This year’s Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon was a tough race but with just the right touch of spooky magic it was an unforgettable experience! As a passionate Disney fan and avid runDisney participant, I was excited to experience my first event in Disneyland with the Halloween atmosphere.
What I did NOT expect was that Southern California would be having a heat wave and temperatures would be topping over 100 degrees each day. Here’s a glimpse into my experience with the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend events.
First, I would like to offer my condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the young man who 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. Also, all three Disney Hotels- The Disneyland Hotel, The Disney Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and Pixar Place were ready for the season.
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.
As we made our way outside the parks, the route took us through scenic Anaheim streets, but even here, the Halloween theme carried on with festive decorations and cheering cast members and friends. 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 the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters decked out in their Halloween costumes. There were some character photo stops along the route including in Avenger’s Campus and Mickey’s ToonTown, where runners could take a quick break to snap a picture with their favorites. The lines were well-managed, and Disney magic made each stop feel like a seamless part of the race 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 and 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 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. The fact I crossed the finish line despite that obstacle gives me a deep boost of confidence.
From the pre-race anticipation to the post-race celebrations, it was a journey through the heart of Disneyland, spiced with Halloween magic.
For anyone participating in a runDisney event I encourage you to utilize the service of a Travel planner who specializes in Disney. Email me using the link below or reach out to DizN Vacations. Their team of expert travel professionals will book and build you a bigger and better adventure. Submit a free no-obligation quote request to start your planning right away!
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