The Disney Princess Half Marathon is presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Photo: Google Images/CC License
What could be better than getting to run through a Disney theme park? How about having fun, getting fit, meeting all kinds of great people and helping kids while doing it? That is exactly what Walt Disney World Resort (WDWR) and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) have created with the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The two have extended their long-term relationship with a new agreement that names Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as the presenting sponsor of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place February 20-23, 2014.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are located across the United States.
Photo: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness for children’s hospitals in North America. The agreement with WDWR gives CMNH an opportunity to raise both awareness and funds for the Network’s 170 children’s hospitals across the United States. It also gives race participants a way to combine their passion for running with ways to support the charitable efforts of the CMNH.
While the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is geared towards women and girls of all ages, that is not to say that dads, brothers and husbands are excluded. All are welcome to participate. Featured runDisney events include the runDisney kids races, a Royal Family 5K, the new Disney Enchanted 10K race and a half marathon (13.1 miles) that weaves through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot parks. There is also a new Glass Slipper Challenge for runners completing both the half marathon and the 10K race.
“We have a shared commitment to help kids and their families and are honored to team with runDisney as the presenting sponsor of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend,” said John Lauck, President and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We have made many meaningful memories with Disney throughout our 26-year relationship and look forward to continuing that legacy with this new opportunity.”
The relationship between CMNH and Disney dates back to 1987 when CMNH hosted its annual telethon at Disneyland Resort in California. The WDWR (Florida) later hosted the CMNH Classic, a PGA Tour event. It currently hosts Celebration Week to honor the children of the CMNH Champions program.
“We’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship with CMNH,” said Faron Kelley, director of sports marketing at WDW Resort. “We are eager to work closely with them again through our Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in ways that support the extraordinary work they are doing with children in their 170 hospitals nationwide.”
The charity has received up to 400 registrations for the sold-out race, which will be reserved for athletes interested in fund raising for the group. Half marathon hopefuls must raise a minimum of $300 to participate in the event. Runners who commit to raise more than $1,600 will receive a two-day Park Hopper pass and a two-night stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
runDisney events are a fun way to stay in shape and see the World.
Photo:WDW/Google Images/CC License
More than 163,000 people participate in runDisney events each year. Race participants earn Disney-themed medals, experience Disney entertainment and celebrate their accomplishments with a Disney vacation. To learn more about how to participate in runDisney events please visit runDisney.com. Give them a social shout-out on Facebook, Twitter (@runDisney) and Instagram (@runDisney).
Walt Disney World (Florida) runDisney races:
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna (January)
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CMNH (February)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler (September)
- The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November)
Disneyland (California) runDisney events:
- The Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend (January)
- The Disneyland Half Marathon (September)
For all things Disney travel-related, be sure to check out the Disney Travel Examiner at Examiner.com.
I’ve always had the Disney bug, however, I’ve only recently been bitten by the “running bug.” While still very much a beginner (My shins, calves and feet hurt. I know, whaaaa…whaaa…whaaaaaa…..), I have been quite diligent in my fitness efforts. I recently purchased a FitBit Zip, a pedometer type of thingy that counts steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and the time (no watch worries). It is really keeping me motivated to move. It’s even pink! To learn how you could win a FitBit Flex, similar to the Zip but with even more options, click right here.
My biggest obstacle with the runDisney events is that I am quite a distance out of state. Since I don’t like car trips, and teleportation isn’t an option, that leaves the expense of airline travel. Boooooo….
I am hoping to be able to make the WDWR Marathon Weekend next January (I’ve always wanted to go to Florida in January). Hopefully I’ll be in Half Marathon shape by then. If not, maybe 5K or 10K. I’m planning to do a couple of 5K events this spring. How about you? Do you have any runDisney goals this year?
[…] ← Previous […]