Early Start– The race starts at 5:45 a.m. and the cutoff time for runners to be in the starting corrals is 5:00 a.m. If you are staying at one of the Disney hotels, shuttles begin leaving at 3:00 a.m. Though the idea of eating at or before 3 a.m. might be hard to stomach, you should definitely have something to eat to perform your best in race. Since hotel dining options will probably not be available at such an early hour, be sure to make the necessary provisions for your early morning, pre-run meal.
Dress the Part – It’s not every race that you can get all
dolled up, so do. You’ll find runners in
tutus, sparkly running skirts and tiaras.
Even the guys who run the Princess Half Marathon get into it and dress
up, sporting their tutus with pride and a sense of humor.
The Route – The race takes you through Main
Street U.S.A., past Epcot, through Cinderella’s castle and all along the way,
you will run into Disney’s wonderful cast of characters. This is not the race to seek a PR, instead
embrace every PO (photo opportunity) along the way. How often do you have Belle or Snow White or
Jack Sparrow cheering, or jeering you from the sidelines? Keep in mind that while you may not be aiming
for a PR, runners must maintain a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the race
or risk being picked up and transported to the finish.
The Medal – After you’ve made your way through
the Magic Kingdom and finished what may possibly be the most fun you’ll ever
have during a race, you’ll receive what may possibly be the most spectacular
finisher’s medal. In previous years, the
medal is shaped like a tiara, encrusted with faux jewels.
Visit
runDisney for more information about the Princess
Half Marathon.
