Disney Princess Half Marathon
Run through the magic -- a half marathon through Disney's enchanting theme parks.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Late February
21.1 km
30 m
~25,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Pre-dawn start at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Running through Epcot and World Showcase
- Disney character photo stops throughout
- Magic Kingdom entrance
- Cinderella Castle backdrop at the finish
The Course
The Disney Princess Half Marathon starts at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World before dawn, with runners setting off in waves under a canopy of stars. The early miles travel through the backstage areas of Disney's massive resort property before entering Epcot, where runners pass through the iconic park, running past Spaceship Earth and through the World Showcase.
The middle miles take runners through the connector roads between parks, passing Disney resorts and tropical landscaping. Disney characters line the course at regular intervals, providing photo opportunities that many participants eagerly take advantage of. Entertainment stages with live music and DJs keep the energy high throughout.
The course finishes inside the Magic Kingdom, with runners entering the park and passing down Main Street U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background. The flat Florida terrain makes this a fast course for those racing, but the majority of participants are there for the experience, running in princess costumes and soaking up the Disney magic. It is one of the most joyful and inclusive race atmospheres in the running world.
History
The Disney Princess Half Marathon was launched in 2009 as part of the runDisney event series. It was specifically created to attract and celebrate women in running, with a princess theme that encourages costumes, tiara-wearing, and an emphasis on fun over competition.
The event has grown into one of the most popular destination half marathons in the world, regularly selling out within hours of registration opening. It is part of a full Princess Half Marathon Weekend that includes a 5K, 10K, and challenge options.
How to Train for Princess Half
Accept a slower pace for photos
If you want character photos, they will add significant time to your finish. Decide before race day whether you are racing for time or for the experience, and set expectations accordingly. Many runners add 30-60 minutes for photo stops.
Prepare for Florida humidity
Even in February, Florida can be warm and humid, especially once the sun rises. Train in similar conditions and dress lightly. The pre-dawn start helps, but the sun will be up by the midway point.
Practice early wake-ups
The race start requires arriving at staging areas as early as 3:30 AM. Practice getting up extremely early, eating, and running in your training plan. The early wake-up combined with theme park excitement the day before can leave runners tired on race morning.
Free training plans
10K to half marathon
A free 10-week plan that takes you from 10K to your first half marathon: four runs a week and a long run that builds from 1 hour to almost 2.
10 weeksCouch to half marathon
A free 20-week plan from no running to a half marathon: eight weeks of run-walk, then three to four easy runs a week with a long run that grows to 2 hours.
20 weeksHalf marathon (12 weeks)
A free 12-week half marathon plan: five runs a week, a long run that builds to 1h 50m, recovery weeks at 4 and 8, a peak in week 10 and a two-week taper.
12 weeksSub-2 hour half marathon
A free 12-week plan to break 2 hours in the half marathon: five runs a week, goal-pace sessions at 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile) and long runs to 2 hours.
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