Disneyland Half Marathon weekend - Meet Ups (UPDATED!)

With the exciting race weekend that is just days away, myself along with thousands of other avid runDisney runners are busy packing and gearing up for the fantastic weekend ahead of us!

During the weekend, there will be many opportunities to meet new friends and see old ones.  I know I'm crazy excited to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen for awhile.  While chatting with one of those friends last night, we both realized that it was this weekend back in 2013 where a lot of friendships were formed.

Over the course of the weekend there are a few 'meet ups' going on where you can meet some new people...maybe someone you've followed on social media.  I wanted to share a few with you that I knew were going on -

#TeamSparkle Donut Meet-Up

 If you're a runDisney fan, I'm sure you've seen tons of ladies (and even some guys!) sporing the ever so sparkly skirts during the races...these more than likely came from the awesome gals at Sparkle Athletic!  I met one of the founders, Kelly (@according2kelly) at Disneyland in 2013 and look forward to seeing her at each runDisney weekend that I attend.

This year they are hosting a meet up...but not just any meet-up...a DONUT MEET-UP!

Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to make it to this one due to prior commitments, but this is sure to be a great time!  Come carb up for the races and get to know the ladies behind the Sparkle!

Cupcake Meet-Up

I met Krissy (@krissymmurphy) for the first time at the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend and we have been friends ever since!  She is partnering up with DVC Central for the meet up, which will benefit PAWS Chicago, a national model and the Midwest’s largest No Kill humane animal shelter.  The money raised will go towards fellow runDisney fanatic, Justin Stone (@DisnyRunr24), fundraising efforts as he trains for the 2015 Chicago marathon as a member of Team PAWS Chicago.  Now...you may not know who Justin is, but you may be familiar with his amazing photos of his 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon medal and the infamous hash tag #MakingLemonadeOutta...

photo credit - Justin Stone

While registration for the meet up during the Disneyland half marathon weekend is now closed, you are more than welcome to stop by, say hi, and maybe even get a picture with Justin and his medal  :)  BUT....have no fear...they will be having another cupcake meet up during Wine and Dine half marathon weekend in November AND there is a virtual option! (with the virtual option you still have a chance to win prizes and receive the commemorative item...but you'll have to provide your own cupcakes).  Check out Krissy's blog to get more info, and you can register by clicking here :)  You can also check the official Cupcake Meet Up Facebook page for more information as the dates get closer.

The #PupcakeMeetUp2015 will be held from 1:30-2:30pm at the Picnic Swirl.  It's sure to be a fun time!

Instagram Meet-Up

Ivie (@ivieanne) and her fiance' AJ are an incredibly inspiring couple.  They have both changed their lifestyles and have lost a lot of weight!  They are also super cute together.  I've also never met them but hoping I can make it over to their meet up to say hi and introduce myself.  I'll definitely be in need of caffeine over the course of the weekend!

#WeRunSocial

I actually met Linzie (@SharpEndurance) at one of his meet ups during the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend.  I was a little shy but he made me feel right at home.  I'm excited to see him again during this weekend!  I've been following Carlee (@CarleeMcDot) on social media for quite awhile and am looking forward to meeting her in real life!

If you want to learn more about #WeRunSocial, check out the blog that Brian (@PavementRunner) wrote about it.  I've got my shirt packed and plan to wear it while spectating the 10k so look for me on the course!

There are tons of other opportunities to meet and run into people - the expo, anniversary party, the races, and the parks!  I strongly suggest you take the time to introduce yourself....the running community is a wonderful one to be a part of - I know I have met some of the most amazing people I've ever known through it.  You never know who you might meet and what connection you might have.  Make sure to say hi if you see me around!

Do you plan to check out any of these meet ups?

10th Anniversary of the runDisney Disneyland half marathon!

Today is the day hundreds of thousands of runners will be sitting at their computers or on their smart phones, credit card in hand, anxiously awaiting to sign up for the 2015 runDisney Disneyland half marathon weekend!

photo by runDisney

I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare in 2013, and it was one of the best experiences ever!  While I'm super sad I can't make it out to Disneyland this year, I'm hoping to be there for the 5th anniversary of Dumbo Double Dare in 2017, and who knows...might even make it a Coast to Coast year!

The weekend is full of fun and running!  Check out the event schedule -

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

Disneyland® Hotel Exhibit Hall

Thursday, September 3, 2015 - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, September 4, 2015 - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 5, 2015 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Disneyland® 5K presented by Cigna®

Disneyland® Resort
Friday, September 4, 2015
Start time: 5:30 AM

Disneyland® 10K presented by Cigna®

Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Start time: 5:30 AM

runDisney Kids Races

Downtown Disney® District near ESPN Zone®
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Start time: 9:00 AM

Pasta in the Park Party

Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree inside Disneyland® Park
Saturday, September 5, 2015
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Disneyland® Half Marathon presented by Cigna®

Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Start time: 5:30 AM

ChEAR Squad

Disneyland® Park
Sunday, September 6, 2015

And, of course, the most important information - the pricing!

Disneyland® Half Marathon

• $199 by February 24, 2015
• $214 between February 25 and March 10, 2015
• $229 on or after March 11, 2015

Disneyland® 10K

• $110 by February 24, 2015
• $125 between February 25 and March 10, 2015
• $140 on or after March 11, 2015

Dumbo Double Dare

• $330 by February 24, 2015
• $355 between February 25 and March 10, 2015
• $380 on or after March 11, 2015

Disneyland® 5K

• $75 by March 10, 2015
• $85 on or after March 11, 2015

runDisney Kids Races

• $20 by March 10, 2015
• $25 on or after March 11, 2015

Pasta in the Park Party
With a Theme Park Ticket

• $135.00 for Adults (ages 10 and up)*
• $115.00 for Children (ages 3-9)*

Without a Theme Park Ticket

• $89.00 for Adults (ages 10 and up)*
• $69 .00 for Children (ages 3-9)*

* A theme park ticket is required to enter this party.

ChEAR Squad (Half Marathon Only)

• Bronze – No Charge per package
• Silver – $45 per package
• Gold – $69 per package
• Platinum – $99 per package

With this being the 10th anniversary I expect this to sell out quick, so make sure you're ready at noon EST to register!

If you aren't able to get in, there are always tons of amazing charity groups that you can fundraise for and run through them.  There are also travel providers who had bibs, but make sure you contact them as soon as possible because once they're gone, they're gone!

Best of luck to everyone who will be registering!  I'll be following along at home :) 

Have you run during the Disneyland half marathon weekend before?  Do you plan to run this year?

Until next time,