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Run Eat Repeat

Disneyland Half Marathon and 10K Race Weekend Tips

5K / 10K· California· Half Marathon

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3 Sep

Run Disney throws some of the best races / parties on foot anywhere. I’ve run the 10K and Half Marathon at Disneyland in the past and it’s really a BLAST. But, I know a lot of runners are coming from out of town or this is your first race – so I have some tips to share.

disneyland half marathon race tips

1. Get to the expo early and give yourself time to walk around and check everything out. There is a ton of great Run Disney gear plus so many great booths to check out. Some of my favorites are HeavyMedalz, Sparkle Athletic and ProCompression.

disneyland half marathon tips running blog 9 (800x450)

Also – you will need your ID to pick up your bib. Don’t forget it!

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2. Factor in all the walking you’ll be doing before the race. If you are at Disneyland to enjoy the theme parks you are going to be on your feet for hours and hours before the race. Make sure you allow time to rest and put your feet up.

You have to prioritize how much you want to enjoy Disneyland – which is awesome and fun and memorable with the race – which is also all of those things.

3. Fuel and hydrate. Unless you have a churro cart at your house (in which case can I come over?) you are probably going to be eating different things from your usual diet. Pack snacks and plenty of water. Keep in mind what your body usually likes eating before a race. If your stomach is a steel cauldron of food love (like mine) enjoy all the kettle corn you want, if you need to eat pizza without sauce before a race factor that into your pre-race plans.

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{I walked around sipping Spark during my last trip to Disneyland.}

4. Consider a costume. A lot of people dress up for Run Disney races – all distances, all locations. You don’t have to, but it’s fun! Plus there are tons of photo ops during the race so you might want to be dressed up for those.

I scored my costume from Sparkle Athletic today at the expo! Any guesses?

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Stop by their booth at the expo or you can order online!

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5. Pre-Race Fuel. Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – but I say pre-race fuel is the most important of the year. Even if you can eat whatever you want before race day it’s a good idea to pack the meal you ate before long runs on race day.

Tip: Some of the restaurants at Downtown Disney will be open early for runners and spectators.

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6. Start your engines!! Disney races start EARLY! Plan getting to the start line with plenty of time to hit the porta potties and find your corral. Whether you are staying on Disney property or a local hotel or at home – plan your route to the start line ahead of time since some streets will be closed and there will be big crowds.

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7. Enjoy the sights and characters! Disney races are awesome because you get to run through the theme parks. Plus they have characters set up for photo ops throughout the course. You can’t look up what characters will be out or where they’ll be and that’s part of the fun – keep your eyes peeled! When you see a character or location you like it’s okay to stop and take a picture.

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Tip: Because the races start so early it will still be dark at the beginning of the race. Make sure your phone or camera has the flash on OR can take good night time pictures.

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8. Celebrate! You did it!! Now it’s time to enjoy all that training and hard work. Communicate with your family, friends, cheerleaders, dog…where to meet up after the race. Keep your race medal on all day. Eat well. Rest up. And enjoy that post-race glow.

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Check out my Run Disney Running Costumes:

How to Make Jesse Running Costume

How to Make Ariel Running Costume

How to Make Cinderella Running Costume

How to Make Tinkerbell Running Costume

 

BONUS!! I have a Rock N Roll Marathon & Half Marathon Discount Code! Get $15.00 off with the code below…

Use promo code: RNB15

And let me know if you’re in!!

Question: What are you doing this weekend?

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    12 Comments

    Previous Post: « ProCompression Discount Code and Giveaway
    Next Post: Disneyland Half Marathon Recap and Results »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pippa says

      2015-09-06 at 10:58 am

      That sign at the end made me laugh- exactly the kind of thing my friends would do for me!

      Reply
    2. Elaine says

      2015-09-04 at 4:33 pm

      I’ll be enjoying a 3-day weekend.
      Sally is right – your Jesse rocked. And it went well with your sassy li’l attitude!

      Reply
    3. Megan@Run Like a Grl says

      2015-09-04 at 12:19 pm

      A Disney race is definitely on my list (although it would be Disney World for me)–they look so fun and everyone looks SO happy running! Plus you can wear a costume 🙂

      Reply
    4. Shannon in Tustin says

      2015-09-04 at 8:40 am

      Are you running the half on Sunday? I’m running the 10k with my daughter on Saturday. It’s her first Disney race (my third) and she’s pretty excited! 🙂

      Having a little trouble (last minute procrastination fever) with a costume for her, though. I always bust out my Minnie dotted RunningSkirt skirt, black tank and Minnie Mouse fuzzy ears. I saw the BicBands (I’m a big fan) booth has some Minnie inspired headbands so Sandy is holding a couple aside for me. 😀

      Have a great weekend!

      Reply
    5. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

      2015-09-04 at 6:02 am

      Have fun running this weekend! I always love your running costumes. They are so creative. 🙂

      Reply
    6. Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan says

      2015-09-04 at 5:02 am

      My best friend is in town for the weekend, so I’m sure we’ll get into something 🙂

      Reply
    7. Sally @ sweat out the small stuff says

      2015-09-04 at 3:41 am

      I loved your jesse costume!
      I’m going out to shelter island for the weekend. My boyfriends dad is sailing there and we are meeting him. Should be lots of fun. I also have a 15 mile run to do on Monday.

      Reply
    8. Deb says

      2015-09-04 at 2:17 am

      Enjoy the run! I can’t wait for your re-cap w/pictures.
      “HURRY UP SO WE CAN DRINK” > LMBO!!!!

      Reply
    9. Linda Thomas says

      2015-09-03 at 5:45 pm

      Are you going to be Sleeping Beauty? because if so I will be on the lookout for you because I will also be a red haired Sleeping Beauty.

      Reply
      • runeatrepeat says

        2015-09-04 at 7:52 am

        Mmmmmmaybe 😉 #twins

        Reply
    10. runeatrepeat says

      2016-06-22 at 7:25 am

      Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. 30 Tips to Enjoy a Magical RunDisney Race - RunToTheFinish says:
      2016-06-22 at 6:03 am

      […] so you want to be aware to take in the sights and take pictures! Monica of RunEatRepeat – 10 Tips for Disneyland Races  Music Tip: No Streaming Due to the high volume of people in the corrals and all the cell phone […]

      Reply

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      Disclaimer: Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views expressed are based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical, nutrition or training advice. Please note that affiliate links and sponsored posts may pop up from time to time. I truly appreciate your support. More »

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