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 way 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 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 joyful to be right here (or moderately, I used to be joyful to be there… operating). So, despite the fact that I speak about 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 referred to as the “Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend” and that features yoga, the 5K race, 10K race, Half Marathon and Children Run. (Mainly, loads of the race weekend occasions have ‘half marathon’ within the identify as a result of it’s a part of the title on a lot of the content material, however there are loads 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 loads of overlap with the race programs and logistics. You probably have loads 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 By DisneyLAND and ANAHEIM
The half marathon course was nothing in need of magical, taking runners on a journey by way of Disneyland Park, Disney California Journey, after which the encircling Anaheim streets. The course had six hydration stops alongside the way in which (which had been completely important with the warmth). All of the hydration stops I noticed had been effectively stocked with water, Powerade and loads of volunteers prepared at hand you water or electrolytes.
Beginning off operating exterior the parks we entered Disney California Journey earlier than mile 1, the course wound by way of Automobiles Land, which was decked out in its Haul-O-Ween greatest. Operating by way of Radiator Springs with all of the neon lights and Halloween touches was undoubtedly a spotlight. Paradise Pier could be my favourite a part of the course in DCA. A whole lot of runners stopped to take selfies with the curler coaster within the background. It’s all lit up and lovely at that early hour.
Among the finest photograph opps in DCA was a effectively organized cease with each Jack and Sally from the Nightmare Earlier than Christmas. There have been three forged 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 operating once more.
After operating by way of DCA we made our method to Disneyland, straight by way of the principle entrance after which down Essential Avenue, USA – one of the crucial iconic streets on this planet. One of many first belongings you see if you enter Disneyland is the large orange Mickey Mouse Jack-o-lantern on the tip of Essential Avenue (the place the Christmas tree is in the course of the holidays).
Lastly made our manner by way of Essential Avenue, U.S.A., previous iconic points of interest like Sleeping Magnificence Citadel and Tomorrowland. The fun of operating by way of the parks earlier than they opened to the general public is likely one of the most particular elements of any runDisney occasion, and this yr’s Halloween theme made it additional 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 experience.
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 operating skirt is from Sparkle Athletic, they all the time hit it out of the park with the Run Disney race themes!
I really modified up what I used to be going to put on final minute as a result of the climate forecast stated it was going to be so HOT. The forecast excessive for the day was 102 to 104 levels. OVER 100 levels on race day, could be the most popular I’ve skilled and I’ve run loads of half marathons and full marathons, together with races in the summertime in California.
I laid out my ‘Flat Runner’ the evening earlier than and snapped an image. However, I used to be having second ideas about my Sally high as a result of it wasn’t operating gear wick put on and I knew I’d get overly scorching very quick. I grabbed my field of operating tank tops and picked one other one which jogged my memory of her blue-ish pores and skin and swapped it for the recent t-shirt. I’m so glad I did that, despite the fact that I favor to get extra into my costumes underneath regular situations. Oh effectively, subsequent time!
I hoped to run by way of the Haunted Mansion-themed areas of Disneyland Park (since they redecorate that experience to be Nightmare Earlier than Christmas themed throughout Halloween and Christmas). Fortunately, Sally received a number of shoutouts from fellow runners and Disney forged members alongside the way in which, 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! Despite the fact that it was early morning (the race began at 5am), the temperature rapidly rose, making the race way more difficult than anticipated. By the point we hit the ultimate miles, the solar was absolutely 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 wonderful job holding us hydrated and secure. However it was undoubtedly one of many hottest races I’ve achieved, and pacing was key to creating positive I completed sturdy.
Ultimate Ideas: A Scorching, Haunted Success
Regardless of the warmth, the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon was an unforgettable expertise. From the gorgeous race course that took us by way of a number of the most iconic Disney points of interest to the spooky but enjoyable Halloween decorations, it was a race that actually captured the magic of Disney. And seeing all the opposite runners of their Halloween themed costumes made the occasion really feel like one huge occasion.
If you happen to’re contemplating operating this race subsequent yr, you should definitely put together for a suprise with the climate—however relaxation assured, the enjoyable and magic will greater than make up for it!
Professional Suggestions for Future Runners:
- Hydrate early and infrequently. The warmth caught loads of runners off guard this yr, so keep forward of it by hydrating effectively earlier than the race.
- Gown 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 sluggish and save power for the previous couple of miles.
Operating by way of Disneyland is a dream come true for Disney followers, and the Halloween Half Marathon is a must-do for many 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
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