The 6th annual Disneyland Half Marathon is next weekend; Sunday, September 4. It’s too late to enter, and if you aren’t in shape yet you may not win, but it’s never too late to get fired up for this incredible event.
A distance run can be intimidating and many will back out of race at the last minute, even one for which they have paid. For a Disney race, this need not apply. Disney races can be as competitive as any, and the thousand or so people up front will run you into the Main Street asphalt if you get in the way, but for the lay-runner, Disney Sports in general, and the Disneyland Half Marathon in particular is pleasurable, leisurely and as well conceived and orchestrated as anything that bears the Disney name.
Not convinced? Still a little nervous? Here are a few 11th-hour tips and suggestions for approaching and surviving the delightful, yet lengthy race:
Wear Good Shoes
You don’t have to run the entire course. Disney even invites you to pause for photos with your favorite characters, and observe a local hula or marching band. 13.1 miles, though, is as far as it sounds, and walking, running or both, even the Happiest Race on Earth will become a chore in improper footwear.
One year we kept pace with three kids dressed as Huey, Dewey and Louie. They were good runners, but were miserable in their duck feet. Many participants don whimsical dress, though these three must have been paying off a bet or something. They weren’t happy at all.
Arrive Early
Disney wrote the book on organization, and knows a thing or two about crowd control. Runners are assigned separate “Corrals,” and the race begins as smoothly as any in existence. However, there are reportedly 20-thousand entrants this year. That’s a lot of people to squeeze into one place at 6:00 in the morning. Even the best laid plans get muddled in the face of the sleep deprived masses.
Give yourself plenty of time to park, if you have to, and get to your Corral. There’s a stage, music, celebrites, a charming MC, and a bunch of people to watch. Mickey Mouse, Minnie and others will be there, so there’s plenty to entertain you before the race.
Arrive late, or just in time, and run the genuine risk of getting stuck in, or behind, Corral W. With 20K people to siphon through the starting gate those relegated to the rear ranks are going to be standing around for a while, despite the entertainment.
Bring Your Camera
The characters, cast members, course and entire experience are well worth documenting. The whole thing is truly memorable, and you will want to return next year, but you will be pleased to have your camera along to capture the memories.
Besides, your lazy husband, and your kids you can’t yet motivate into joining you can better appreciate the tale you will have to tell if you back it up with photos.
Enjoy Yourself
This last one is self explanatory, and really the whole point. See you there.
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