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 via the Disneyland Resort theme parks and town of Anaheim. This 12 months, 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 pleased to be right here (or slightly, I used to be pleased to be there… operating). So, although I discuss that loads 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. (Principally, a whole lot 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 a whole lot of occasions outdoors 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 may be a whole lot of overlap with the race programs and logistics. When you have a whole 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 By way of DisneyLAND and ANAHEIM
The half marathon course was nothing in need of magical, taking runners on a journey via Disneyland Park, Disney California Journey, after which the encircling Anaheim streets. The course had six hydration stops alongside the way in which (which have been completely important with the warmth). All of the hydration stops I noticed have been effectively stocked with water, Powerade and loads of volunteers prepared at hand you water or electrolytes.
Beginning off operating outdoors the parks we entered Disney California Journey earlier than mile 1, the course wound via Automobiles Land, which was decked out in its Haul-O-Ween greatest. Operating via Radiator Springs with all of the neon lights and Halloween touches was positively a spotlight. Paradise Pier could be my favourite a part of the course in DCA. A number of runners stopped to take selfies with the curler coaster within the background. It’s all lit up and beautiful at that early hour.
Probably the greatest photograph opps in DCA was a effectively organized cease with each Jack and Sally from the Nightmare Earlier than Christmas. There have been three solid members able to take your telephone to snap a pic and Jack & Sally walked forwards and backwards between them so every runner was able to pose, get their telephone and get again to operating once more.
After operating via DCA we made our solution to Disneyland, straight via the principle entrance after which down Predominant Avenue, USA – one of the crucial iconic streets on the earth. One of many first stuff you see whenever you enter Disneyland is the massive orange Mickey Mouse Jack-o-lantern on the tip of Predominant Avenue (the place the Christmas tree is in the course of the holidays).
Lastly made our manner via Predominant Avenue, U.S.A., previous iconic points of interest like Sleeping Magnificence Fort and Tomorrowland. The joys of operating via the parks earlier than they opened to the general public is likely one of the most particular facets of any runDisney occasion, and this 12 months’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 have 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 excellent 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 at all times 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 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 well liked I’ve skilled and I’ve run a whole 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 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 new t-shirt. I’m so glad I did that, although I want to get extra into my costumes underneath regular situations. Oh effectively, subsequent time!
I hoped to run via 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 way in which, which added to the enjoyable.
The Climate: Hotter Than Halloween Ought to Be
One factor that positively stood out about this 12 months’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 rather more difficult than anticipated. By the point we hit the ultimate miles, the solar was totally out, and we have 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 crew did a superb job holding us hydrated and secure. But it surely was positively one of many hottest races I’ve achieved, and pacing was key to creating certain I completed sturdy.
Remaining 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 via 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 massive occasion.
When you’re contemplating operating this race subsequent 12 months, 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 Suggestions for Future Runners:
- Hydrate early and infrequently. The warmth caught a whole lot of runners off guard this 12 months, so keep forward of it by hydrating effectively earlier than the race.
- Gown up! A part of the magic of runDisney occasions is the unbelievable costumes runners put on. If that’s your factor – go for it!
- Tempo your self. The warmth can take a toll, so be sure to begin sluggish and save vitality for the previous couple of miles.
Operating via 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. Wanting ahead to subsequent 12 months’s race! Will you be there?
Watch the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend Recap Video right here
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