So, first-off I am going to throw a disclaimer out there – I’m and East Coast girl and I have only been to Disneyland once, and it wasn’t for a race. That being said I’ve been doing my homework and I am very excited about the upcoming return of the Disneyland races! It was right about when I decided to return to runDisney races that Disneyland went on hiatus and I was so disappointed. Finally I get to feel a little more “complete” as a Disney runner (but still won’t feel settled until / if Disneyland Paris resumes).
Ayway, without further ado, here are the long-awaited course maps:
5K
I gotta say this course looks like absolute perfection to me! We get to hit the highlights of both parks and nothing more. It does look like there’s a bit of street running, but it’s pretty minimal, so the course promises lots and lots of park fun.
What I find interesting is that it looks like the start line is inside Disneyland Park, and the corrals may be lining up along Main Street. That sounds like a very fun start to me, but please note that spectators will not be permitted in, so plan accordingly. According to the race guide, spectators will be permitted at the finish line.
10K
The 10K hits pretty much the same paths in the parks, though not in the same order, and some more street running. Start and finish will be in the parking area behind the corner of Disney Way and Harbor Boulevard. Today we’ll hit Disney’s California Adventure before crossing the plaza to Disneyland Park.
The run up Main Street towards the castle is a tease, because we’ll take a quick left to head thorugh Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Galaxy’s Edge, Frontier Land and THEN the castle. From there, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, and out onto the mean (?) streets of Anaheim back to the finish line.
Half Marathon
Now this was a highly anticipated course prior to it’s release, but I have heard some grumbling. Let’s be honest, there’s just not a lot of land in California for Disney to work with so there’s really not another option besides lots and lots of street running.
My only real complaint is that all the parks running is at the start ot the race rather than the end, leaving us I’m not sure what to look forward to while we’re out in the wilds of Anaheim. I really don’t even know what they do for character stops and entertainment once we’re off-property, but for sure I’ll be writing about it when it’s all over.
I’m definitely finding things to get excited about:
- I’ll be running in new places
- We’ll be running along Cerritos Ave. (Star Trek Lower Decks fans will understand). For sure I’ll be doing a character stop with a street sign!
- We’ll be running out to the Honda Center parking lot (where the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks play). Considering Honda is the presenting sponsor of the race weekend, I’m expecting some outstanding entertainment, or at least a free car or generator or something
- It looks like we’ll also pass by the baseball stadium where the Anaheim Angels play
All in all I’m sure it will be very fun, and with some luck I’ll be getting Dumbo and Coast to Coast medals at the end of the race. Fingers crossed I survive!!
The Merch
The Disneyland merch options look pretty similar to what’s being offered for Marathon Weekend, but with “The Return” motif. I definitely will be grabbing a “We’re back” t-shirt.
So what do you think of the courses and the merch and the courses? Drop a comment! Are you a Disneyland regular? Can you share some insights? PLEASE drop a comment! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Disney Park Runner 