Disneyland Half-Marathon: A Peek Inside The Race and Course

[sabbie0516]

this looks amazing..i can't believe we only have 17 more days!! woohoo my first half marathon!!

[biggerjacket]

I can not wait!! It's nearly here!

[leehoedl]

@biggerjacket : You are guaranteed to have a FANTASTIC time! Enjoy every moment of it!

[piratelover71]

Oh my gosh, I am sooooo excited to do my Tinkerbell Half in January! Thanks for posting this video, I had no idea that the characters were in the parks while you were running. :D Now I'm even more excited!!

[leehoedl]

@piratelover71: I believe the route will be very similar to this annual Disneyland Half-Marathon. Either way, it is a blast and a memory for a lifetime! Enjoy!

[piratelover71]

@leehoedl I've checked the route, I'm really really excited about it, outside of the park they run right past my old apartment complex... oh the memories! :D

Right now I'm not much of a runner at all, I'm just starting because of the Disney runs...

[dnljkarlen]

great run...just a question... can you see easily enough when it is dark in the morning

[leehoedl]

@dnljkarlen: The lighting is great in the early morning and the opening miles are through the theme parks so you will be able to see everything. Start out slow and with the crowd and break out when the crowd thins a little. Just get out there and enjoy it and follow everyone else! Good luck!

[biggerjacket]

Hello thank you for posting these videos because I love watching them! I'm training to do the disneyland half marathon 2011 and was wondering if you had any tips for training, during the race, and just overall how you enjoyed your experience. Also, my cousin might run with me so how do u think i would ensure to get into the same area as her?

[leehoedl]

To briefly answer your questions:

1. Training - If this is your first half-marathon, check out Hal Higdon's Half-Marathon Training program that is posted online.

2. Tips During Race - Enjoy every moment and mile because it will go quicker than you think. Disney races are not about competing, but ENJOYING!

3. I had a FANTASTIC time, which is why I keep promoting these runs.

4. You will be assigned corrals; the faster runner can go back to the slower runner's corral and run with him/her.

[biggerjacket]

@leehoedl Thank you!

[navywrslr]

Leaving on Thursday for Disney to run the Half,going for my Coast to Coast. Cant wait to run and be a kid again.

[leehoedl]

Enjoy your time at Disneyland - I'm jealous! I had sucha blast in 2008 and hope to do it again in the future. I would like to see Disneyland host a marathon - that would be AWESOME! Again, for that "Coast to Coast" - I've got mine, now go get yours!

[navywrslr]

@navywrslr : I agree,would really like to run a full at Disney Land.

I ahve run 16 Disney World Marathons and all 5 GOOFYS,so had to have a Disney Land Medal also. Congrats on your COAST TO COAST,your video has me ready to get mine.

[Tommytwotall]

Cool, After L.A. Marathon 2010, I think I'll go to Disneyland's Half Marathon...

Looks fun.....

[realPaigeTurner28]

I loved, loved this 1/2 Marathon. I had so much fun spending Labor Day weekend at Disney. Definitely worth the money. The 2009 course was awesome, and included running through Angels Stadium.

[raeainslee]

im freaking out right now i've got 6 days then im running ahh! lol

[kelvinbrillante]

thats awesome!!! im doing the one this year! =]

[leehoedl]

Enjoy your moment - I had an excellent time and will really miss running the event this year. And if you enjoy this race, then you are in for a real treat at the annual Disneyworld Marathon Weekend in January. Check out my past videos of the marathons and half-marathons (2008 and 2009) run there - WHAT A BLAST!

[realPaigeTurner28]

Is purchasing the Spectator VIP package really necessary so friends and family can see you cross the finish line? Or, is it possible to view the finish without having a reserved spot? My sister is traveling with me, and she wants to see me finish.

[leehoedl]

There are plenty of places within the area called Downtown Disney to watch for you. Check the map again and look for locations beforehand. The Spectator VIP page is nice but not necessary.

[gryfter68]

Id agree my fiance and sister came out last year to watch me run it and they didnt have any problem getting right on the rail to watch me go by for the start, mile 4 and the finish.

[realPaigeTurner28]

Thanks for posting! Can't wait until September 6, 2009...my first Disneyland 1/2. If you don't want to do the Pasta in the Park, what's a great place to eat the night before the race? Napa Rose @ the Grand Californian Resort maybe?

[leehoedl]

That restaurant would be an EXCELLENT choice for you. Actually, you might want to consider another lower-end restaurant for the pre-race dinner (pasta or whatever your body craves, in terms of carbohydrates) and then go to the Napa Rose as a post-race celebration - you will have earned it! As a handy tip, be sure to stay away from salads and roughage before your race... either that or you will be hitting every porta pottie along the way! ENJOY YOUR RACE!

[realPaigeTurner28]

Thanks. What are the hydration staions like along the course? Are they pretty frequent...like every 2 miles or so?

[leehoedl]

I believe the water stations are near each mile marker of the course. Visit the Disneyland Half-Marathon 2009 website and then click on the left link "Event Details," and then "Course." It will show a map with the aid and water stations on it.

[realPaigeTurner28]

Thank you! Should be a great time.

[gryfter68]

The water spots were pretty much every mile last year. Ever spot also had poweraide on hand along with free clif shots at mile 9. As far as events go, its very expensive but disney makes sure this event goes so smooth and everything is taken care of. Its really about as good a support system as it comes, which can spoil you for future events that dont do as good of a job. If you enjoy disneyland to begin with your only regret is that they only hold it once a year!

[realPaigeTurner28]

I just booked a reservation at Napa Rose for Sunday night following the race...a celebration dinner. The menu looks fantastic.

[leehoedl]

Enjoy your race, enjoy your meal - you will have a FANTASTIC time!

[SammieGirlP]

That was aswome! I can not wait until next year when I will be doing this race! :)

[disneydiva21]

does everyone get a medal or are they only for the fast runners ?

[leehoedl]

EVERYONE receives a medal. If you run that far, you should be recognized for your efforts - faster or not as fast... GOOD LUCK!

[Kodachrome40]

What was your finishing time?

[leehoedl]

Even with all the filming, I finished in a comfortable 1:50 - it was an energetic and uplifting run... a Disney run will do that to you.

[laybackrockguy]

after running the marathon can you go in the park or do you have to pay to get in?

[leehoedl]

Unfortunately, the Disneyland Half-Marathon and Disneyworld Marathon and Half-Marathon all end just outside of the parks to reduce congestion. In order to get into the parks, you'll have to pay for a Disney parks ticket.

[RunShawnnRun]

Thanks for posting this! I was there too! You did an excellent job. This marathon was awesome!

[leehoedl]

Good for you and congratulations to you! It was an awesome time for all of us in that one magical place and magical moment...

[holinessIzRyt]

Thanks so much for posting this video. You caught some great footage! I participated in this event as a speed walker. It looks like you had a wonderful time out there, and so did I. Have a great day and congratulations!!!

[runee1977]

Even though it was only 5 days ago this brings back great memories.My bf and I did it in 3:13,not our best time but we still had fun.Thanks for posting.

[tonyboii77]

I was also there, thanks for posting, I had an amazing and magical day. Watching this just made me relive the race, thank you, i can't wait to sign up for next years 2009, lets do it all over again.....

[zhovenga]

Excellent clip, My wife and I ran that race, and we enjoyed a lot your video, thanks, and congratulations!!!!