runDisney Princess Weekend Fairytale Challenge - Race Recap
In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the runDisney Fairytale Challenge, which includes a 10k and half marathon. It was an unforgettable weekend filled with magical moments, and a lot of lessons learned. But first, a little backstory: just eight months before the race, I had moved to Georgia to be with my (now) husband. With the big life change, my training wasn’t where it should have been, and it certainly showed during the half marathon.
The Expo: A Missed Opportunity
The weekend kicked off at the runDisney Expo. The expo was fantastic, filled with excitement, merchandise, and a great energy to kick off the weekend. Unfortunately, due to work I didn’t make it to the Expo on the first day, so some of the items were already picked over by the time I arrived. Luckily my friend Victoria had been able to go to the first day and had snagged my must-get items! I still wish I had spent more time exploring everything it had to offer, though. It was such a fun part of the weekend, and I’ll definitely plan better next time to fully enjoy the experience.
After the expo Victoria and I had dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe, and it was such a fantastic experience! The cast members were hilarious, keeping the energy high, and the food was delicious! I would definitely go back here.
The 10k
Getting up at 2am was definitely a challenge, but the 10k was worth it! I got to meet up with my friend Emily for this race. The course was flat and easy, taking us past several Disney resorts and offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood Studios - my favorite park! The highlight for me was stopping for a photo with the Tower of Terror Bellhop! The scenery and atmosphere made this race fly by, and it was a perfect way to ease into the weekend's challenge.
The Half Marathon
The half marathon was my first Disney half, and it came with its own set of challenges. Disney knows how to put on a show, and the production was top-notch, from the pre-race entertainment to the fireworks for every wave start. Even waiting in the corrals was a fun experience!
The course itself was magical, winding through Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, with plenty of aid stations stocked with water and Honey Stinger Chews. However, I underestimated the Florida heat and humidity, which made the race much tougher than I anticipated.
Adding to the challenge, I wore a pair of running shoes that turned out to be older than I thought. By mile 8, I started feeling sharp, stabbing pain in my right foot every time I took a step. I haven't been in that much pain since I broke my ankle in high school! Somehow, I managed to keep going, but those last few miles were pure grit and determination. Learn from my mistakes and make sure you check your running shoes before packing for a race weekend!
The course is mostly flat, but there’s an overpass toward the end that serves as the highest elevation point of the race. After miles of running in the heat, that incline felt like climbing a mountain! It was definitely a test of endurance, but seeing so many enthusiastic runners and knowing I was about to cross the finish line kept me moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Despite the pain and challenges, this was an experience I’ll always treasure. There’s nothing quite like running through Disney, with its magical atmosphere, incredible production, and the thrill of being part of something so unique. The memories I made - like seeing the Tower of Terror up close, running through Magic Kingdom, and hearing the cheers at the finish line - will stay with me forever.
If you’re considering doing a runDisney event, I highly recommend it! Just make sure to train well, check your shoes, and plan enough time to enjoy the Expo. Running at Disney is truly an adventure like no other, and I can’t wait for my next one!
