So, unfortunately, I’m not going to running the Princess Half Marathon this weekend. I tackled both the Dopey Challenge and the Glass Slipper Challenge back-to-back last year, and, well…let’s just say it’s not something I can pull off every year, financially speaking. Still can’t control myself at those damn race expos, haha.
Back in 2013 (which seems SO long ago), Princess was my very first half marathon. And there are no words that could ever even begin to describe the feeling of crossing that finish line.
It really was the race that started at all. Dozens of half marathons and four full marathons later, who knows where I’d be right now if I hadn’t had the courage to randomly sign up for a 13.1-mile race in 2012. It was one of the first times in my life that I had taken such a giant leap of faith…and good lord was I TERRIFIED that I wouldn’t be able to do it! Seems crazy to think about now.
This race will always hold a special place in my heart. But in honor of my fellow princesses, I thought I’d share some other reasons why I think this particular race weekend ROCKS! And if you’re running this weekend…have a magical race!
The Girlishness
The Princess Half Marathon may share the same course as, say, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon…but, to me, the experience feels completely different.
It starts from the moment you walk into the “Fit for a Princess” expo and see nothing but rows and rows of sparkly skirts and headbands and jewelry and all sorts of other girly things.
Then there’s the middle of the race, when you see countless mothers and daughters, sisters, and friends running together, many in matching sparkly costumes.
Afterwards, you hear nothing but “congratulations” all day from your fellow runner ladies in the parks — most of whom are still wearing their tiaras and tutus, just like you.
It’s just…a special race. I don’t know how else to say it.
The Costumes
Of course, you’ll see people in costume for any of the runDisney races. But I find it especially cool that so many women channel their favorite princess during this race experience.
All weekend, everyone is decked out in flouncy tutus and sparkly tiaras, and racing in costumes inspired by the female heroines from classics like Cinderella all the way up to Disney’s newest princesses.
The Royal Treatment
At the Princess Half Marathon, you really are made to feel like royalty. You might even be escorted into the expo by these fine gentlemen.
Everyone calls you “princess” all weekend long. Plus, it’s kind of hard not to feel royal when you’re wearing a tiara.
The Photo Opps
Again, all runDisney races have the BEST photo opportunities. But where else can you get a picture with a group of these handsome fellows?
The Princess Half Marathon shares a lot of the same characters as the other races, but it’s the only race weekend when you’re likely to score a picture with the Fairy Godmother, or Mickey and Minnie in their royal costumes.
Plus, if you’re dressed as your favorite princess, you might just spot her after the finish line! (Totally worth the 45+ minute wait.)
Need I say more?
What girl doesn’t like a little extra *BLING*?
The Girl Power
Yeah, so, it may be cheesy to say…but I LOVE how this race weekend really is the perfect opportunity for women to prove that we can be girly and feminine but also strong and athletic. You can’t help but feel like a total badass…yes, even in costume.
It’s always especially fun to see so many women taking on their first 5K, 10K, or half marathon during the Princess…and kicking ass on the race course.
If anyone is running this weekend and interested in checking out some recaps from 2013 and 2014, here are mine!
“Fit for a Princess” Expo 2014
Princess Half Marathon 2013 (part one, part two)
“Fit for a Princess” Expo 2013
Have you/would you run the Princess Half Marathon?
What was your first half marathon?
What’s your favorite runDisney race?
I did a post about Princess too. Your first half always stays with you. If I did Princess again, I would consider a costume.
So true!
Princess weekend seems like the perfect excuse for a girls getaway. I’m hoping to be able to run Princess in the next year or so.
It totally is! You’d love it!
First off, I love your costumes! The Princess Half is on my race bucket list, so hopefully I’ll be able to check that one off someday. The photo opps and girl power alone make it worth adding to my lineup for next year for sure!
Thanks, Shannon! My thoughts exactly.
The whole environment surrounding the race is really what made running Princess last year so special for me. I thought the course itself was disappointing just because you’re in the parks for such a short period of time, although I totally get that can’t be helped for a variety of reasons. Everything else about race weekend was so awesome though and that’s why I think I’ll run it again someday! I’d also like to do the Glass Slipper Challenge one of these years!
EXACTLY. If only there were just a few more miles running in the parks…it would be even more magical.
I read this post with my 4 year-old daughter – she said you are the ‘strong, running, beautiful version of all her favorite Princesses’ and that you ‘won the race with all those medals!’ You have quite the admirer on the West Coast…!
Awww, thanks, Lynne! So sweet! There are a LOT of strong, running, beautiful princesses that weekend!
Et puis, après cela, nous répétions le film d’environ 12 à environ 4.
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