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 12 months, 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 completely happy to be right here (or reasonably, I used to be completely happy 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)
Your entire race weekend was known as the “Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend” and that features yoga, the 5K race, 10K race, Half Marathon and Children Run. (Principally, numerous 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 numerous 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 completely 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 components of the race recaps in my video concerning the occasions as a result of there’s numerous overlap with the race programs and logistics. When you have numerous 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 wanting 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 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 handy you water or electrolytes.
Beginning off working outdoors the parks we entered Disney California Journey earlier than mile 1, the course wound by way of Vehicles 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 is likely to 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 lovely at that early hour.
The most effective photograph opps in DCA was a nicely 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 backwards and forwards between them so every runner was able to pose, get their cellphone and get again to working once more.
After working by way of DCA we made our approach to Disneyland, straight by way of the principle entrance after which down Major Road, USA – one of the vital iconic streets on the planet. One of many first belongings you see whenever you enter Disneyland is the large orange Mickey Mouse Jack-o-lantern on the tip of Major Road (the place the Christmas tree is in the course of the holidays).
Lastly made our means by way of Major Road, U.S.A., previous iconic sights like Sleeping Magnificence Fort and Tomorrowland. The fun of working by way of the parks earlier than they opened to the general public is without doubt one of the most particular points 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 had been on the course for a photograph opp close to the Matterhorn bobsled journey.
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 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, is likely to be the most well liked I’ve skilled and I’ve run numerous 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 high as a result of it wasn’t working gear wick put on and I knew I’d get overly sizzling 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 underneath regular situations. Oh nicely, subsequent time!
I hoped to run by way of the Haunted Mansion-themed areas of Disneyland Park (since they redecorate that journey to be Nightmare Earlier than Christmas themed throughout Halloween and Christmas). Fortunately, Sally acquired a number of shoutouts from fellow runners and Disney forged 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 12 months’s half marathon was the warmth. It was HOT! Though it was early morning (the race began at 5am), the temperature rapidly rose, making the race far 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 staff did a wonderful job protecting us hydrated and protected. However it was undoubtedly one of many hottest races I’ve completed, and pacing was key to creating positive I completed robust.
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 by way of among the most iconic Disney sights 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 celebration.
When you’re contemplating working this race subsequent 12 months, 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 sometimes. The warmth caught numerous runners off guard this 12 months, so keep forward of it by hydrating nicely 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 be sure you begin gradual and save vitality 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 individuals who love the spooky season. Trying ahead to subsequent 12 months’s race! Will you be there?
Watch the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend Recap Video right here
Discussion about this post