Running Disney

I've run about 60 races over the past 18 years, but last weekend I ran my first runDisney races at Disneyland. Despite being a veteran runner, I wasn't quite sure what to expect other than they would be big and a bit chaotic.  I was pleasantly surprised, okay maybe not surprised since Disney has mastered crowd control.

After a full day at Disneyland, Mr. PS took the kids to the pool so that I could enjoy the race festivities solo! Bib retrieval was first...

I received one bib that would be worn for both the 10K on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday.  Along with my bib, I received three Champion technical race t-shirts, once for each of the races and a third for participating in the Dumbo Double Dare.

Once inside the health and fitness expo, I checked out the official runDisney merchandise.  Since I already had three t-shirts I opted for a Mickey "19.3" car magnet and a collectible pin for each of the races I was running.

 Inside the expo I also sampled some tasty Clif Bars...

 and of course, I had to try the official race weekend cocktail...the rum runner!

 Saturday morning, I was taped up and ready to go for the 5:30am start!

 Somehow I landed myself a sweet spot in corral A!

After running Disneyland Drive toward the Anaheim Convention Center, we ran into Disney's California Adventure Park...

 Cars Land!

 Mickey's Fun Wheel and California Screamin'...

 Goofy and Max were on hand to greet us!

 Hollywood Land...

 When we ran into Disneyland, I immediately spotted Jasmine!

All sorts of characters were out and about...

 We ran through Sleeping Beauty's Castle...

I made a quick stop on Main Street...

before hitting the Downtown Disney finish line!

 You don't often receive 10K medals, this was kind of fun and truth be told I wore it all day!

runDisney is so organized, there was a fully staffed medical tent where you could ice down or receive personal medical attention. Each runner received water, Powerade, a runDisney snack box and a banana.

After another full day at Disneyland, I set my alarm for 4:15am to get ready for the half marathon on Sunday morning.  Taped up and ready to go again, note the expectant mom/participant to my right!!!

 Corral B for the half marathon, but still not bad!

We ran through Disneyland at the beginning of the race rather than at the end like we did the day before.

Through the castle again!

Hello, Mary Poppins!

 And the mayor of Disneyland...how do you get that job?

We were then onto California Adventure...since we were running 13 miles, I figured why not take a break or two!

Once we left Disney property, we hit the streets of Anaheim where the support was tremendous!  Several local high school marching bands entertained us along the course!

 Dance groups too!

 Over a mile of classic cars were lined up at sunrise with their owners cheering!

 We passed by the Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks.

 At mile 9, we ran to and through Anaheim Angel's Stadium!

The last few miles were a grind and not terribly scenic as we finally made our way back onto Disney property.  I was beyond excited to see this mile marker!!

And the finish line of my 10th and final half marathon!

Thanks runDisney for a truly memorable weekend!

 Have you ever runDisney?