Hey there, Francesca!
How exciting that you are preparing to lace up your running shoes for
runDisney's
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend! This is the one
runDisney race weekend I have yet to check off my pixie-dusted bucket list, so I wish I could log those magical miles alongside you. While I love running down Main Street, U.S.A., snapping a photo with my favorite characters, and earning one of the coveted medals, there's nothing quite like seeing (and hearing) your favorite people cheer for you along the course. Over the years my husband has become quite the experienced spectator (seeing him holding my favorite snacks always adds an extra pep in my step), so I'm delighted to share some of his insight with you!
Happily, spectator tickets will not be required for your family to cheer you on, Francesca! Spectators typically have access to most areas of the course (including near the start and finish lines) for no additional cost. Although course maps and spectator information for this year's Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend have not yet been released, the details of this particular race weekend typically remain fairly consistent, so I will make my recommendations based on years past. Historically, the half marathon has taken runners through both Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT, and spectators have been allowed access to the course (even without theme park tickets) before the parks open for the day. During races that include Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, my husband loves to head there first and capture some incredible photos of me running in my happy place. He also finds it super convenient to cheer me on from the
Disney Resort hotels that line the various courses.
It's important to remember that
runDisney races start in the early hours of the morning, so I suggest reminding your family to set a couple of alarms and brew some of the complimentary coffee provided in their Disney Resort hotel room. They'll also find the runner tracking feature super helpful to plan their morning as you
go the distance. This will be available under 'Spectator Info' on the race's webpage a few weeks before the race.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye on
runDisney's website and social media as the race approaches. It's always so fun to see the medal and course reveals pop up as you train!
I hope this was helpful. If you have any additional questions about your upcoming race,
feel free to ask. I'm all ears!
Best of luck, Francesca! You've got this!
Thinking Happy Thoughts,
Lizzie