Registration for Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2016 Opens Tomorrow!

Grab a tiara and get those running slippers ready, because registration opens tomorrow at noon EDT for runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend. This event is designed for female athletes, but men are also welcome to join in the fun. Taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort from February 18th-21st, 2016, the Princess Half Marathon is always filled with fun times and awesome people. Some of my best runDisney memories are from this race. After all, this was the race that began it all for me, the one that started my runDisney obsession and set the bar for all other endurance events in my life.

I really love the girl power that this race promotes; it’s pretty incredible and very empowering. It’s like an athletic sisterhood of sorts, but with sparkly medals instead of dainty friendship necklaces. It’s also wonderful because it offers so many different race options that it’s a great race for groups of various athletic backgrounds. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, the Princess Half Marathon weekend has plenty of choices to accommodate the needs of all runners–so don’t worry if you are running for the first time in forever. My cousins and I made it into a girl’s weekend and we had a blast.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is a great way to schedule a much needed girls weekend. I had a magical time with DIStracted cousins Staci and Jennifer.

The Disney Princess 5K will be held on Friday, February 19th. This 3.1-mile course through Epcot is a great choice if you’re looking for a short run that has the most theme park time. It’s also a great option for families that want to race together. Please note that your tiny people must be at least 5 years of age to race in this event. Registration is $65, but includes a free unisex t-shirt, personalized bib, and a finisher’s medal.

The Disney Princess Enchanted 10K will be held on Saturday, February 20th. This 6.2-mile course is open to participants 10 years of age and older. The course will take you through Epcot and the Epcot Resort area. This is a great distance and an excellent course. Out of all the runDisney courses I’ve run so far, this one is by far my favorite. This is great for those who are ready for something a little more challenging than the 5K, but are not yet ready to tackle the half marathon. Registration is $110, which is a little pricey for a 10K, but when you compare it to the 5K cost, it’s a good deal. For $45 more, you’ll get a swankier medal, a short-sleeved tech shirt, and bragging rights that you completed the equivalent of two 5K races.

Pascal and I after the Enchanted 10K. Tiny plush friends will not get medals at the finish line but they make excellent running companions, especially when they match your running costume.

The runDisney Kids Races take place on Friday, February 19th, and, Saturday, February 20th for participants 13 years old and younger. The runDisney Kids Races offer various dashes for the smaller children, with distances based upon age, and a one-miler event that is open to children 13 and under. Priced at just $15, the runDisney Kids Races are an absolute must-do if you’re bringing your little prince or princess with you to Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Not only will they get to support you in your athletic endeavors, but now you can support them in theirs! Each participant will receive a personalized bib, t-shirt, and finisher’s medal. I cannot encourage the runDisney Kids Races more. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote pint-sized fitness and family support! It’s a fantastic way to introduce your tiny ones to the runDisney experience. Not only are the Kids Races equipped with fun and awesomeness, they are also incredibly adorable for the spectators. Be prepared to see the cutest costumes and athletes of the weekend.

The last event of the weekend is the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, February 21th. Priced at $175, the fee includes a gorgeous tiara-shaped finisher’s medal, short-sleeved tech shirt, and personalized bib. Yes, it’s expensive, we’re aware, but if you’ve ever had the privilege of participating in a runDisney half marathon, then you are well aware that there are plenty of drink and first-aid stations throughout the 13.1-mile course. Plus, there’s the added bonus of being cheered on by your favorite Disney friends at various photo locations as you go–if your dream is to have a group photo with the Disney princes, this is the race that can grant your wish. (Speaking of wishes, you’ll probably see Genie from Aladdin as well.) This is a well-supported race by the spectators, Cast Members, and voluntEARS, and it offers many character opportunities along the course.

DIStracted cousin Staci and I showing off our race bling.

For those of you who are ready for the Royal Ball, there’s always the Glass Slipper Challenge. For $305, you can participate in both the 10K and the half marathon (19.3 miles in two days) and earn a special Glass Slipper Challenge medal for completing both. You’ll also receive a personalized Glass Slipper Challenge bib to wear for both races, and an extra tech shirt, so you would be leaving with three medals instead of two! Ladies, this is an amazing opportunity to unleash your inner princess and challenge yourself. I registered for this event last year to complete the second half of my Coast to Coast challenge, and I’m so glad I did–it was amazing. Sure, I was definitely exhausted by the end of the trip, but I’m grateful that I believed in myself enough to take the plunge and accept the 19.3-mile challenge. It really is a gorgeous medal, and really, who doesn’t want to be the princess sporting three fancy medals on a Sunday afternoon in the Parks? No one, that’s who. If you’re a runDisney enthusiast, this is a challenge that every girl should try at least once.

DIStracted Tip: Please be aware that to participate in the Glass Slipper Challenge, you MUST register for it. Even if you register individually for both the 10K and the half marathon, this DOES NOT enter you into the Glass Slipper Challenge.

A weekend at a runDisney event can make anyone feel like a champion.

The runDisney race spots sell out very quickly, so please make sure you are ready to go at noon EDT tomorrow (Tuesday, July 14, 2015)! The Glass Slipper Challenge spots and the Kids Race spots are generally the first to sell out. Also, don’t forget that ChEAR squad packages and commemorative items will also be available during the registration process. My cousin opted for the ChEAR Squad-Platinum Package last year and said it was well worth the price. She decided last-minute to join ChEAR Squad at the pre-race runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, so you have plenty of time to decide if you want to add it on.

DIStracted Tip: The runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is something you will definitely want to allow extra time for. There are so many great vendors there! Plus, you’ll have chances to win amazing prizes, check out new gear, get samples, great photo opportunities, and even some snacks. Also, if you accidentally forgot any race gear at home, you are sure to find it here. They have everything under the sun that one could need for a runDisney event, from food to costumes. When I say they have it all, I mean they literally have it all.