While the 5K is considered the gateway to running distance events, the 10K is gaining in popularity as the logical stepping stone towards the coveted half marathon. When I made the runDisney leap and ran my first 5K, I struggled to find the next perfect race. I knew I wasn’t ready- physically or psychologically- for 13.1, but needed to push myself towards the more serious bling. Luckily, at the time, runDisney offered the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay, and I was able to “step up” to the 8.3 leg. (I would have preferred the 4.8, but darn, my partner snagged it.) I’ve never looked back, but I do have to say I was still looking forward to a runDisney inaugural 10K race. The inaugural Disneyland 10K was it, and I was there! (Our 10K-runDisney Love Affair)
I simply love running races at Disneyland; strolling leisurely from my resort (Disneyland Hotel) to the starting line (nearby Disneyland Drive) means not having to stress over transportation and ultimately a later wake-up call.
The Alice in Wonderland theming permeated the corrals and starting line, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum warmed up the crowd of 8,000 or so runners for our 6:15 am kick-off.
Early on, the course winds through the city and past the Anaheim Convention Center. Spectators and neighbors lined our path and gave us our 6.2 mile boost.
The magic went into overdrive after Mile 2, as we entered Disney California Adventure Park. Hello Route 66!
Mickey’s Fun Wheel further set the mood.
After a short run between parks, we entered Disneyland at about Mile 3.5, and as always, relished our time on Main Street, U.S.A..
Into a deserted Toontown…
And through Sleeping Beauty Castle. Pure enchantment with a blue bird sky.
A final chEAR from the many, spirited spectators lining Downtown Disney District.
To the finish line at Mile 6.2…
I barely had time to cool down on the short walk back to the resort.
Bedecked!
This race is by far my favorite 10K to date. Park time is a-plenty, and I always find the residents of Anaheim to be supportive and enthusiastic. Last year’s weather didn’t cooperate, although the high temperature and humidity levels felt strangely familiar to Orlando runners.
**Note
While the 2014 Disneyland 10K course is unchanged, the starting time has been adjusted to 5:30 a.m., which should translate to a cooler race. (Unlike 2013, the Disneyland 5K will take place the day before the Disneyland 10K, eliminating the need for a later start.)
For some, the Disneyland 10K is simply a cog in the Dumbo Double Dare wheel, but for a great many others it is their first “real race”; a timed event that takes training and concentration. The runDisney 10K is a brilliant addition that widens the brand’s appeal to the masses of varying motivation and fitness levels.
Read more about this Happy weekend by following the Virtual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Blog Hop, co-hosted by Krissy Murphy, @krissymmurphy!
I agree, this is my favorite 10k! I LOVE that almost all of it is in the parks! Looking forward to doing it again!
I am hoping that the Star Wars 10K takes the same route. (We'll have to start the "10K at Disneyland" fan club Danielle!)
What a fun route! I've never done a 10K at Disneyland, but it looks way better than the 10K route at WDW!
Hopefully I can finagle a way to do one next year at the latest.
After the Disneyland 10K set my expectations so high, I have to say I was disappointed with the Walt Disney World 10K this past January. Finagle away Tabetha!!
By far my favorite runDisney course! Tinker Bell 10k just didn't compare. I think not running through the castle was part of it.
I was so shocked to hear that Audrey. Now I'm on pins and needles to see the Star Wars 10K course. We shall see what that Wookiee decides… 😉
Didi, great pictorial post of the 10k. I love seeing all the pictures of Disneyland, gets me more and more excited for our first trip! Thanks for allowing me to participate in the Blog Hop, this has been really fun, and allowed me to meet other RunDisney Bloggers!
So excited to read that this will be your first time at Disneyland David- it will make running through these 2 parks all the more magical! I hope you enjoy collecting your bling from the beautiful state of California; we are thrilled that you are sharing your journey with us!!
It sounds like such a great experience Donna!! Maybe someday we can run this one together. Thanks for sharing your great pictures and making us feel like we were a part of it through you.
Thank you pal! We will revisit this post after your (our) 5K in February!!
I'm so excited for this run! The more park miles, the better! 🙂
Park time is THE best part of any runDisney event; this one gets an "A"!! Enjoy every step Christine!
I definitely agree! This race is fantastic whether done as part of a challenge, or as an event in itself!
You are right Krissy- it's a terrific weekend all around. I will be chEARing you on from afar!!
The 10K distance is my favorite race distance. I will finally experience my first Disneyland race in 2015. Do you think the 10K course for Tinkerbell is the same as it is for the Dumbo?
Yay Meranda! No, for some reason, this year's Tinker Bell 10K course was different. Knowing that runDisney does like to put its listening EARS on, perhaps that will change for 2015. I'll be sure to follow your Disneyland journey!
That race looks like a lot of fun (as are all the runDisney races). I hope to do one in Disneyland someday (if I don't die during the Wine and Dine).
This race looks magical! Thanks so much for sharing your pictures and for being an inspiration to so many of us!
It must be so much fun to be able to run Walt's footsteps! Thank you for sharing your great photos and I have to say the sign made me chuckle!
Great post! I really enjoyed the Disneyland 10k last year! I really liked the course and prefer it to the one they had during the Tinkerbell 10k. I'm happy to read that the race is earlier this year- the weather was definitely uncomfortable from the beginning last time. I am a little sad that I won't be doing the Disneyland 10k this year but your post brought back happy memories that I was able to revisit. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I've heard that same sentiment about this course over and over Nerissa. I certainly hope that runDisney uses a similar track for the inaugural Star Wars 10K- I just can't wait! Thank you so much for joining the hop; though we both will be missing this weekend's event, reading through the many posts helps with the "home" sickness!!
The run away from twerking Miley guy was my FAVORITE! That’s seriously the best sign ever! This was such a fun race…I’d love to run it again in the future!