Princess Half Marathon Pictures and Race Recap 2013

Sunday, February 24, 2013 I had the pleasure of running the runDisney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World.  It was also the 5th anniversary of the Princess Half and in runDisney fashion that means AN AWESOME NEW MEDAL!  This was my second Princess Half and my countless runDisney event and it didn’t disappoint!

My alarm was set for 3:00am.  I put on my Snow White costume after getting ready with my pre-race morning routine and I was off from my villa at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village to catch the bus to the race.

Here are some photos of people going from the bus drop off to the race area.  One of my favorite parts about runDisney races is all the costumes.  It’s like Halloween, but with running instead of candy!

I love the pic above of the couple, both carrying tutus!  Only at the Princess Half!

After going going through the bag check area and taking the walk over to the starting corrals I made it to corral A.

At 5:35am we were off with some help from the Fairy Godmother and some fireworks!

As we begin to run we start to pass entertainment like amazing marching bands!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVk4AtSB_H8&w=420&h=315]

And even more types of entertainment!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVnn7cIYg5o&w=420&h=315]

I found some handsome princes along the way.

As we run further we get to the toll plaza for Magic Kingdom.  Here is you have to watch out for speed bumps.

I than came across some villains in the Magic Kingdom parking lot!

Here is a video of what the line was like for the villains.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQL2HYJ8I4A&w=420&h=315]

I love all the motivational signs along the way 🙂

We made our way through the transportation center down the road with the inverted hill and past the Contemporary Hotel to the Magic Kingdom.

Here is a video of the run through backstage entering Main St. USA at Magic Kingdom.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fXSmkOnXPM&w=420&h=315]

Once we enter the Magic Kingdom we run down Main Street USA and over towards Tomorrowland where I found my good buddy Buzz Lightyear.

I loved the guys shirt above.  I had to take a picture of it.  “Just following my princess”

Now we run towards Fantasyland.

Alice is one of my almost 3 year olds favorites, so I will always stop and take a picture with her.

I saw Gaston in Fantasyland.  If you haven’t been over to the new Fantasyland he is usually over there during park hours for meet and greets by his new tavern.

And a video of running through the castle.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzN58cB2-tE&w=420&h=315]

After running through the castle we take a right into Liberty Square running towards Rivers of America.  Here is where I ran into Princess Tiana and Prince Navine.

Running alongside Rivers of America we exit into the backstage area by Splash Mountain.  I saw a gentlemen wearing a costume that deserves recognition.  He wins my prize for best male costume.  I don’t know who he was, but congrats and awesome job sir!

Not many men would run a half marathon in a full length Cinderella costume!

Here is where we exit the Magic Kingdom backstage and exit down the road towards Grand Floridian.  Along this road I found Lilo and Genie.

runDisney races are so great because normally around this time, miles 8-11 is the hardest, but they pack it full of fun characters!

The line for Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbosa is usually so long that I never stop, but this time it wasn’t to bad so I indulged.  CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow!

I love seeing couples in costumes.  I thought this Jessie and Buzz were very cute.

On my way into Epcot I found Mrs. Incredible.  I love her.  She is one super mama!

We made it to Epcot!  Almost done!

We enter Epcot from backstage and come into the area around Spaceship Earth.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqbs3UMXvJM&w=420&h=315]

You run down towards World Showcase and turn around near the water.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlnkCJa8HiE&w=420&h=315]

Around the last turn at mile 13 in the backstage area is always a Gospel Choir.  I love this part!  It is like the angels are singing and you are almost done!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAbNV-NwPFY&w=420&h=315]

The finish line is great with so many spectators cheering for everyone and Mickey handing out high fives!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ6_x_LmFjM&w=420&h=315]

After finishing you go through the chutes to get your medal and than on to bottles of powerade/water, than photos and  food boxes and lastly picking up your checked bag to exit into the family reunion area.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNVCAPqLWpo&w=420&h=315]

I love how much my daughter enjoys it when I run a runDisney race.  She helps me select who I am going to dress up as and she gets costume approval rights of course.  She loves cheering me on (or cheering me up as she calls it).  And of course she LOVES my medals.

Thank you runDisney for another amazing event!

If you want to check out more Princess Half Recaps visit this link: