runDisney's Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Approaches

Now I KNOW there are many of you that are as excited for the runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon weekend as I am! Now, I ran this wonderful race for the first time last year! In fact, this was my very first runDisney race! Taking it further, it was my third half marathon. Crazy right? Well, when I ran Disney for the very first time, I knew it was going to be special. Let me elaborate.

I am a former cast member of the Disneyland Resort. Many moons ago, I helped lay you to rest in a Doom Buggy, was your friendly burgundy suspender, burlap sack pant wearing lumberjack sending you into the briar patch, and welcomed you to our family time as I drove Belle and Beast down the parade route during the Parade of Dreams. 

Disney holds special place in my heart and always will. I learned so much about myself, experienced so many wonderful things, learned what magic really meant, and created memories for children, families, and adults. Disney is a part of my heart. I am now an annual pass holder and go to the park at least once a week. Keeping all that in mind, I knew that running through the parks would be something special...I just wasn't sure how special.

Picking up my FIRST runDisney Bib!

If this is your first time running this race, you are in for an absolute treat! This year, runDisney has blessed us with an Alice in Wonderland themed 10K and introduced the Dumbo Double Dare challenge! So, more opportunities to earn more bling, and add to your list of accomplishments. On top of that, you get to run through Disney California Adventure park past Paradise Bay and see the fountains from World of Color painting the early morning sky with beauty untold...I heard it's yours to behold to dazzle your mind and your eyes. Don't forget to set your cruise control as you get your kicks on Route 66 in Cars Land! Hold on tight as you loop around the Hollywood Tower of Terror! Then run across the esplanade and head into Disneyland Park, where you touch all lands, run through Sleeping Beauty Castle (which will blow your mind) and even get a glimpse of the Disneyland Ranch Circle D. Do not be shy, stop for those character photo stops.

Hey, where's Perry?

Then you get to head onto the streets of Anaheim and head toward Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks, then head across the street to Angel Stadium...now get this...you get to RUN ON THE FIELD! So cool!

Why does this race move me? Even though I don't work there anymore, Disneyland will always be a home to me. You learn a lot about yourself when you are there, and I have some amazing memories, and have met some incredible people through my career there. So getting to incorporate your love for running, in a place that brings you so much joy is bound to make you feel special. Crossing that finish line and seeing my family and friends, I had tears of happiness in my eyes. runDisney has the ability to bring families, friends, and strangers together. Magic happens on these courses, and no other race I run (with exception of Boston when I get there) will probably have this effect on me. I feel like I am home when I am at Disneyland. The memories always flash back and I instantly feel calm and happy. Running plus Disney equals emotional overload. Running is a huge love and passion of mine, you throw some Disney in the mix and...well....you get a mushy Captain.

This year I look forward to participating in the Dumbo Double Dare, and meeting many of you at various meet-ups and as we galavant around the resort Labor Day weekend. So, I hope you are now as excited as I am! If you are earning you Coast-to-Coast medal at this race, I bet you are even more excited for all that bling! I can't wait 48 days for this to begin and to hear all of our awesome experiences about this race. See ya real soon!