RUN DISNEY: HALLOWEEN HALF MARATHON (2024)
- Katharine
- Sep 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Hot weather and 13.1 miles of endurance were the perfect ingredients for a frightful but magical run around the Disneyland Resort Parks & Anaheim!
It's been a long time since I took on a half marathon. My last half marathon was the Pasadena Rose Bowl in 2020 before the pandemic, and my last Run Disney Half Marathon was in 2018 for the Walt Disney World Star Wars Dark Side. Hoping that my next one is in January 2025, still in the thought process.
WEATHER
The weather is what everyone had on their mind the week of the half-marathon. The day of the half marathon (Sunday, September 8), the highest expected temp was 103° F. Run Disney races start very early (5:00 am) and in this case that was good thing. I was hoping to complete the race before the sun came out and it was at the highest temperature of the day.
The temperature at the start of the race (5:00 am) was 74° F. By the time my corral (Corral I) was at the start line it was 5:45 am and just standing there I was dripping sweat. I crossed the finished line at around 9:30 am and the sun was scorching!
TRAINING
I wouldn't say that I "trained" for the Disney run. I just started doing cardio about 4-5 months before the run. My only goal for every run I did was to either do 3 miles (time wasn’t a priority) or at least run for 1 hr. My purpose was to build endurance, not speed. It's been so long since my last half marathon, I needed to get my body into recognizing endurance. Mentally, I was optimistic. I knew that I had completed a few half marathons and marathons before, and the racecourse was familiar.
The small issue with the Run Disney events in my opinion is that they are strictly timed. They have these volunteers called the "balloon ladies" who walk at the end of the run. They have a balloon attached to them (hence the term, lol) who walk at the 16 min/mile pace. You don't want them passing you on the course. If they pass you, you are picked up by the busses and removed from the course. Which unfortunately means you don’t receive a medal.
TIME FOR THE HALF MARATHON
When the run started, I was mentally optimistic despite the heat and humidity. It also helped that I was doing and starting the run with friends. Disney events are always more fun with Ohana!
The first 6 miles of the course are throughout the Disneyland Resort Parks (Disneyland & Disney CA Adventure). I jogged and walked the first 6 miles. You get to see a different side of the parks that you wouldn't normally see.
Unfortunately, by the 7th mile I got a cramp on my right calf and had to walk the rest of the half marathon. The challenge for me during this run was the balloon lady. She was right behind me by mile 11 and that is where I had to put a jog to my walk. I would try to run but the cramp would make it painful, but I pushed through it.
Given that I started in the last corral I really had to keep to the 16 min per mile time. I crossed the finish line 15 minutes before the balloon lady. Mile 11 is where I made peace. I told myself that if I didn't make it to the finish line it would be ok.
I knew I had it in me to push my body a little more, so I did, and was able to complete the race. I knew what my limit was and where I stood mentally and that is why I pushed. I'm glad I pushed through the cramp and made it to the finish line. It's just another reason for me to continue believing in myself.
FINAL RESULTS
When I crossed the finish line, I felt very proud of myself because this was a very difficult run. I ran this half marathon at 3:38:49. My first half marathon was actually in less time (3:16:03), but my body did go through shock (I got a fever) the days after, and the weather was much nicer. This time around I was not sore like the first time; I could actually get up from bed and move around, no fever!
This gets me excited to continue to train and work on my endurance and speed. Hopefully, if I decide to do the Pasadena Half Marathon in January 2025 my time improves. We shall see!
The goal of a run is to always finish the run. I think that if you are into Disney and are curious about the runs definitely give it a go. Maybe start with the 5K or 10K, but if you want to challenge yourself and see what you are made of, take on the Half-marathon! I will be your cheerleader!
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