runDisney – Page 2 – Disney News Today

First Look at runDisney Avengers 2015 Super Heroes Half Marathon Merchandise

The runDisney Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend is back, taking place November 12–15 at the Disneyland Resort! If you’re not sure about your own super hero identity just yet, here is your first look at this year’s merchandise — which just might help you out.

“Lock on Target” for an array of character and phrase themed performance tees, tanks, hoodies, jackets and other novelty items that will get your “Pulse Rate Rising” and make a statement letting those around you know “I Did It.”

In addition to the pre-purchased pins available for the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon, the Avengers Super Heroes 5K and Inaugural Captain America 10K at the Disneyland Resort, also being offered is the medal spinner pin reminiscent of a certain super hero logo, which I know you are all familiar with, and an Inaugural Infinity Gauntlet Challenge pin. But that’s not all. If magnets are more your speed, you won’t be disappointed and for those of you who strive to be a head above the rest, you’ll find runner’s headwear themed to different phrases, logos and super heroes for the Half Marathon and Inaugural Infinity Gauntlet Challenge.

Fans of Dooney & Bourke bags – if you are still trying to determine whether or not to add this new line to your collection, here’s another look at the pattern that will appear on several silhouettes including a satchel, letter carrier and backpack.

Finally, keep an eye out for additional runDisney apparel, 2015 runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge offerings, and more.

It’s time to assemble your list of must have items.

The Force is Even Stronger: Second runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Event Sprinting Toward Walt Disney World Resort in 2016

runDisney is summoning the Force today to announce another Star Wars-inspired intergalactic journey, this time to the dark side.

The “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Dark Side” enters the galaxy April 14-17, 2016, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and pays homage to the dark side forces of the Star Wars universe. This new race follows the debut of the popular Star Wars-themed race at Disneyland Resort, which will return in January as the “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Light Side”.

“Ever since we launched the Star Wars race at Disneyland Resort, runners have been clamoring for more, so we’re thrilled to bring the Star Wars franchise together with the runDisney brand to Walt Disney World Resort,’’ said Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “If the inaugural Star Wars race at Disneyland Resort is any indication, this new running adventure to the dark side is sure to be the out-of-this-world experience that runners have come to expect at runDisney events.’’

The new Star Wars race at Walt Disney World Resort will be a journey of personal achievement all its own, involving kids’ races, a 5K and a 10K in addition to the half marathon, plus a variety of Star Wars experiences, medals, events and merchandise inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Among its many features will be a unique 13.1-mile course that propels runners through Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There will also be a Star Wars Dark Side Challenge — running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days – that offers each finisher a Death Star-themed medal.

Jedi and Sith Lords who dare to experience both Star Wars races will have the chance to take on the Kessel Run Challenge — completing the Star Wars half marathon missions on both coasts. Kessel Run Challenge runners can earn a commemorative “Coast to Coast” medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship. Race registration opens Sept. 22 at www.runDisney.com.

The addition of this second Star Wars race continues the recent wave of significant growth and popularity of runDisney events domestically and internationally. This is the second new runDisney race announced for 2016, joining the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend (Sept. 23-25 at Disneyland Paris), and the fourth addition to the runDisney series in the last two years (Star Wars Half Marathon at Disneyland Jan. 2015 and Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend Nov. 2014).

Each year more than 200,000 runners sign up for runDisney events, which often sell out in record time.

“We are committed to creating extraordinary experiences and events that appeal to runners of all ages and attract even more fans of our various brands and franchises to the sport of running, creating opportunities for them to live a healthier and more active lifestyle,’’ said Bisienere.

Disney and Havaianas Announce Strategic Alliance

Disney and Brazilian flip-flop creators Havaianas have announced a new strategic alliance that will see dedicated Havaianas retail stores open at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort theme parks.

“We are thrilled to have entered into this relationship with the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club because they embody instant joy much like Havaianas,” said Marcio Moura, Havaianas’ USA President. “We look forward to creating a harmonious relationship and further expanding opportunities within the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club in the coming years.”

The alliance will make Havaianas the official Flip-Flop of Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Vacation Club, and later in the fall, Havaianas will become a sponsor of runDisney races.

Disney and Havaianas have worked together over the past four years creating Disney-themed flip-flops. This new agreement will see dedicated retail stores open inside Disney’s theme parks, including the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks and Disney California Adventure. In addition, 22 existing stores through the parks will carry the Havaianas flip-flops.

Havaianas also operates a dedicated retail store in The Landing district of Disney Springs.

Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon To Feature Weekend Full of Family-Friendly Experiences

The new Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend will be a three-day race weekend that includes a variety of events for runners and fans to experience the theme parks like never before when it debuts in the City of Light on Sept. 23-25, 2016.

The inaugural race weekend in Paris will include fun kids’ races for children of all ages, a 5K course through Disneyland Paris and a scenic half-marathon course through two Disneyland Paris theme parks and the countryside villages that surround the Disney Parks.

In addition to the races, the Paris event, runDisney’s first at a Disney Park outside of the United States, will also offer several family-friendly events, including a pre-race Pasta Party the night before the half marathon where runners can “carb up’’ for the race. There will also be a runDisney Health and Fitness Expo throughout the weekend where runners pick up race packets, shop for the latest running apparel and technology and attend a speaker series involving leading industry experts.

While running through the theme parks and the countryside villages, runners will have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters and experience legendary Disney entertainment along the course. And commemorative medals await runners at the finish line.

Race packages go on sale on October 6, 2015.

“We could not be more excited about the upcoming runDisney event,’’ said Tom Wolber, President of Euro Disney S.A.S. “It will make Disneyland Paris the world’s third Disney destination to host this successful sporting series that offers a whole new running experience for the young and young-at-heart.’’

For more information about the race weekend, visit www.run.disneylandparis.com.

Southern California’s Moreno Shatters Tinker Bell Half Marathon Record

Pixie power and persistence pushed Lenore Moreno to smash a race record by almost 9 minutes in the fourth annual Tinker Bell Half Marathon presented by PANDORA Jewelry at Disneyland Resort. Looking much like a pixie herself, the five-foot, 24-year-old West Covina, Calif. resident flew by her competition, finishing in a mere 1:15:55. The former race record was 1:24:11. She was also nearly nine minutes ahead of second-place finisher Ann Mazur of Charlottesville, VA (1:24:10). Anne-Marie Nuno of Irvine, Calif. came in third (1:24:21).

“Just being inside Disneyland, I think that’s what gave me that push and helped me to forget about how long this half marathon was and just to enjoy the moment,” Moreno said. “I couldn’t have done it anywhere else. Passing under that castle was just magical.”

Moreno started running as a freshman in high school. She continued in college and dreamed of running in a runDisney race but school always got in the way. She finally realized her dream, making history this Mother’s Day. She even had a message for her mom.

“I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!” Moreno said.

Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts and nieces were some of the 13,000 women who spent their Mother’s Day racing along an entertainment-filled 13.1-mile course through Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Parks, as well as by several Anaheim landmarks. Among them, was the Evans family from Irvine, Calif. Cheryl and Coco Evans, wearing identical Tinker Bell costumes, crossed the finish line together.

“Doing this race with me is priceless,” said mom Cheryl Evans. “It’s a memory that will last a lifetime. I’m so happy!” (Additional sound and video of the Evans family can be found at the link below.)

More than 32,050 runners competed in various events during the weekend that included the Never Land 5K, the Tinker Bell 10K, runDisney Kids Races, a health and fitness expo and the inaugural Pixie Dust Challenge, which involved runners completing the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday.

Academy-award winning actor and producer George Clooney also came to Disneyland Resort this holiday weekend with his family for the world premiere of Disney’s new mystery adventure “Tomorrowland”.

In total, there were more than 16,000 runners from across the nation and 22 countries. Finishers received a commemorative Tinker Bell “wings’’ medal. The Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is one of eight annual runDisney events and one of two women-focused events. The other is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which takes place in February at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. Both events are designed to celebrate and promote women’s empowerment, women’s health and an active lifestyle. And both are among the nation’s largest race weekends geared towards women.

Runners can register for any runDisney race weekend at www.rundisney.com.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Draws Record Number of Runners

A record of 16,000 runners have entered Sunday’s fourth annual Tinker Bell Half Marathon through the Disneyland Resort and streets of Anaheim, being held on Mother’s Day for the first time.

The field for the 13.1-mile race is 87 percent female, with runners from all 50 states and 22 nations participating, according to Raquel Giorgio of Disney Sports Public Relations.

The course begins on Disneyland Drive, goes through Disney California Adventure, Disneyland and Downtown Disney, downtown Anaheim, the Anaheim Center Street Promenade, past the Anaheim Ice skating rink, City Hall and Anaheim GardenWalk shopping center, concluding near Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Organizers have added the Pixie Dust Challenge, awarding a special medal for runners who finish both today’s Tinker Bell 10K and the half-marathon. About 5,000 runners have entered both races, Giorgio said.

Registration Opens for Castaway Cay Challenge Part of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Once again, runners in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge! Registration for these January 2016 events opened today, marking the second year that runners can extend their Marathon Weekend by setting sail aboard the Disney Dream and completing a 5K run through paradise on our private island, Castaway Cay.

The Castaway Cay Challenge takes place on the January 11, 2016 Disney Dream sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Visit disneycruise.com to book your voyage, and then head to the registration page on runDisney.com to reserve your spot in the race.

New Challenge Becomes Ultimate Adventure for 2015 Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort

Runners looking to put their Super Hero powers to the test during the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend will have a cool, new 19.3-mile adventure awaiting them this year. When registration for the race weekend opens April 7, runners can sign up for the new Infinity Gauntlet Challenge – running the recently-added Captain America 10K and the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon on consecutive days during the three-day race weekend,, November 13-15, 2015, at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA.

If history is any indication, the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge is likely to be hugely popular. It’s the fourth challenge event at runDisney race weekends at Disneyland Resort and each is among the most popular races at those events, all selling out within hours after registration opened.

Disney and Avengers characters, along with a variety of other Disney entertainment, will await runners embarking on the new 6.2-mile Captain America 10K and the 13.1-mile Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon which winds through the Disneyland Resort and along the streets of Anaheim. Runners who sign up to run both races as part of the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge will receive finisher medals at the end of each race, plus a inaugural Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal.

Registration for the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge is required to receive the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge Medal.

In addition to the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge events, the three-day race weekend will involve kids races, a 5K, and several family-friendly events such as a Health & Fitness Expo and a pre-race Pasta in the Park Party. Registration opens April 7 at www.runDisney.com.

New Balance Goes Retro with 2015 runDisney Shoes

What better way to kick-off the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna then to unveil the new 2015 New Balance runDisney shoes.

Inspired by the Disney classic Steamboat Willie, the limited edition Retro Mickey and Retro Minnie 990v3 shoes will be available for the first time at this weekend’s runDisney Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The retro black and white shoes feature musical notes around the front sole, classic images of Mickey and Minnie, character signatures and other hidden Disney surprises.

Now, if you are a fan of the 2014 New Balance runDisney shoes due to popular demand, a limited number of the 860v4 Sorcerer Mickey and Pink Minnie, as well as the 890v4 Goofy and Cinderella shoes will be available at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and at the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend presented by Sierra Nevada Corporation at Disneyland Resort, January 15 – 18.

The new Retro Mickey and Minnie 990v3 shoes will only be available at Health and Fitness Expos during runDisney event weekends. To minimize waiting in line for shoes, New Balance has created a virtual queue to let you know when it’s your turn to be fitted and make your purchase. Starting on Wednesday, January 7, starting at 6 a.m. runners can sign up at NBvirtualqueue.com using their bib number, and all other guests can sign up Thursday, Jan. 8, starting at 6 am. Be sure to visit NBvirtualqueue.com to get all the details on ordering and pick-up. For more information on runDisney event weekends, including Health and Fitness Expo dates and hours, visit runDisney.com.

Family That Turned Tragedy into Triumph Joins Thousands of Central Florida Runners at Fifth Anniversary Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

More than 18,000 runners from across the world, including more than 3,500 participants from Central Florida, are ready to toast the fifth anniversary of the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend on Nov. 8 at Walt Disney World Resort. Among the 18,000-plus runners on site for the event is the family of the late Stephanie Miller, who was registered to run the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend in 2011 and earn her first runDisney medal before passing away at the age of 24. Instead, Stephanie’s family crossed the finish line for her and claimed the medal in her honor. Since then, in an effort to keep her memory alive, Stephanie’s family continues to run as many runDisney races as possible and collect medals in her name. In the process, and as an additional benefit, the family has become healthier and grown closer.

Representing all 50 states and 29 different countries around the world, participants in Saturday night’s half marathon will run through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot. Immediately following, runners can celebrate their success at the Finish Line Party during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, featuring more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine.

Weekend Events Schedule:

Disney’s Health and Fitness ExpoNov. 7 – 8ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Disney Wine & DinePre-Race TasteNov. 7, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmDisney’s Hollywood Studios

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5KNov. 8, 7 amDisney’s Animal Kingdom

runDisney Kids RacesNov. 8, 10 amESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Disney Wine & Dine Half MarathonNov. 8, 10 pmESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Finish Line PartyNov. 8, 10 pm – 4 amEpcot

– See more at: http://disneysportsnews.com/releases/2014/11/05/family-that-turned-tragedy-into-triumph-joins-thousands-of-central-florida-runners-at-fifth-anniversary-disney-wine-dine-half-marathon/#sthash.aNWpY3O0.dpuf

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