This year’s Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon was a tough race. It had just the right touch of spooky magic. It was an unforgettable experience! I am a passionate Disney fan. Also, I participate in runDisney events. I was excited to experience my first event in Disneyland with the Halloween atmosphere.
I did NOT expect that Southern California would be having a heat wave. Temperatures were topping over 100 degrees each day. Here’s a glimpse into my experience with the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend events.
First, I offer my condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the young man. He lost his life after crossing the finish line.
Pre-Race Excitement and Atmosphere
The excitement began well before the race. At both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, Halloween decorations were adorning every corner. All three Disney Hotels were ready for the season. The Disneyland Hotel, The Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and Pixar Place had everything prepared.
This set the stage for a unique runDisney experience. The race expo was fantastic, offering participants exclusive merchandise, from themed running gear to collectible pins and medals.
The energy at the starting line was electric. Runners dressed in Halloween-themed costumes, channeling everything from classic Disney villains to princesses. The sight of people embracing the fun, festive spirit made for a sense of community. I could not help but feel part of something special.
The Course: Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon
The racecourse was a blend of the Disneyland Resort area and the streets in Anaheim. The first few miles took us through the heart of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Characters like Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie made surprise appearances along the way. Running through the parks before they officially opened was a very cool experience. Also, iconic landmarks like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Radiator Springs were lit up in the early morning twilight.
We made our way outside the parks. The route took us through scenic Anaheim streets. Even here, the Halloween theme carried on with festive decorations. Cheering cast members and friends added to the excitement. Water stations were somewhat sparse because of the high demand for hydration. Though, the water stations and medical tents were staffed by friendly volunteers which kept motivation high.
Highlights: Character Meet-and-Greets and Entertainment
One of the standout features of this half marathon was meeting beloved Disney characters. They were decked out in their Halloween costumes. There were some character photo stops along the route. This included stops in Avenger’s Campus and Mickey’s ToonTown. Runners could take a quick break to snap a picture with their favorites. The lines were well-managed. Disney magic made each stop feel like a seamless part of the race. It felt like magic rather than a disruption.
Additionally, there was entertainment aplenty. Themed music, including DJ’s and marching bands were at select checkpoints. The atmosphere was designed to immerse participants in the Halloween spirit. Running through Angels Stadium was a particular high point nearing the end of the event. It gave me just that extra boost to keep going.
The Finish Line and Medal Glory
Crossing the finish line was a mix of relief and triumph. As I mentioned, the weather was a factor considering the unusually high temperatures. I felt grateful to both be done and that I had managed to finish the half marathon. I ran the final stretch despite having walked most of the last mile. The crowd’s cheers filled me with excitement. The sight of the finish arch decked out for Halloween gave me an extra burst of energy.
In addition to receiving the 2024 Halloween Half Marathon finisher’s medal, I received the “Coast to Coast” medal. This was for completing at least 2 half marathons in 2024 at both Disney World and Disneyland. That was the cherry on top! The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon medal is a neat piece of Disney craftsmanship featuring glow-in-the-dark elements and intricate designs.
Final Thoughts
Participating in the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon was an unforgettable experience for many reasons. First, it was tough due to the high temperatures. That is certainly one of the challenges of runDisney events. The fact I crossed the finish line despite that obstacle gives me a deep boost of confidence.
The pre-race anticipation was just the beginning. The journey continued through the heart of Disneyland. It ended with post-race celebrations, all spiced with Halloween magic.
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