runDisney continues its string of sold out events when it held the Disneyland Half-Marathon this weekend at Disneyland. Jimmy Grabow, from the aptly named town of Runner Springs, CA, repeated his champion run for the second straight year with a time of 1:07:41, slightly off his record-setting pace of 1:05:29 in 2012. Ricardo Ramirez finished second with a time of 1:14:30.
The female champion, Stephanie Dinius, crossed the finish line in record fashion, capturing the women’s title with a time of 1:15:47. Rachel Booth held the previous record, 1:18:01, from the 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon. Last year’s female champion, Cindy Lynch, finished as runner-up with a time of 1:25:29.
The half marathon field of 17,500 registered runners passed through Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Angel Stadium and the streets of Anaheim. Along the route, runners were greeted by cheering fans, Disney characters, music and live entertainment.
The weekend also featured a fun challenge called the Dumbo Double Dare. Participants ran both the half-marathon and a 10K the day before. Among the racers were celebrities Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”), Sean Astin (The Goonies, Rudy, Lord of the Rings), Joey Fatone (*NSYNC), and Ali Vincent (“Live Big”).
Overall, the event weekend hosted more than 25,000 runners, from all 50 states and 15 countries, and included 8,000 participants for the inaugural Disneyland 10K. More than 8,000 California residents registered for the half marathon, including 5,000-plus from Southern California. Additionally, the weekend included the Disneyland 5K, Kids Races and a two-day health and fitness expo.
All three events — Disneyland Half Marathon, 10K and Dumbo Double Dare — sold out in record time, 26 hours, earlier this year. One reason to make sure you’re signed up for runDisney notifications via Social Media and email.