Never underestimate the power of an opportunity for a girl's trip and a few days in Disney! I promise you, it can get you to agree to things you never thought you'd do.
My dear friend, Erica, over at Makers of Magic and Wishes, set the trap and invited all her group members to attend the Princess 5K. It'll be fun she said, come do the race she said. In a flurry of unexplainable agreement and excitement, I, along with my friend, Joanne, agreed we would travel together to meet up with everyone and give it a go.
Links are listed below to register for upcoming races and your stay at Disney!
I am gonna be 100% honest. I DID NOT TRAIN AT ALL FOR THIS RACE. Read that again! I did not train. And guess what, I still managed to cross the finish line, have an amazing time and join the community of lucky people who have taken a stroll through EPCOT before dawn. So, here I am, sharing what I have learned in my journey to completing my first 5K.
• First, start slow. Allow yourself to hop into the community of Disney runners knowing that this is new. In the 5K it is ok if you walk. There are runners, walkers, people strolling along enjoying the fun! The 5K is a celebration that you started a journey. Fall in love with the community and you'll have even more reason to keep coming back for 5Ks and more. I was amazed at the comradery. The shared journey with a friend, the ability to take part in an event with a group of members near and dear to my heart, and I was even cheered on by my sweet sister-in-law, who is a pro at running. These moments will be banked in my memory forever. Crossing that finish line meant I was no longer a beginner. I was a runcationer and I can't wait to do it again.
• Second, leave time for the festivities! In my inexperience, I thought Expo day would be a quick trip to stand in line for a while to pick up my race bib and then we'd try out those racing legs as we hauled tail to get back to the parks. Boy oh boy was I wrong! We made a day of it! I am not even a shopper but I found myself with my arms full of merchandise that I just had to have! Be prepared to get there early and wait or be prepared to get there on time and wait. You will wait in lines but it is worth it. After the shopping we picked up our Bibs and then did more shopping and lunch. It was a glorious experience.
• Third. I recommend taking it easy the day before and of the race and plan your park fun for after the race. Instead, use your down time to enjoy the pool, enjoy a nice dinner, explore your resort.
• Fourth, attending a Run Disney event should definitely include park time. Disney runcationers get to combine two loves ... Running and Disney! Make sure you plan ahead to have the vacation portion too. I highly recommend booking your room far in advance. Even if packages are yet ready to be booked for the following year, I can still secure your hotel room and then I can add park tickets, later down the road. This is a very busy time in the parks. Securing your room early will ensure you are able to stay where you want and at the price point you want.
I have placed links below so that you can peek into what is coming up on the Run Disney schedule. Today is the first day to register for the Wine & Dine 2022 Half Marathon. If one of these races perks your interest, I will help you plan your stay around the race of your choosing.
March 31-April 3, 2022 - This event is SOLD OUT, except the virtual events.
Nov. 3-6, 2022 - Registration opens soon for these events. See below!
Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration begins March 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM EST.
General Registration opens March 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM EST.
Registration fee varies based on the date of purchase:
March 22 to September 19, 2022: $103.40
September 20 to October 26, 2022: $114.06
Prices include a 6.6% platform service fee.
Save The Date for the 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE®!
We invite you to join us for the 15th anniversary of the Disney Princess Half Marathon and the 10th anniversary of the Fairy Tale Challenge, February 23 to 26, 2023.
On Sale Dates:
Club runDisney Early Registration: June 14, 2022
General Registration: June 21, 2022
Virtual Experience Registration: June 24, 2022