Official Disneyland ½ Marathon & 5k

[DeerIsleDisney]

What a great experience!! Hope you all had as much fun as I did. I thought the part after running through the parks would be boring, but I was wrong. I loved all the community groups, cheerleaders, bands, etc. And running through Angel Stadium was a kick.

I was running near MightyDuck001 as we came into DCA.(You looked great! I commented on your costume, but didn't want to use up breath explaining that I was on the DisBoards and recognized your outfit.)

This was my first half and I think I'm hooked.

 

[mickeysgal]

It was both our impressions that the quantity of bands, cheerleaders, etc was far more than what the WDW half had. Just the classic, antique, sport car clubs were amazing!! I was a bit worried about miles 4-8 as I had read here on the boards that it is a more quiet piece of the course, but it passed quickly with the entertainment.

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

At the Tink Half, I ran it in 2:43 after I'd trained and skipped all of the character photo ops.

This year I was dealing with Plantar Faciitis issues so I never trained. I just accepted that I'd walk a lot and take my time, so I stopped for all of the character photos but wound up doing 2:1 run:walk.... I finished in 2:48. I could have finished faster after not training at all had I not stopped for the character spots! LOL, I guess Barney Stinson had a good idea going on there...

 

[Reep]

Short race report:

This year I decided I was going to take the first few miles relatively easy, compared to previous years when I went out a bit too fast.

Note: you cannot get directly to the start corrals from the Katella hotels. They make you go through the staging area. I did not really allow enough time for this delay, but it worked out okay. As I was walking to the start I passed by Sean Astin, which was kind of cool. I talked to him for a bit in the park after the race. Really nice guy.

Anyway, so I barely had time to get to the porto-pots before arriving at Corral A, which was mostly full. I was able to scoot the to front and able to start about ten feet from the front.

After the start I kept my first mile reasonable and somewhere around the second mile I found I was right behind the first place lady (could tell by the two bicycle escorts). She was pacing about where I wanted to be so I locked onto her--usually a good idea. Talked to a nice guy from Nebraska that was doing the same. Had a couple of course surprises in DCA that didn't match the map, but in the dark it wasn't a big deal. It was fun running down main street of cars land. After crossing into DL the first lady faded a bit, so I reluctantly passed her because I wanted to keep on pace.

Once past the horse stables and onto the street I tried to get into my pace. I wanted to be more relaxed this year, which I did, but it wasn't as fast as I hoped. My main focus was to do well and not be hating life in the second half.

I really liked the car clubs in the middle of the course. That was a nice addition and a welcome distraction. The stadium is always fun too. I was about 8 sec/mile behind my PR pace, so I gave up on that goal and just wanted to finish well. I must have done something right because I ran my fastest miles after mile 9 and got a negative split for the first time in my life.

I had grand plans to accelerate with 800 meters, but there was not much left in the tank and I was a bit dizzy. I missed a couple goals (top 20, PR), but enjoyed the race more than my death march last year and still did good.

Final results:
1:23:49
23rd overall
2nd in age group

 

[Blondie1973]

Does anyone low if you can get any of the "I did it" shirts online? I bought one but I must have been really tired because I bought it 2 sizes too big it wasn't the only time either this weekend!

 

[jimandami]

Short race report:

This year I decided I was going to take the first few miles relatively easy, compared to previous years when I went out a bit too fast.

Note: you cannot get directly to the start corrals from the Katella hotels. They make you go through the staging area. I did not really allow enough time for this delay, but it worked out okay. As I was walking to the start I passed by Sean Astin, which was kind of cool. I talked to him for a bit in the park after the race. Really nice guy.

Anyway, so I barely had time to get to the porto-pots before arriving at Corral A, which was mostly full. I was able to scoot the to front and able to start about ten feet from the front.

After the start I kept my first mile reasonable and somewhere around the second mile I found I was right behind the first place lady (could tell by the two bicycle escorts). She was pacing about where I wanted to be so I locked onto her--usually a good idea. Talked to a nice guy from Nebraska that was doing the same. Had a couple of course surprises in DCA that didn't match the map, but in the dark it wasn't a big deal. It was fun running down main street of cars land. After crossing into DL the first lady faded a bit, so I reluctantly passed her because I wanted to keep on pace.

Once past the horse stables and onto the street I tried to get into my pace. I wanted to be more relaxed this year, which I did, but it wasn't as fast as I hoped. My main focus was to do well and not be hating life in the second half.

I really liked the car clubs in the middle of the course. That was a nice addition and a welcome distraction. The stadium is always fun too. I was about 8 sec/mile behind my PR pace, so I gave up on that goal and just wanted to finish well. I must have done something right because I ran my fastest miles after mile 9 and got a negative split for the first time in my life.

I had grand plans to accelerate with 800 meters, but there was not much left in the tank and I was a bit dizzy. I missed a couple goals (top 20, PR), but enjoyed the race more than my death march last year and still did good.

Final results:
1:23:49
23rd overall
2nd in age group

You did amazing! Great job!

 

[Reep]

You did amazing! Great job!

Thanks. One of my favorite parts this year was the stadium. I normally just race through it, but I saw a bunch of guys in front of me running through and there were a bunch of little kids on the front row seats hanging over the edge getting ignored. So, since I wasn't PRing anyway I ran by and high fived about30 of them. Lots of fun.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Well I sort of got a PR this year. My time last year was 3:05 something. My time this year was 3:07:51, but this year I spent over 10 minutes in line for character photos, which I didn't dare try last year on account of just wanting to finish. So my overall time was a little bit slower, but my actual 'racing' time was faster.

 

[pilgrimr]

Congratulations to those that finished the race. It was a nice day for a race. I really enjoyed it. It was a different experience running in DL as compared to WDW. I did about the same as usual, no PR, but I feel Disney races are not for PR but for fun.

 

[MightyDuck001]

What a great experience!! Hope you all had as much fun as I did. I thought the part after running through the parks would be boring, but I was wrong. I loved all the community groups, cheerleaders, bands, etc. And running through Angel Stadium was a kick.

I was running near MightyDuck001 as we came into DCA.(You looked great! I commented on your costume, but didn't want to use up breath explaining that I was on the DisBoards and recognized your outfit.)

This was my first half and I think I'm hooked.

Thank you!!
The Disneyland 1/2 was insanely fun and I am shocked to say my favorite part of the trip was actually the running part.

This was my first Disney/big race and I got to the merchandise booth when it opened but oh my god I don't know how anything is left in the second hour much less the second day! I don't know about anyone else but I could have saved so much time (and energy) if I could pre-order that stuff and pick it up like the pins. I know the I did it t-shirt might jinx me, but I'd take that over the 40 minute line with people who have apparently never seen t-shirts before any day. I know World of Disney still had a few I-did-it shirts left by the front doors Sunday night, they might still have some if anyone's looking.

 

[mickeysgal]

Thank you!!
The Disneyland 1/2 was insanely fun and I am shocked to say my favorite part of the trip was actually the running part.
This was my first Disney race and I got to the merchandise booth when it opened but oh my god I don't know how anything is left in the second hour much less the second day! I don't know about anyone else but I could saved so much time (and energy) if I could pre-order that stuff and pick it up like the pins. I know the I did it t-shirt might jinx me, but I'd take that over the 40 minute line with people who have apparently never seen t-shirts before any day.
I know World of Disney had a few left by the front doors Sunday night, they might still have some...

We were there in the first hour they were open.

People were shopping out of the hands of the cast members who were bringing more merchandise out onto the sales floor. It was fascinating - it was like a feeding frenzy.

 

[VickiHD]

We were there in the first hour they were open.

People were shopping out of the hands of the cast members who were bringing more merchandise out onto the sales floor. It was fascinating - it was like a feeding frenzy.

It's always like that !!!!! At the TinkerBell 1/2 there were a lot of people just wanting to shop at the expo even though they were not running the race. Anyone can go to the expo to shop and just check it out so you also might see some merchandise being sold online.


I ran the race Sunday being sick. No fever but a nasty chest/cough cold thing going on. Not much fun for me but I was happy to finish and get back to the room and get to bed and take some cold meds.

 

[monte]

I had a great time! Eventhough I thought I was going to keel over from a heat strokeI loved every minute of it. I especially enjoy walking through the Angels stadium and seeing everyone on the big screen, that was neat. I finished at about 3:29 and was pleased that I made it in under the wire and can earn my C2C medal at the Wine and Dine half in November. If anyone is considering this race I highly recommend it as it was a good course with lots of Disney motivation all the way!

 

[cloudnut220]

I had an awesome time at the DL half! Ran a 1.57, which was my first time breaking the 2 hour mark and a new, 8 minute PR. I've been training hard all summer, so it was exciting! I also loved the course and especially the perfect race day weather!

 

[bigtony777]

I very much enjoyed the race. The highlight of the course was the stadium. When getting close I really thought that they were pumping in crowd noise and was surprised to see all the people cheering.

One thing that I think could be improved is spreading out the characters. If they could have had a couple after the parks, I think it would have given a nice break to those that needed one throughout the street miles. Another would be to have a bag to carry the after race food and drink. I struggled walking with that box, a bottle of water and ice bag until I got to a coffee shop in downtown Disney and asked for a small bag.

For those that have only done WDW races, as I had before this one, I highly recommend giving this race a try. It was a great course and it will give you an opportunity for the coast to coast medal.

 

[kim3339]

No go for me. My knee was feeling really weak so had to drop out. That's okay~ I'll be back next year! I'm hoping that w/ Tink's start time change to 5am maybe next year this race will start at 5 too. That way if it's on the warm side it'll provide a little bit more relief.

Congrats to everyone on their races and PR's!!

 

[Suited Deuces]

Congrats to all who finished/ran! It was my first, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

I really loved it. As far as entertainment, Disney stuff was cool on Disney property...but. away from there, I was really impressed by and enjoyed all the people who showed up to cheer!

All the cheerleaders were great (some even cheered your name)...the bands...I especially enjoyed the Mariachi band and the Hawaiian dancer (mile 7/8?)

I have NEVER had so much support running (and I was there alone)

Angels Stadium....unbelievable! That was VERY inspiring!

Did anyone else see/run near ELVIS? He was great! Playing music...offering encouragement...all while running the race!

 

[runchica]

Here is my race report:

Hit the expo on Friday late. Showing my 2:12 Princess time, they moved me up from D to B - yay! As others noted, the shirts were voluminous, and frankly, not cut to female shapes. I traded in for a Small, but not sure how often I will actually wear it, unless running in the first chills of autumn or just puttering around the house. Expo was very crowded, but I saw a few interesting booths. I only ended up buying a necklace and refrigerator magnet. The shirts at the merchandise area were either not impressive or else cost too much for the value.

Since I stayed offsite, I ended up parking at the Marriott Suites and taking the shuttle from there. With all the traffic, the drivers pretty much let people on. Only downer was the long walk from the East Shuttle area to the start - quite a hike for those looking to save their legs!

Race morning, I made the trek again, and got to the corral in time (barely, after a last-minute bio break). Actually Corral B was so crowded I was in some sort of feeder channel outside the actual corral that moved forward after the rest of the corral. So I actually started by walking up to the start!

The race itself was pretty decent weather - then again, I am a Las Vegan. I understand it could have been cooler/less sunny. Still, I will take it! I didn't like how cluttered and almost claustrophobic it felt in my area of the race ... I felt I never broke free of the crowds. It impacted my time as I wasted energy moving sideways to pass people, or else took corners on the outside because it was so crowded.

I did a 3:30 to 1 run:walk split and almost got trampled by a runner as I was walking on the far right ... she actually tried to squeeze in and dart past me on the right! The parks were fun, and I was sorry to leave them, but then again, I was also relieved to run on wider streets. My best splits were in Anaheim before the Big A. I loved the high school bands and cheerleaders, they really lifted my spirits. Oh, and I had another delay around mile 10 when I was told to stop (run in place) as a fire engine crossed the street. (I hope no one was seriously injured in the race!)

End of the day, I wound up with no PR (I realized that mid-race), but bagged a 2:17, which should be good enough to keep me in an equivalent corral when I do the Tinkerbell in January. I am not so sure now if I should have signed up for that, since the course will once again be narrow and crowded. Ah well....

Hope you enjoyed my race report. I would love to hear all of your opinions!!

 

[SeattleGirl]

This was my first half as well. I was cleared to run by my doctor with some ongoing low back pain. Luckily, the excitement of the race helped dissipate it!

Pros:
-the parks were gorgeous at sunrise
-ample pro photos (and video!)
-quickest porta potty lines ever for a race so large
-everything from packet pick up to the finish line was organized very well
-thanks to Team Sparkle for the free pro pics and the much needed encouragement around mile 11
-theme park note: it was much less crowded than I had anticipated for a holiday/event weekend

Cons:
-we spent over twelve minutes in line for pictures during the first 5k because my running partner really wanted them
-finish time was 2:34, see above for some explanation why (still an okay time for me, especially since I am injured, but you always wonder what if...)
-miles 10-12 could really use some entertainment
-there's not much to do once you finish...I expected more of a party atmosphere

In the future I will not show up at the expo at opening time. I didn't realize the line was there because they hadn't opened the doors. I didn't have anything better to do, so I waited. And then I got nearly trampled by the people after the official merchandise! I really wasn't impressed with any of it (I so wish the race logo showed up in a simple form on just one shirt, but no luck). Also, I didn't want to jinx myself by purchasing something ahead of the race.

All in all, a good time was had. I was especially impressed with the kindness of our fellow runners. A special shout out to Barefoot Tarzan, the man who randomly gave us his Tower of Terror fastpasses, and the couple from Michigan who gifted us fastpasses to Radiator Springs Racers when stand by was 3 hours long.

See you at Wine and Dine!

 

[mickeysgal]

Congrats to all who finished/ran! It was my first, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

I really loved it. As far as entertainment, Disney stuff was cool on Disney property...but. away from there, I was really impressed by and enjoyed all the people who showed up to cheer!

All the cheerleaders were great (some even cheered your name)...the bands...I especially enjoyed the Mariachi band and the Hawaiian dancer (mile 7/8?)
I have NEVER had so much support running (and I was there alone)

Angels Stadium....unbelievable! That was VERY inspiring!

Did anyone else see/run near ELVIS? He was great! Playing music...offering encouragement...all while running the race!

Me too, loved the Mariachi band and teh Hawaiin dancers. The classic cars were amazing.

Would have loved to see Elvis.

I got a kick out of some of the signs along the way. Around mile 11 there was a lady holding a sign that said "Makayla is not impressed". Made me laugh. Somewhere along there as well, there was someone that had a sign that said "You never looked so good". That one got to me. I love the funny support signs...can't remember any more for now.