Today, Disney announced a new Disneyland Resort race for runners and walkers. The inaugural “Tinker Bell Half Marathon” will take place Jan. 27 – 29, 2012.
The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by the City of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, will be a women’s race event. Although the race is open to men, it is being marketed to "fairies and princesses.” The Disney half marathon features a new course that starts and finishes at Disneyland Park. Runners will receive a new Tinker Bell-inspired medal.
“‘Women runners’ and ‘half marathons’ are part of a growing and popular trend within the running world – and that’s evident by the rapid success of our Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World,’’ said Kathleen Duran, Disney Sports Endurance Manager. “This new Tinker Bell event at Disneyland embraces that trend and provides thousands of women another unique opportunity to spread their fairy wings and showcase women’s fitness, health and an active lifestyle in a relaxed, fun and family vacation environment.’’
The focus of the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend focuses is half marathon race. Like Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort, the race will offer a two-person relay option. The race weekend also includes the Never Land Family Fun Run 5K, a night race, as well as kids’ races and a fitness expo.
More than 10,000 athletes are expected to participate in the inaugural race event.
Disneyland Resort and Anaheim host Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend
The April 19 official news announcement took place 11 a.m. PDT at ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., located at Disneyland Resort. On hand for the event was City of Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and Disney California Adventure and Guest Services Vice President Mary Niven.
“We’re proud to be the home of the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend,’’ said Tait. “It is events like this that give a city heart and character. I’m happy to welcome the thousands of runners and their friends and families to Anaheim.’’
Also attending the news conference was Megyn Price, one of the stars of the CBS sitcom “Rules of Engagement.” Price was the first person to sign up to run the inaugural race.
“The idea of bringing my family to Disney and running a half marathon with thousands of other women was really appealing for me,” said Price. “Being active and healthy is important for women, so I think the whole weekend is going to be a fun and unique experience for me and my family.”
For more reactions from Disney runners, read “Runners chase clues for new Disney race.”
Tinker Bell Half Marathon is second Disneyland race, fifth runDisney event
The Tinker Bell Half Marathon is the second Disneyland Resort race. The Disneyland Half Marathon, now in its sixth year, takes place over Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2-4, 2011). A popular race for destination runners, the Disneyland Half Marathon takes athletes to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure and through the city of Anaheim.
The Disneyland Half Marathon is already full, having filled up about six months before the event. Approximately 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in that half marathon, with another 4,000 in other weekend events.
The Tinker Bell Half Marathon is also the fifth runDisney endurance event. Walt Disney World race weekends include the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend (another women’s race weekend), and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
Registration for the 2012 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend and its inaugural events is now open.
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