Hi, Suzanne! Thanks for running over to
planDisney with your question about the Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
I love
runDisney races. I actually just finished my 5th
runDisney Marathon last weekend alongside my planDisney panelist buddies
Sean and
Olivier, who completed the Dopey Challenge. The atmosphere at these races is the best, and I’m excited that you’re running at the
Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
Unfortunately, the official courses have not been released, but let’s gather some information from previous years, so we can make a good guess. First of all, course maps are usually announced in the first or second week of February, so check back around that time, and you’ll definitely get the accurate course for this year. This is always an exciting bit of news.
runDisney works to improve the courses every year. They tend to make small adjustments to improve the running experience, make the course easier to manage for staff, or to provide some variety for those of us who run each year. After looking at the courses for the last three years at the Princess weekend, the major stops seem to be fairly consistent.
All three races usually start and end in the
EPCOT parking lot. The 5K tends to be contained to EPCOT, traveling around the
World Showcase and then back to the parking lot for the finish. The 10K course has passed through Disney Hollywood Studios in some years, though it was excluded last year. I hope it includes Hollywood Studios this year for you! The pathway along the water between Hollywood Studios and Boardwalk is my favorite area to run in Walt Disney World that isn’t inside a park. Lastly, the Half Marathon has consistently included EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, though the path and direction have changed slightly from year to year.
While I’m only able to guess at the courses, I am sure you’ll have a great time. Have you checked out the medals? I especially like the stained glass look of the
Disney Fairytale Challenge medal, featuring Belle. Additionally, the
Disney and Brooks collaboration on running shoes is amazing! If you run Brooks, definitely check out these themed shoes.
Suzanne, have a great run and keep an eye on those Balloon Ladies. Don’t hesitate to race back to planDisney with more questions. Have a magical day!
Corey