Photo: Double-Amputee Veteran Matias Ferreira Finishes Walt Disney World Half Marathon
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Pictured here are Cigna CEO David Cordani and Lance Corporal Matias Ferreira as they show the medals they won earlier today by completing the half marathon together at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which is sponsored by Cigna.
Ferreira, 22, originally from Atlanta and now living in Rockville, Maryland, is a U.S. Marine who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Cordani served as a running guide to Ferreira, who is a member of the Achilles International Freedom Team. Achilles is an organization that helps people with disabilities, including wounded U.S. Armed Forces veterans, compete in mainstream athletic events. Cigna sponsored several members of the Achilles team at today’s half marathon.
Photo courtesy of Business Wire
Categories: Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Half Marathon, Human Interest, Military, runDisney, Sports
Wine and Dine Half Marathon ‘Finish Line Party’ to Feature Attractions and New Food Offerings for First Time
A capacity field of runners will experience new food and wine options as well as have exclusive access to signature Disney attractions for the first time at the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, at Walt Disney World Resort, further enhancing an event affectionately known as the “ultimate runners night out.”
At the post-race Finish Line Party at Epcot that lasts until 3 a.m., several Epcot attractions will be operating, including Soarin’, Test Track and Mission: Space. Also, there will more than 20 new food and beverage kiosks, bringing the total number to nearly 90, as well as live video feeds of the race on giant monitors.
The new food and entertainment enhancements are designed to further heighten the runner experience and build on the race’s instant popularity. This year, more than 12,500 runners – nearly 2,000 more than last year’s inaugural race – are expected to take part in the unique experience of running through Walt Disney World theme parks at night. The 13.1-mile trek starts at 10 p.m. at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and takes runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The event features a relay option which gives runners the opportunity to team up with a partner and each run the course in 4.8-mile and 8.3-mile intervals. Everyone who completes the race receives a finishers’ medal.
Defending champions Anton Van Zyl from Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and Melissa Wisner from Washington, D.C., return, leading a field of runners from all 50 states and 21 countries.
Fans can purchase tickets to the post-race party at Epcot at www.runDisney.com or at the event’s Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
In addition to the race and Finish Line Party, the weekend features the Disney Halloween 5K at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Kids’ Races at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, both on Saturday. The Health and Fitness Expo takes place Sept. 30-Oct. 1 inside the Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The expo features the latest in running equipment, products and apparel as well as seminars from running experts – including runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway.
Categories: Epcot, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Food and Wine Festival, Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Sports, Wine and Dine
‘Tinker Bell Half Marathon’ Wings Medal Revealed
Via its official Facebook page, 
runDisney has shared a photo of the medal for the inaugural ‘Tinker Bell Half Marathon’ taking place at the Disneyland Resort January 27 – 29, 2012. The medal prominently features Tinker Bell who doubles as a spinner feature.
With the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland Resort will be hosting two of runDisney’s five signature events. Disneyland currently hosts the Disneyland Half Marathon during Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2-4 in 2011). In all, more than 10,000 runners are expected to participate in the inaugural Tinker Bell event, making it one of the nation’s largest endurance races geared toward women.
Registration for the first-ever Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is open. Registration is currently $130 for the half marathon ($140 after Sept. 11, 2011) and $99 (includes ‘Twilight Ticket’) for the 5K event. A portion of the registration fees will be donated to the Anaheim Community Foundation. Runners can register for the Tinker Bell event and any other runDisney race online at rundisney.com.
For more information on the event, or to register, visit the official event page.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Half Marathon, runDisney, Tink, Tinker Bell, Tinker Bell Half Marathon, Tinkerbell
SPECULATION: ‘Tinker Bell Half Marathon’ Second Leg of runDisney ‘Coast to Coast to Coast’ Trifecta?
UPDATE: WE NOW HAVE THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE CONFIRMING OUR ORIGINAL REPORT! – CLICK HERE
Categories: Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Sports, Tinker Bell Half Marathon
EXCLUSIVE: Disney to Announce ‘Tinker Bell Half Marathon’ at Disneyland; Event Debuts January 2012
UPDATE: WE NOW HAVE THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE CONFIRMING OUR REPORT!
Truthfully, we don’t really have any of the details of the new athletic event currently being teased by runDisney on its Facebook page but we can confirm that on Tuesday, April 19 at approximately 10 am ET (7 am PT), Disney will announce the inaugural ‘Tinker Bell Half Marathon’ at the Disneyland Resort.
The runDisney ‘Tinker Bell Half Marathon’ will provide ‘women and girls an opportunity to celebrate health, fitness, active lifestyles’ and will take place at the Disneyland Resort from January 27-29.
Until the official announcement, we invite everyone to review the clues from runDisney to see how they could apply to this pre-announcement.
- Clue 2: In reference to just the introduction, a world of Fantasy likely refers to Fantasyland where ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’ can be found. Noodle, however, is apparently a strong keyword here since its mention is just plain odd. There is, however, a pirate named Noodler in Peter Pan.
Clue 3: May refer to a combination of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Placing the illustrated maps side-by-side roughly produces the same teapot shape, complete with lid (Toontown), handle (Rivers of America) and crack (Jungle Cruise) (via Facebook clues page)- Clue 4: May refer to the upcoming 2012 direct-to-home-video film, Tinker Bell: Race Through the Seasons
- Clue 5: This has already widely been accepted as 13.1 / Half Marathon, but most can’t seem to pinpoint why it is other than the clue’s introduction mentions ‘distance’ and ‘halfway.’ Many have tried to create a mathematical formula off of the marked BINGO numbers, but it may be as simple as 2:30 is officially considered the time to beat for a full marathon, coupled with the other mark being halfway between 72 and 73. 72:30 is also a respectable time for a half marathon, so that may be why those numbers in particular were chosen.
- Clue 6: The flag of Scotland undoubtedly refers to Peter Pan (and Tinker Bell) creator J.M. Barrie’s country of birth (the use of the word author in the clue introduction supports this strongly)
- Clue 8: The spotlight most likely refers to how Tinker Bell is portrayed in staged productions. What fuels this believe is the use of the word ‘act’ in the clue’s introduction, which is of course a theatrical term (hat tip to @erwinmascardo)
- Clue 9: The given names of the three hosts (Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings) who hosted the televised opening of Disneyland (via runningoftheears.com)
- Clue 10: The pinkish, height-challenged castle appears to be Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, but it seems the Tangled tower is where the Matterhorn should be. And, of course, Tinker Bell, is prominently featured. Lastly, some believe the mention of both time zones to be a possible ‘Coast to Coast’ half marathon event to be tied in with the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Events, Half Marathon, runDisney, Sports, Tinker Bell Half Marathon
Jennifer Hanley-Pinto of Jacksonville, FL Takes 2011 Disney Princess Half Marathon
Holding off challengers virtually the entire race Sunday, Jennifer Hanley-Pinto of Jacksonville, Fla. survived long enough to cross the finish line first to win Disney’s 2011 Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort.
Caitlin Latimer of Lexington, Ky. came in second with a time of 1:23:14, which was just 24 seconds behind Hanley-Pinto, whose winning time was 1:22:50. Heather Schulz of Orlando was third (1:25:01) despite running a faster time than last year when she finished second.
Yet as fast as the field was, no one could quite outrun Hanley-Pinto, 33. Latimer and Schulz stayed on her heels down the stretch but couldn’t overtake her as she finished ahead of a field of more than 17,000 runners. In all, more than 22,000 runners participated in endurance events throughout the weekend at Disney, including a health and fitness expo, a 5K and several kid races.
The weekend of events were all designed to celebrate and promote women’s empowerment, health and an active lifestyle. It’s widely regarded as one of the nation’s largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend was the second of runDisney’s four signature events. The remaining two are the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (September 2-4, 2011) and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (September 30-October 1, 2011) events. For more information or to registration for any runDisney events, go to www.rundisney.com.
Categories: Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Events, Half Marathon, Princess Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Sports
Disney Honors Teen Who Gifted Half Marathon Medal to Injured Runner
Sarah White, a 16 year old from Seattle, WA, was recognized earlier this week by the Disneyland Resort for selflessly gifting her medal from the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon to a fellow runner who was injured during the event. At just about a half mile from the finish line, 76 year old Shirley Rackner of Portland, OR fell and was injured, ultimately preventing her from finishing the race and earning the medal herself. At a pep rally held at White’s school, Disney (and Mickey Mouse) recognized White for her generosity and replaced her medal in a ceremony. Rackner, who had to have surgery to have a metal plate attached to her wrist, was also in attendance.
The video below has been furnished by Disney Parks as b-roll but there is little to it that isn’t justified in leaving in and we believe the raw footage in its entirety speaks for itself.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Events, Half Marathon, Human Interest, Running
Paul Ngeny, 31, of Auburn, Calif., Sets Record by Winning Fifth Annual Disneyland Half Marathon
Paul Ngeny, 31, of Auburn, Calif., led a record field of more than 14,000 registered runners Sunday at the fifth annual Disneyland Half Marathon, crossing the finish line first with a time of 1:07:24, beating the fastest Disneyland Half Marathon time by 41 seconds.
“The course was very nice and comfortable,” Ngeny said. “I liked running through the parks and all the music. I could keep on going for a hundred miles.”
Finishing just behind Ngeny was Eric Marenburg, 27, of San Diego, Calif., with a time of 1:12:10. Kevin Broady, 48, of Brea, Calif., finished third with a time of 1:12:43.
Rachel Booth, 29, of Mountain View, Calif., claimed the title of 2010 women’s champion with a time of 1:15:19, beating the fastest women’s finisher time in the history of the Disneyland Half Marathon by 00:04:04. Booth, who performed better than she expected, finished just 18 seconds off of an Olympic trial qualifier time. “It was great. Magical,” Booth said. “It’s in Disneyland and it’s just a happy day. Always enjoyable. Everyone was so loud and cheering.”
The women’s second-place finisher was Theresa Lowry, 36, of San Diego, Calif., with a time of 1:19:05. Susan Loken, 47, of Phoenix, AZ, took third place with a time of 1:19:13.
Other notable finishers of the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon are Jon Megeff, 47, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., who won the men’s Master’s Division (age 40+) with a time of 1:16:57, Merryt Jackman, 41, of San Diego, Calif., who topped the women’s Master’s Division (1:28:16) and Scott Parson, 51 of San Jose, Calif.,(00:56:45), and Sandi Rush, 49, of Oceanside, Calif., (1:17:06), winners of the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions.
The fifth anniversary of “The Happiest Race on Earth” welcomed its largest registration field as more than 14,000 runners from every U.S. state and 16 countries made the magical 13.1 mile journey. The course traveled through the two Disneyland Resort theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure – and along Anaheim streets, passing landmarks such as the Honda Center and running on the field of Angel Stadium of Anaheim, while Disney characters and festive entertainment inspired runners along the way.
Participants who completed the half marathon received a special edition medal featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle circled by a vibrant number “5” and running Mickey Mouse. Nearly 570 Legacy runners – those who completed all five Disneyland Half Marathons – received a special medal lanyard.
The third annual Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal was presented to approximately 2,350 runners who completed the Walt Disney World Marathon or Half Marathon or Disney’s Princess Half Marathon this year at Walt Disney World Resort and then also completed Sunday’s Disneyland Half Marathon. The Coast to Coast medal showcases the iconic “Partners Statue” of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
The 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 2-4, 2011. Registration for next year’s Disneyland Half Marathon is scheduled to open Jan. 2, 2011
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Events, Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Sports
Champion and Sport Chalet Announce Sponsorship of 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon
Today, two leaders within the sporting industry announced their official sponsorship of the 5th annual Disneyland® Half Marathon to take place over Labor Day weekend in Anaheim, Calif. For the first time, Sport Chalet joins Champion® Athleticwear, the official performance apparel of the Disney Endurance Series, as the official retailer of the exciting Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.
As presenting sponsors, Champion and Sport Chalet will receive on-site marquee inclusion within event marketing collateral, program advertising and signage, and goody bags. The apparel brand and retailer will also bring their partnership to life at the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo with a 20-foot-by-30-foot pop up retail store, which will exclusively sell select pieces from Champion’s popular Double Dry performance collection to participants and spectators alike. More than 14,000 athletes have registered for the Disneyland® Half Marathon and all will be outfitted in a commemorative Champion Double Dry T-Shirt.
“We have a tremendous ongoing partnership with the Disney Endurance Series and are honored to bring our performance apparel to its athletes throughout the year,” said Claire Powell, director, Champion brand marketing. “We’re especially excited for this year’s Disneyland Half Marathon as we welcome our retail partner and West Coast sports staple, Sport Chalet, to celebrate these everyday athletes with us.” Champion men’s and women’s apparel are now available at Sports Chalet locations.
For David Hacker, director of marketing at Sport Chalet, the event sponsorship and apparel partnership with Champion is a testament to the retailer’s identity. “Like Champion, we are a destination for players of all levels, across all sports. We’re thrilled to be the official retailer at the Disneyland Half Marathon and help fuel the passions of the runners.”
Disney Sports Event Director Paul Lambert returns the sentiment and supports the focus on everyday athletes. “We look forward to kicking-off the 5th milestone of our Disneyland Half Marathon with the support of Champion and Sport Chalet. These two sporting icons are sponsors our runners can relate to which is extremely important as we continue to explore ways to enhance the Disney running experience.”
Watch official Disneyland Half Marathon runners navigate through Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland Resort on Sunday, Sept. 5, for a chance to earn the coveted 5th Anniversary finisher medal. Runners of all ages will also participate in the Disneyland Fabulous 5K and Kids’ Races and the Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo, which features the latest trends in running, fitness equipment, footwear and apparel.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Champion, Half Marathon, Running, Sport Chalet, Sports
Disneyland Half Marathon Celebrates Fifth Consecutive Sellout; 2011 Registration Opens January 3
A record field of more than 14,000 registered participants will take to the streets of Disneyland Resort and the city of Anaheim for the fifth anniversary of “The Happiest Race on Earth” – the Disneyland Half Marathon. In addition to the 13.1-mile half marathon, the weekend features activities for the entire family, including a Health & Fitness Expo, Disneyland Fabulous 5K presented by the Los Angeles Times, and Kids’ Races.
In true Disney fashion, the fifth anniversary of the race weekend will be celebrated in several ways. Athletes who complete the half marathon will be rewarded with a commemorative edition finisher medal featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle circled by a vibrant number “5” and running Mickey Mouse. Nearly 570 “Legacy Runners” – those who will be running in their fifth Disneyland half marathon – also will receive special recognition throughout the race weekend.
Participants from 16 countries and all 50 U.S. states are set to compete in weekend races. More than 14,000 are registered for the half marathon Sept. 5, and 5,000 are registered in the Family 5K and Kids’ Races, Sept. 4. Participants and the general public can also visit the Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel. The expo features the latest in official Disneyland Half Marathon merchandise and more than 90 vendors of fitness apparel, footwear, sunglasses, high-tech gadgets and nutritional products.
The Disneyland Half Marathon features a course unlike any other in the world. Passing through the two Disneyland Resort theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure – and the streets of Anaheim, participants will experience a race full of inspiration that only Disney can provide, including live entertainers and Disney characters at the start line and along the route. The road race has become popular for its flat loop course and mild climate – ideal for personal best times. Hosted by the Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim, it reached registration capacity – for the fifth consecutive year – in late spring.
“We are so proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Disneyland Half Marathon,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis. “This unique event has become a tradition of fun and memories for thousands of athletes and their families. We share the success of this event with the city of Anaheim. Since 2006, we have jointly brought more than 80,000 participants from around the world to the Anaheim resort area.”
Throughout the race, runners will pass Disneyland icons such as Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Matterhorn, Anaheim landmarks such as the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center, and will see themselves on the jumbo screen running on the field inside Angel Stadium of Anaheim before finally crossing the finish line next to the Disneyland Hotel.
An estimated 2,350 runners are eligible to earn a special medal for the third annual Disney’s Coast to Coast Race Challenge. To be eligible, runners must have completed the Walt Disney World Marathon or Half Marathon or Disney’s Princess Half Marathon this year at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., in addition to completing the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon. The Coast to Coast medal showcases the iconic statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse (known as the Partners Statue).
The next Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will take place Sept. 2-4, 2011. Registration is scheduled to open Jan. 3, 2011, for the 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon.
Categories: California Adventure, Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Events, Half Marathon, Running, Sports
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