Disneyland is high on my list of favorite places, so when I heard they had started a run series I was pretty excited! The idea of running in and around the Disney Parks as well as behind the scenes seemed awesome, and it absolutely was! Let’s face it, is anyone better at organizing large groups of people than Disney?

From the Expo to the Finish line and everything in between there are so many positives to participating in a RunDisney event! Not only does the course take you through both Disneyland and California Adventure, but the on course entertainment is fun and constant which really helps the miles fly by! A pair of fairy wings doesn’t hurt either!

There are multiple RunDisney weekends throughout the year each with a different theme. I had the opportunity to participate in both the Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon, which I ran twice, and the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon.

A Sprinkling Of Pixie Dust

You know me, I love a good theme and Disney races are the perfect opportunity to have some fun with your race attire! If you don’t know what to bring, don’t worry, The Expo will have everything you could ever want or dream up. This includes outfits, hats, shoes, accessories galore and even hairdos!

I don’t usually like a lot of extras when I’m running, but I couldn’t resist picking up a few things. I decided arm warmers; a themed skirt and a hairdo would be fun! If you’re wondering, the hairdo absolutely held up, in fact I have a feeling it might never have come out! It must have been the Pixie Dust they sprinkled on as the finishing touch!

Ready, Set, Go…

All of the events take place when the park is closed to the general public, which means you’ll need to be at the start line before dawn. I’m not a big fan of pre-dawn wake up calls, so I stayed at the official park hotels, which made getting to the Start Line really easy and more importantly, gave me a little more time to sleep.

There were literally thousands of people participating, but everything was so organized and run so smoothly you would never have known. Once in our assigned corals there was entertainment and finally just before we set off, fireworks!

Along the Way

You’ll hardly have time to think about how far 13.1 is because you’ll be so busy checking out all the on course entertainment. As you run along the course you’ll see ethnic dancers from around the world, cheerleaders, marching bands, and vintage cars from every decade! Disney characters and park employee’s cheer as you run by King Arthur’s Carousel, It’s A Small World, and many other iconic Disneyland attractions, and if you’re interested in stopping there are photo opportunities as well. During the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon I had the amazing experience of running right through the Anaheim Angeles Stadium and I must admit it was a highlight!

The Finish!

Mickey and friends will be cheering for you as you cross the finish line and of course there will be that well deserved medal! I loved the idea of running a race at Disneyland and I’m happy to say that it lived up to all my expectations! Not only did I have a wonderful time during the run, but I was able to include family and friends and make an entire weekend out of it! Three times!

Think of a wonderful thought
Any merry little thought
Think of Christmas, think of snow
Think of sleigh bells off you go
Like reindeer in the sky

You can fly
You can fly
You can fly

Think of the happiest things
It’s the same as having wings
Take the path that moonbeams make
If the moon is still awake
You’ll see him wink his eye

You can fly
You can fly
You can fly

Up you go with a height and ho
To the stars beyond the blue
There’s a Never Land waiting for you
Where all your happy dreams come true
Every dream that you dream will come true

When there’s a smile in your heart
There’s no better time to start
Think of all the joy you’ll find
When you leave the world behind
And bid your cares goodbye

You can fly
You can fly
You can fly
You can fly
You can fly

When there’s a smile in your heart
There’s no better time to start
Think of all the joy you’ll find
When you leave the world behind
And bid your cares goodbye

You can fly
You can fly
You can fly
You can fly
You can fly

Songwriters
SAMMY CAHN, SAMMY FAIN

Published by
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company, Universal Music Publishing Group

Read more:  Disney – You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! [From Peter Pan] Lyrics | MetroLyrics