Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend
Anaheim, CA
- Pixie Dust Challenge (19.3 Miles), Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
EVENT CANCELLED starting 2018. Due to a number of construction projects taking place at Disneyland Resort. —- Put on your imaginary wings, and join the Disney fairies and Peter Pan and the Lost Boys for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at the_Disneyland? Resort. It’s a memory-filled weekend chock full … MORE
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Fun race in Disneyland
This race was fun. It was my daughters first Half-marathon so we ran together. We made character stops and enjoyed being in Disneyland. About 7 miles is inside Disneyland and … MORE
This race was fun. It was my daughters first Half-marathon so we ran together. We made character stops and enjoyed being in Disneyland. About 7 miles is inside Disneyland and then you head out to the streets of Anaheim. The final mile is back to Downtown Disney. The race is expensive but worth it to do once in your life. I would do it again if it was more cost effective. Beautiful medal, lots of water stations and the BEST race photos I have ever gotten.
For Disney fans it’s perfect
So fun, so scenic, so mild, SO expensive. It is the most expensive Run “Brand” out there. If you are a Disney fan, it is a “must do”. I also … MORE
So fun, so scenic, so mild, SO expensive. It is the most expensive Run “Brand” out there. If you are a Disney fan, it is a “must do”.
I also recommend these (Disney runs) to anyone who wants to “get hooked” on running races. It’s how I got hooked*.
*i went from being the girl who DESPISED running more than a quarter mile to “OMG I LOVE running!” all because of a Disney Run.
A little cost cutting this year for 5k
This was my 5th time running the Neverland 5k and I left a pretty detailed review for 2016 already so I will just add some updates: My "Race that was … MORE
This was my 5th time running the Neverland 5k and I left a pretty detailed review for 2016 already so I will just add some updates:
My “Race that was calling me” was doing all three Tinkerbell runs – the 5K, 10K and Half. The news leading into the weekend was that they were no longer using volunteers and instead were hiring temps. So how was this going to change things? The temps did a fine job and I didn’t really notice a difference there. There were less of the “Third Shift” Disney employees out with the big Mickey gloves giving you High 5’s.
There no speakers at the Expo and they cut out the bar 🙁
The big Hub Bub on social media was no character appearances along the course. This apparently upset alot of people (there were a few for the 10K and much more for the Half so maybe RunDisney responded to the criticism quickly and they will fix this for 2018).
Security has really stepped up since last year so give your self extra time to get through the checkpoint.
To recap from my 2016 review:
You need to pick up your bib in person the day before at the expo.
The run is the only event that starts at 5am (instead of 5:30am).
It actually starts at the castle which is cool (and a bit of a bottleneck) but running from the Matterhorn to ToonTown is the only part of Disneyland you will see due to the Star Wars construction. As soon as they reopen the Big Thunder Trail this will improve (hopefully for 2018).
The rest of the run is either backstage or in California Adventure (Turning a corner and seeing Radiator Springs at dawn was breathtaking and a highlight for me).
The 5K is pirate themed – I remembered this year!
If you have a Disney Signature Pass you get all those photos for free! Take advantage!
Disney Rarely Dissapoints
I never do a Disney race for the PR - I do it for the Disney Experience. This was my third Tinkerbell half marathon - I wasn't expecting much, so … MORE
I never do a Disney race for the PR – I do it for the Disney Experience.
This was my third Tinkerbell half marathon – I wasn’t expecting much, so I was pleasantly surprised by a course change (lots more running on the Disney property) and a new medal.
Disney always has fantastic on-course support with water stops every 2 miles and a GU stop about half way through, and all stops have port-a-potties. Of course, you can also use the bathrooms in the park while you’re there.
There are plenty of photographers when you’re on Disney property, which is fine since downtown Anaheim isn’t very scenic.
The new course was nice, in that there was more time in the park and I liked going from Disneyland into California Adventure and back again. The change in course (and photographer positioning) did create a huge traffic jam at the Castel, but that may not happen again next year.
As usual with the Tinkerbell, and all the other races that aren’t the Half Marathon Weekend, there weren’t a ton of character stops and there wasn’t much on course entertainment. In my opinion, if you want the best value, do the September race.
Always fun, and great weather this year!
One of the few road races I do, and look forward to every year. This year was no exception. I usually end up going to this race by myself, but … MORE
One of the few road races I do, and look forward to every year. This year was no exception. I usually end up going to this race by myself, but there is so much going on, and groups to meet up with, it isn’t a problem traveling alone. The weather was amazing this year!
The 10k course is great, it runs mostly through the parks. The HM course does take you outside of the parks, but it is still so much fun because the Red Hat Society Ladies had over 700 women out there lined up on the streets of Anaheim this year. There are also a lot of people out there cheering because it is Mother’s Day Weekend. The AS were awesome this year, the kids do a great job at volunteering. High School Bands, are out there as well. There are not as many props or photo opps I take advantage of at this race, as compared to the Star Wars races.
Great swag, the shirts and medals are always awesome.
Only negative I can think of is that they changed this race to Mother’s Day Weekend, and it isn’t the best weekend for a race! My kids are grown, but if I had small children, it might be difficult. Some people complain about the course being crowded, but fortunately I am in the earlier corrals, so I don’t notice it as much?
Nicest course of all the Disney runs
This was a truly magical weekend. As with all Disney races, there were a few snags (MAJOR bottlenecks on the course), but if you're coming here to PR, in my … MORE
This was a truly magical weekend. As with all Disney races, there were a few snags (MAJOR bottlenecks on the course), but if you’re coming here to PR, in my opinion, you’re running here for the wrong reasons. The opportunity to run through Disneyland in the peaceful morning with thousands of other like-minded Disney freaks is JUST. SO. EPIC. The support system is amazing. The scenery and encouragement is magic. There were 700 red hat ladies between miles 8 and 9 making direct eye contact with everyone they could and telling YOU PERSONALLY that you were amazing and could totally do it. I got a little teary. My grandmother was a crazy red hat lady and I miss her. It’s a bit expensive, but Disney treats you RIGHT.
Neverland Family 5K
This is my 4th time on the Neverland Family 5K and like all the RunDisney 5k's they are a fun and unique experience. A few thoughts on the event: * … MORE
This is my 4th time on the Neverland Family 5K and like all the RunDisney 5k’s they are a fun and unique experience. A few thoughts on the event:
* The Runs go one sale many months in advance. The onsale date for the 2017 Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend is September 20, 2016 (With a AP presale of Sept. 13). The 5k’s are about $80 now and sell out fast.
* As usual the 5k’s are run on Fridays but the Neverland 5k starts at 5am (most other RunDisney 5k’s start at 5:30am)
* The Weekend’s races are apparently geared towards women and I am not sure how how that manifests itself with the 10K and the Half since the 5K is a straight untimed family run with more of an overall pirate theme and little to do with Tinkerbell.
* As usual you will need to pick up your bib at the Heath & Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel the day before the event (the Thursday hours are 10am to 8pm). I waiver will need to signed and you can print yours at the kiosks when you first enter. The expo does have more vendors geared towards women then usual.
* A unique feature of the Neverland 5K is Start Line in Disneyland itself. So if you are parking in the parking structure you have a mile walk to get there. Also unlike the other 5K’s there are no corrals per-determined. You will enter the park and walk down Main Street. Keep walking towards the right side in front of the castle and you will see the start is facing the Matterhorn. Once the right side fills up they will rope off that section as Corral A and start allowing runners to fill up the left side to create Corral B. Once that is filled the remaining runners will stage on Main Street for Corrals C and D.
* Our pre-race segment begins at 4:30am with Andrea and Carissa doing a fine job with a pirate based skit that was fun (typically the supporting casts in these skits drive me up a wall but all is good here). A pirate coming out to perform the National Anthem was actually quite moving. Tinkerbell made her aerial appearance around the castle. It should be noted that this is the first RunDisney event where legendary race announcer, Rudy, was not a part – the scuttlebutt is that they made the change for female only this year to keep with the “female” theme….but there was still a male DJ. Again, other then some vendors at the expo and a Luna Bar in our bag I did not feel that this was a “women’s event”. Andrea and Carissa had great chemistry but maybe they could’ve added Rudy, too – our First Responders need their shout out!
* Due to the construction of Star Wars Land the time spent running in Disneyland itself was EXTREMELY short. You basically ran from the Matterhorn to Toon Town and that was it (about 1/3 mile). The bulk of the run is throughout DCA. In years prior the run was about 50/50 in the parks with the run ending in Paradise Pier. This year it ended in Downtown Disney like most runs. I can see where some people would be disappointed by the small time actually spent running in Walt’s park but for me I was happy to see so many backstage areas I’ve never seen before. I imagine the course might run this pattern next year or at least until they re-open Big Thunder Trail.
* There are photo opportunities along the way with Peter Pan, Wendy and various pirates. There are two well manned water stations. If you need to use a restroom they unlock all of them along the course.
* A new feature this year is the PhotoPass on my Signature Annual Passport. I entered the code and my bid number and many pictures showed up at no additional cost. Pretty Cool.
As always this is a great experience and I can’t wait for the next one to come up. These are top-flight productions.
A Pretty Good Course
This was a good race, with lots of support, great route, and that extra Disney touch. The first half (approximately) of the course was run through the two Disney Parks … MORE
This was a good race, with lots of support, great route, and that extra Disney touch. The first half (approximately) of the course was run through the two Disney Parks and the second half was run through Anaheim, specifically the downtown area.
Not very many hills (just the freeway overpasses) and had great support.
First 5K is only part through park.
Photographers on the course and also cast members to use you camera for pictures since it is Disney more through the park would have been preferable instead of through the … MORE
Photographers on the course and also cast members to use you camera for pictures since it is Disney more through the park would have been preferable instead of through the neighborhood of Anaheim
Disney runs are the best
You are entertained almost the entire race with scenery and options for character pictures. It's a very early start time, but I like getting the race done before it gets … MORE
You are entertained almost the entire race with scenery and options for character pictures. It’s a very early start time, but I like getting the race done before it gets too hot. There are plenty of aid/water stations and lots of cheering people. The path gets narrow at times. I love the race and the Disney medals are some of the best I’ve received.
Very well organized fun race.
Early start. Must provide proof of a previous race time otherwise you will be in the last corral. Lots of people dressed up! Runs through California Adventure then Disneyland before … MORE
Early start. Must provide proof of a previous race time otherwise you will be in the last corral. Lots of people dressed up! Runs through California Adventure then Disneyland before exiting the park onto Disney Way and on to the streets of Anaheim.
A race for true Disney fans
The course was way better this year than last year. Only 1.5 miles on the street, the rest was all inside and behind the scenes of Disneyland and California. Packet … MORE
The course was way better this year than last year. Only 1.5 miles on the street, the rest was all inside and behind the scenes of Disneyland and California. Packet pick up was frustrating because it made all runners be in Anaheim the day before the race to pick up their own packets, there was no picking up for friends. Also the finish could have had a little more than a bottle of water, small Powerade and a banana. Because I love Disney, I will be doing this run for as many years as I am able.
Good Disney Race
This is my first Disney race, and I loved it! My best PR yet, and it was fun running through the park. Very flat course, and Disney does a great … MORE
This is my first Disney race, and I loved it! My best PR yet, and it was fun running through the park. Very flat course, and Disney does a great job at their races, as with everything they do. A bit on the pricey side, especially if you want to do several Disney races, but worth doing at least once.
Simply Magical
You can't go wrong with a Disney race. You simply get what you pay for, which includes great swag, magical atmosphere, and a fun expo. The only thing that could … MORE
You can’t go wrong with a Disney race. You simply get what you pay for, which includes great swag, magical atmosphere, and a fun expo. The only thing that could make it better is a ticket into the park!