The Spooktacular 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon: A Magical Race Recap

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the highly anticipated 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon. The event, part of the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, brought together Disney fans and avid runners for a thrilling challenge through the Disneyland Resort theme parks and the city of Anaheim. Dressed as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, I embarked on this adventure full of excitement and anticipation, only for the weather to surprise us all with scorching heat!

A Weekend Full of Disney Magic

The entire race weekend was packed with events, including yoga sessions, a 5K race, 10K race, Half Marathon, and a Kids Run. This year marked the first time Disneyland hosted a Halloween-themed race, introducing new themes and characters to the event lineup. As only the second race Disneyland has hosted since its long hiatus, the return of these races to Anaheim made the weekend even more special.

I participated in both the 10K race and the Half Marathon, capturing the highlights of both events in a fun-filled video. The races took runners through magical courses filled with iconic Disney landmarks and a festive Halloween atmosphere.

Half Marathon Course Highlights

The half marathon course was truly enchanting, guiding runners through Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and the streets of Anaheim. With six hydration stations along the way, essential in the scorching heat, the course offered a mix of challenges and magical moments.

Entering Disney California Adventure before mile 1, runners were greeted by the stunning Cars Land transformed for Haul-O-Ween. The course continued through Radiator Springs and Paradise Pier, offering picturesque views and exciting photo opportunities.

One highlight was encountering Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, who posed for photos with runners, adding a touch of magic to the race. Running through Disneyland, past Main Street, U.S.A., iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Tomorrowland, gave runners a unique experience of the theme park before it opened to the public.

Running as Sally: A Costume Fit for the Occasion

Dressed as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas, my costume perfectly complemented the Halloween theme of the race. While I initially planned to wear a specific outfit, the extreme heat prompted me to make a last-minute change, opting for a more breathable ensemble.

Although I missed running through the Haunted Mansion-themed areas, the nods to Sally from fellow runners and Disney cast members added to the fun and excitement of the race.

Challenging Weather and Final Reflections

The highlight of this year’s half marathon was undeniably the unanticipated heat, testing runners’ endurance and stamina. Despite the challenges, the well-placed hydration stations and the Disney magic kept us going until the finish line.

Despite the heat, the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon was a memorable experience, showcasing the best of Disney magic and Halloween spirit. The race’s festive decorations, exciting course, and camaraderie among fellow runners created a truly magical atmosphere.

Tips for Future Runners

• Hydrate early and often to combat the heat.
• Get creative with your costume for added fun and excitement.
• Pace yourself wisely to finish strong in challenging conditions.

Running through Disneyland during the Halloween season is a dream come true for Disney enthusiasts, and the Halloween Half Marathon is a must-do event for those who love the spooky season. Looking forward to next year’s race and the magic it will bring!

If you want to experience the magic of the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon, be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for a thrilling adventure filled with Disney magic and Halloween spirit!

Watch the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend Recap Video here for a closer look at the excitement and magic of this unforgettable event.