Race Day! Disneyland Half Marathon

Updated January 2016
Everyone will be required to go through security before heading to your corral.  Be prepared to add some extra time in the morning and for your running packs to be searched.  Don't forget the new regulations on costumes!
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September  2014

My day started at 3:15 when I rolled out of bed to get dressed and out the door by 3:50!  Disney had free transportation to Disneyland where we still had to walk about a mile to get to the race start.   The race went off as scheduled at 5:30, and by the time they got to my Corral, it was about 5:50am.   Disney kept their promise and had characters waiting to take pictures as we wound our way through Disneyland and California Adventure!   I stopped several times in the park just to relish in the fun and take snapshots for my memories.   Once you left the park, the streets of Anaheim were waiting as they led you to Angels Stadium.   I was totally surprised to find people in the stands cheering us all on!  It was so encouraging and at mile 9, it was just the thing you needed to get that extra spark of energy! The race was over almost as soon as it started, and before I knew it I had my medal in hand!    You would think that an exciting race would be the end to my day, and I'd sit back and relax.  But,  I still had to go to Disneyland!  My day was just beginning!

The great thing about having everything laid out the night before is that you don't have to think.

 And at 3:15 in the morning, that was essential!

Since I stayed in a Good Neighbor hotel, it was off to the

Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) bus stop and on my way to Disneyland!

From the Disney Bus Stop, you have to walk through Downtown Disney to get to Disneyland. 

I had heard that some stores would be open for breakfast,

and I found Le Brea Bakery and Jamba Juice were serving customers at 4am!

Once through the gate to Disneyland and into the staging area,

you can find the much anticipated rows of porta potties!

Find a line and get in it, because you need to hurry and get in your Corral.

I was in Corral D and had a pretty good view of the starting line and the fireworks!

At the starting line there is a big Jumbotron showing you the race in progress:

Lots of runners ahead of you and behind you!

Mickey and Minnie were there to say Good Luck!

And we were off into Disneyland and California Adventure!

As you run, you not only notice how beautiful the parks are in the early morning,

 but also know that Disney characters are waiting for you!  I stopped and took pictures all along the way!

You also meet runners in awesome costumes!

From Disney Characters to Pop Culture Richard Simmons to Star Wars!

When you leave the parks, you are off the to the streets of Anaheim!

This was the hardest leg of the race because we were running directly into the sun!

One of the many difference between a Disneyland vs a Disney World race is that with Disneyland, you are running in the community and experiencing their culture.  

There were Hula Dancers... 

And Car Enthusiasts like the owner of this replica of Lightening McQueen...

And an authentic Mexican band and dancers!

Everyone always asks me, "do they have bathrooms along the race?"

Yes!  And after all the Powerade and dancing in the streets,  I needed to stop!

At mile 9, we were at Angel Stadium! 

I had imagined that we would just be running through an empty stadium.

But I was so surprised to see all the Boy Scouts waiting for us outside!

And then inside, the stands were full!

Everyone was cheering us on, and the announcer was calling your name!

Very Special Moment!

After leaving the stadium, you only had 3 miles left.

And when you saw the Disneyland Hotel, you knew you were almost there!

Minnie was there at the Finish Blowing Kisses!

I crossed the line! 

I had finished the Happiest Race on Earth, the Disneyland Half Marathon! 

All the medals waiting to be given out.

And I had one!

On the way back to the Disney Bus Stop,

I rewarded myself for all the hard work with a Chocolate Shake 

from Downtown Disney's Haagen-Daz!

After a quick shower, I was off to Disneyland for lunch.

Hungry Bear Restaurant has really large hamburgers.  Just what my appetite ordered!

Then It was off to see the Park.

Innoventions

A Jungle Cruise

Mickey's Magical Map

It's a Small World where the ride starts outside!

And of Course, Star Tours!

And finally Dinner at the Plaza Inn where it's cafeteria style service with great food!

On the way back to the hotel,

I stopped at my favorite Downtown Disney shop to play with Legos!

I had an amazing weekend packed with lots of fun and running, and it shows in all my pictures!
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If you have any questions about the Disneyland Half please contact me at kesselrunner77@gmail.com