DISNEYLAND HALLOWEEN HALF MARATHON RACE RECAP

This previous weekend, I laced up my trainers for the extremely anticipated 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon, and what a race it was! The occasion, a part of the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, introduced collectively Disney followers and runners alike for a spooktacular problem by means of the Disneyland Resort theme parks and town of Anaheim. This yr, I took on the course dressed as Sally from The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas, and regardless of the concept that Halloween places a chill within the air, it was the climate that turned out to be scorching!

I kinda blame the warmth for my costume fail, however I’m simply comfortable to be right here (or relatively, I used to be comfortable to be there… working). So, despite the fact that I discuss that quite a bit in my race recap, I need you to know that I’m being dramatic and foolish (as I are likely to do). That makes it a extra enjoyable race recap, proper? (Sure)

All the race weekend was known as the “Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend” and that features yoga, the 5K race, 10K race, Half Marathon and Youngsters Run. (Mainly, quite a lot of the race weekend occasions have ‘half marathon’ within the title as a result of it’s a part of the title on a lot of the content material, however there are quite a lot of occasions exterior of the 13.1 mile race.)

That is the primary time Disneyland has had a Halloween themed race, so it was tremendous thrilling to have a brand new theme and totally different characters highlighted over the weekend. And it’s solely the second race Disneyland has hosted because it’s years lengthy hiatus, so it nonetheless feels very particular to have the ability to have these races again in Anaheim once more.

I ran the 10K race and Half Marathon, and I’m combining some elements of the race recaps in my video in regards to the occasions as a result of there’s quite a lot of overlap with the race programs and logistics. When you’ve got quite a lot of questions on a particular distance let me know and I can break it down if wanted. DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON & 10K RACE RECAP VIDEO

The HALF MARATHON Course: A Run Via DisneyLAND and ANAHEIM

The half marathon course was nothing in need of magical, taking runners on a journey by means of Disneyland Park, Disney California Journey, after which the encircling Anaheim streets. The course had six hydration stops alongside the best way (which had been completely important with the warmth). All of the hydration stops I noticed had been nicely stocked with water, Powerade and loads of volunteers prepared at hand you water or electrolytes.

Beginning off working exterior the parks we entered Disney California Journey earlier than mile 1, the course wound by means of Automobiles Land, which was decked out in its Haul-O-Ween finest. Operating by means of Radiator Springs with all of the neon lights and Halloween touches was undoubtedly a spotlight. Paradise Pier is perhaps my favourite a part of the course in DCA. Loads of runners stopped to take selfies with the curler coaster within the background. It’s all lit up and beautiful at that early hour.

Among the finest photograph opps in DCA was a nicely organized cease with each Jack and Sally from the Nightmare Earlier than Christmas. There have been three solid members able to take your cellphone to snap a pic and Jack & Sally walked forwards and backwards between them so every runner was able to pose, get their cellphone and get again to working once more.

After working by means of DCA we made our approach to Disneyland, straight by means of the principle entrance after which down Principal Avenue, USA – one of the vital iconic streets on the earth. One of many first belongings you see once you enter Disneyland is the large orange Mickey Mouse Jack-o-lantern on the tip of Principal Avenue (the place the Christmas tree is throughout the holidays).

Lastly made our manner by means of Principal Avenue, U.S.A., previous iconic points of interest like Sleeping Magnificence Fortress and Tomorrowland. The joys of working by means of the parks earlier than they opened to the general public is among the most particular facets of any runDisney occasion, and this yr’s Halloween theme made it further thrilling with spooky decorations and costumed characters cheering us on.

The race course didn’t take us by the Haunted Mansion, however the hitchhiking ghosts had been on the course for a photograph opp close to the Matterhorn bobsled trip.

Operating as Sally from The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas

My Sally costume from The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas felt good for this race theme. The character’s patchwork skirt and stitched look match proper in with the Halloween spirit of the race. The working skirt is from Sparkle Athletic, they all the time hit it out of the park with the Run Disney race themes!

I truly modified up what I used to be going to put on final minute as a result of the climate forecast mentioned it was going to be so HOT. The forecast excessive for the day was 102 to 104 levels. OVER 100 levels on race day, is perhaps the most popular I’ve skilled and I’ve run quite a lot of half marathons and full marathons, together with races in the summertime in California.

I laid out my ‘Flat Runner’ the night time earlier than and snapped an image. However, I used to be having second ideas about my Sally prime as a result of it wasn’t working gear wick put on and I knew I’d get overly scorching very quick. I grabbed my field of working tank tops and picked one other one which jogged my memory of her blue-ish pores and skin and swapped it for the new t-shirt. I’m so glad I did that, despite the fact that I want to get extra into my costumes beneath regular situations. Oh nicely, subsequent time!

I hoped to run by means of the Haunted Mansion-themed areas of Disneyland Park (since they redecorate that trip to be Nightmare Earlier than Christmas themed throughout Halloween and Christmas). Fortunately, Sally acquired just a few shoutouts from fellow runners and Disney solid members alongside the best way, which added to the enjoyable.

The Climate: Hotter Than Halloween Ought to Be

One factor that undoubtedly stood out about this yr’s half marathon was the warmth. It was HOT! Though it was early morning (the race began at 5am), the temperature shortly rose, making the race rather more difficult than anticipated. By the point we hit the ultimate miles, the solar was totally out, and we had been all feeling it.

Fortunately, the organizers had hydration stations unfold out completely alongside the course. Between the water and electrolyte drinks (it was blue Powerade) the runDisney group did a superb job maintaining us hydrated and protected. But it surely was undoubtedly one of many hottest races I’ve achieved, and pacing was key to creating positive I completed robust.

Closing Ideas: A Scorching, Haunted Success

Regardless of the warmth, the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon was an unforgettable expertise. From the beautiful race course that took us by means of among the most iconic Disney points of interest to the spooky but enjoyable Halloween decorations, it was a race that really captured the magic of Disney. And seeing all the opposite runners of their Halloween themed costumes made the occasion really feel like one large occasion.

If you happen to’re contemplating working this race subsequent yr, make sure to put together for a suprise with the climate—however relaxation assured, the enjoyable and magic will greater than make up for it!

Professional Ideas for Future Runners:

• Hydrate early and infrequently. The warmth caught quite a lot of runners off guard this yr, so keep forward of it by hydrating nicely earlier than the race.
• Costume up! A part of the magic of runDisney occasions is the unimaginable costumes runners put on. If that’s your factor – go for it!
• Tempo your self. The warmth can take a toll, so ensure you begin gradual and save power for the previous couple of miles.

Operating by means of Disneyland is a dream come true for Disney followers, and the Halloween Half Marathon is a must-do for individuals who love the spooky season. Trying ahead to subsequent yr’s race! Will you be there?

Watch the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend Recap Video right here