is a sixteen minute per mile required minimum pace for the Disneyland Half Marathon. Race staff actively picks up runners who fall behind this pace and drops them off at the end point.
While this is a fun race for those completing their very first half marathon, you have to make sure you can keep up with that pace. It is a good idea to set that pace or something a bit faster as your training goal. This way you are prepared to keep up with the race on the big day.
Want to Visit Disneyland?
Many racers sign up for the Disneyland Half Marathon because they want to turn the race experience into a vacation for the entire family. If this is your plan, note that you do not gain entrance to the park for casual enjoyment with entry into the race.
You must still purchase separate park tickets if you want to visit on another day during your trip. When you enter for the race you will be limited as to where you can go and what you can do.
If you call the park and specify that you are signing up for the half marathon, it is possible to get discounted tickets purchased as a package for this special event. You have to call ahead to see what special deals may be offered the year you want to race.
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