Returning from ankle surgery for her first race in three years, Angela Escay ran away with the Tinker Bell Half Marathon title at Disneyland Resort on Sunday.

Escay’s winning effort, 1:24:10, bested the previous mark by three minutes, but after the race it was all about doing what she loves – running.

“It was a good feeling to get back out there and do what I love to do,” Escay said. “The course was a lot of fun, (to) run through the park. It was my first run back in three years.”

“Rudy” and “The Lord of the Rings” actor Sean Astin and former “Biggest Loser” winner and Live Well network host Ali Vincent were among the more than 14,000 registered half marathon runners. In all, more than 21,000 runners took part in the second annual women-focused weekend of events centered on health, fitness and active lifestyles.

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon led runners through a character-filled 13.1-mile course at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as by several city of Anaheim landmarks. Runners received a commemorative Tinker Bell “wings” medal.

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, runDisney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Special Events

It has been a busy couple of weeks for runDisney. Last week more than 65,000 runners gathered at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Over 25,000 runners from across the U.S. and over 60 countries participated in the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon. This week, more than 19,500 runners are set to take flight and earn their wings at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort.

Adding to the excitement of both event weekends has been the debut of the new Mickey and Minnie-themed runDisney shoes. The running shoe is part of a new alliance making New Balance the official running shoe of runDisney. The response has been amazing.

Recently, I traveled to the New Balance offices in Boston to talk with the designers behind the runDisney shoe. I wanted to find out what went into creating the footwear and where designers found their inspiration. It was interesting to hear how Disney childhood memories played a role in the final product.

Currently these new running shoes can only be purchased at runDisney Expos, including this weekend’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon and next month’s Disney Princess Half Marathon.

For more information, or to register for a runDisney event, go to www.rundisney.com.

Tagged: DLR, runDisney, Video, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

One way or another you had to figure the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna was going to turn out this way. After all, it was the 20th annual event, so it was only fitting that Brazilian runner Adriano Bastos, the greatest name in Disney Marathon history, would break his two-year drought and win on Sunday. I mean, what else would you expect from the place “Where Dreams Come True?”

So, after fending off another fierce challenge from his fellow countryman and training partner Fredison Costa, Bastos made it back home Sunday – a la to the finish line ahead of everyone else for his seventh Disney Marathon win in the past nine years and eighth overall.

He wants to get to 10.

It was a day of former champions winning again. Virginia’s Renee High won the women’s division for the second straight year, easily finishing ahead of the rest of the field which included more women (57 percent) than men for the first time in the event’s history.

Among the more than 25,000 runners who trekked through all four Disney theme parks were former pop star Joey Fatone, who had never run so much as a half marathon previously, yet completed the half marathon and the full marathon this weekend at Disney.

The race capped a magical weekend of running events, parties and family entertainment that commemorated the 20th annual event. The four-day event drew more than 65,000 runners, including celebrities and famous running legends, that culminated with the 26.2-mile marathon Sunday that included new course enhancements, a new finisher’s medal, a post-race party at Downtown Disney and spectacular entertainment along Mile 20.

For those runners who are craving the opportunity to run another Disney event, they won’t have to wait long. The Tinker Bell Half Marathon is next weekend at Disneyland Resort in California. Meet you at the starting line!

Tagged: runDisney, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, WDW

Filed: Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

There’s nothing I love more than a vow renewal – it’s a romantic reaffirmation of love after years of history together that often becomes a family affair. It’s the ultimate celebration to remind you that your better half has been alongside you through both thick and thin.

Nearly 10 years ago today, Wendie and Sean Cheyney said “I do” in the middle of the Walt Disney World Marathon at mile 10.5 – right in front of Cinderella Castle. And today, I’m delighted to share that they’re doing it all over again.

Whether you ran today’s race with your one true love, kindred spirit or friends and family congratulations to a job well done!

Tagged: runDisney, Video, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, WDW, Weddings

Filed: Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort, Weddings & Honeymoons

The first part of 2013 is an exciting time for runDisney fans, with two months of races at Disney Parks. This year is also special as it’s the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna. To gear up for the Walt Disney World Marathon tomorrow, we wanted to take a look at some of the other exciting races and events happening at Disney Parks in 2013. Have you participated in a runDisney marathon yet?

Take 5: runDisney Races at Disney Parks

1. Commemorative Merchandise for runDisney Events in Early 2013 – Take a peek at the commemorative merchandise for the upcoming Tinker Bell Half Marathon at the Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort!
2. Stories of Triumph Abound During Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – With over 65,000 participants, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna is sure to be the setting of many memorable stories.
3. New 10K Race Added To Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – The Happiest Race on Earth got happier in December when runDisney announced the addition of the Disneyland 10K at Disneyland Resort as a part of the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.
4. Vintage Walt Disney World: Happy Anniversary, Walt Disney World Marathon! – See how the Walt Disney World Marathon has grown throughout the years in this week’s Vintage Walt Disney World post!
5. ‘Diet Diva’ Tara Gidus and runDisney to Host Tinker Bell Half Marathon Meet-Up at Disneyland Resort – “Diet Diva” Tara Gidus teams up with runDisney to help host a meet-up for the upcoming Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend.

Tagged: DLR, runDisney, Take 5, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

UPDATE: Click here for a complete list of attendees. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at DLR.SportsMeetUps@disney.com. Please note that we will not be responding to questions via this email address. If you have questions, please ask them on the Disney Parks Blog, and we will do our best to answer them.

UPDATE: We have reached capacity! Thanks for everyone’s interest in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend Meet-Up and Warm-Up, and we appreciate your quick responses. At approximately 2 p.m. PT, we will send the meet-up attendees a confirmation email. If you are on the list and did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us at DLR.SportsMeetUps@disney.com. By 3 p.m. PT, we will post a link to the complete list of attendees. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for additional unique opportunities in the future.

If you’re looking to gain tips and training advice from Gidus and Galloway, they will be available at the upcoming Tinker Bell Marathon Weekend Health and Fitness Expo. For more information, and additional Galloway and Gidus training details, please visit www.runDisney.com.

Looking to add an extra sprinkle of pixie dust to the upcoming Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney’s new official nutritionist Tara Gidus will help host a meet-up focused on fueling up for the big race.

Planned for Friday, January 18 at the Disneyland Resort, the early morning running event will also feature fitness star Ali Vincent, Jeff Galloway and other running personalities.

Space is limited. If you don’t want to be left out in the cold, RSVP right now to DLR.SportsMeetUps@Disney.com. Only a limited number of qualified runners will be selected to participate, so be one of the first to apply.

In the meantime, here are a few things you should know:

• All selected participants must be available for a 6:30 a.m. PT start time on Friday, Jan. 18.
• Qualified applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
• A valid photo ID is required. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Limit to one RSVP per individual. Applicants sending RSVP s from more than one email address will be disqualified.
• Valid RSVPs must include your name. RSVPs that include more than one person or are missing information (e.g. incomplete names) will not be accepted.
• Admittance to the event is non-transferable and limited to the selected applicant; no additional guests please.
• The event and individual/celebrity appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
• Because this is a running-oriented event, we require that applicants be experienced runners, able to maintain a 12-minute per mile pace (qualified).
• Selected applicants attending the meet-up are not required to purchase Theme Park admission.
• We will send an email to selected applicants who sent their valid RSVP via email before we reached capacity to confirm their attendance for Friday. We plan to send this email at approximately 2 p.m. PT today, and we will also post a link on the Disney Parks Blog that will include a list of names of all selected applicants. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation and your name does not appear on the list of selected applicants, your RSVP was not selected.

Tagged: DLR, Meet-Up, runDisney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Special Events

Twenty years ago this coming weekend, a little more than 7,000 runners toed the line for the start of the very first Walt Disney World Marathon. Fast forward to this Sunday, when more than 24,000 runners will take a 26.2-mile tour through our four theme parks; among them, 95 athletes who were at that first race in 1994, and have run every year since. All in all, more than 65,000 participants will take part in events ranging from the diaper dash to Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge during the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.

Being involved with runDisney is easily one of the best parts of my job. I am a big fan of running, but I am an even bigger fan of runners. Every runner has a story behind why they do the miles that they do … and that is what runDisney is all about, a story-telling company helping runners make their running dreams come true.

At this year’s marathon, there are hundreds of remarkable stories that deserve to be told. One such collection of stories is brought to us by our race sponsor, Cigna. This year, a number of Cigna employees have volunteered to run the Family 5K event with members of Achilles Kids, which is an international organization that helps people with disabilities compete in mainstream athletic events. For kids with disabilities, physical activity can be life-changing, and it gives these young athletes a way to measure achievement, gain confidence and have fun.

Cigna is also sponsoring six runners from Students Run Philly Style. This Philadelphia-based program offers marathon training to help disadvantaged youth succeed in life. These students have trained side-by-side with their mentors three days a week from March to November. Along the way, they’ve completed eight road races, engaged in leadership and character development, and will bring it all home at the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday.

These are just a few of the 65,000 stories that are to be told this coming weekend. If you are one of them, we are honored to be the setting for your amazing tale.

Keep running.

Tagged: runDisney, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, WDW

Filed: Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort