Shaira Nikka, let me start by congratulating you! First, I share my awe and support of your decision to run a half marathon. You go! I also applaud you for getting a coveted bib for the
runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. These events are so popular that registrations go so quickly. You must be running on faith, trust and Pixie Dust!
I had the thrill of participating in this weekend two years ago and completing my first half-marathon with the magic of
runDisney. I will tell you, they are addictive! When you round the corner and are racing down Main Street, U.S.A., with crowds cheering and Cinderella Castle in sight... it's pure Disney magic!
runDisney will release a digital expo and guide about two weeks before the weekend begins. The digital guide is your go-to source for everything race-related. It will include course maps, parking information, and all the details for athletes and spectators navigating the expo and races.
The races typically start and end in EPCOT very early in the morning. Parking will be available for runners and their cheerleaders; in the past, it has been complimentary for the races. It is essential to read the parking information in the guide, as it will let you know what time the lots open (typically around 3 a.m.) and when the road closures will begin (around 4 a.m.).
With the races beginning and ending in EPCOT, runDisney has set up excellent areas for runners and spectators. I'll share my experiences just to give you a feel for it. I stay at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel because I love being in the "Disney bubble" and having buses take me to the Expo at
ESPN Wide World of Sports and the races. I try to get on a bus by 3:15 a.m. There is a bit of a walk from the buses to the runner staging area, but it is awesome! I always stop for the classic runners'
Spaceship Earth selfie! Once in the runner start area, I get in line for character photos, grab a cup of coffee and banana and take in the crowd's energy. This area is open to everyone—runners and their family and friends.
To get to the starting corrals, you must go through a gate. This area is only for runners, but your cheer squad can hang out in the staging area and head to bleachers set up for spectators. It is the best feeling to see everyone clapping and rooting for you as you take your first steps on the journey.
Your husband can keep up with your progress through a bib tracker that updates when you have passed major milestones. Once you have that celebratory victory photo as you cross the finish line, you will walk through an area to get your medal, some nutrition and anything you left at Gear Check. You will then be back in the area where you started. There are characters and PhotoPass photographers with areas to get those awesome medal shots.
It's a party when you start and a party to celebrate your accomplishment! If you have any other questions as you get ready to head to the most magical place to race,
planDisney is here cheering for you!
Every Mile is Magic!
Jana