Over the weekend, our Associate Editor Sammy had the unique opportunity to participate in runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend. She brought along her sister, who’s a fellow fitness enthusiast and runner, for a weekend filled with running, rollercoasters and royalty. Read more about how Sammy lived her Disney Princess dreams at this magical event inside.

The 17th Annual Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend took place February 21 to February 23 with three separate races. The 5K race began on Friday (Feb. 21), followed by Saturday’s (Feb. 22) 10K and ending with the highly-anticipated Half Marathon on Sunday (Feb. 23).

Our very own reporter, Sammy, was joined by her sister Kayla for the 10K race of a lifetime. Though the start time is extremely early (at 5 am!), the girls were up and at ‘em to experience the magical Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. With the energy of the characters and live DJs throughout the race route, it was difficult to feel sleepy.

Source: Chelsea Samuel / Chelsea Samuel

As one of the largest Princess-focused race events in the country, it was easy to get lost in all the magic that is Disney. From dressing up as their favorite Disney princesses to running through iconic Disney Parks like Epcot, the race made every single runner feel like royalty.

To add, having dashes of Disney magic throughout the race made it so much more enjoyable. Sammy and Kayla dressed as unconventional Disney Princesses, Moana and Tinkerbell, respectively. They spotted the OG Princesses like Snow White, Belle and their personal favorite, Princess Tiana, along the way. There were other fun characters from various Disney classics throughout the journey that made for perfect photo opp moments.

Source: Courtesy / runDisney

Those runners who participated in the 10K and half-marathon were part of a special Disney Fairytale Challenge. There was also a special health and fitness expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with exclusive merchandise and products to enhance the runners fitness and nutrition ahead of the race.

Some notable names joined in the half-marathon like the current Miss USA, Alma Cooper, who expressed her excitement for being back at the magical world of Disney for the first time since she was a child. The half also included 136 “Perfect” runners, who have participated in every Disney Princess Half Marathon since its debut 17 year ago.

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Aside from the race itself, there were moments to carb up before the run at the various dining experiences around Walt Disney World Resort. Sammy and Kayla had the chance to ride rollercoasters at several of the parks from Animal Kingdom’s Avatar immersive experience, Magic Kingdom’s Tron rollercoaster (pictured below) and Hollywood Studios last Rock ‘n’ Roller ride as Aerosmith. Naturally, they were blessed by the magical fireworks show Saturday night to celebrate their 10K achievement. They even spent time shopping, eating sweet treats and caught the latest Captain America: Brave New World at Disney Springs before they left on Sunday.

Source: Chelsea Samuel / Chelsea Samuel

Source: Chelsea Samuel / Chelsea Samuel

While Sammy felt a bit of intimidation by committing to her first-ever 10K (which is a total of 6.2 miles), she left the resort feeling invincible and supported by her sister and the countless other magical princesses that raced over the weekend. Sammy felt inspired to run her next 10K and challenge herself to commit to a half-marathon in the future.

Source: Chelsea Samuel / Chelsea Samuel

Source: Chelsea Samuel / Chelsea Samuel

While there are several other runDisney races throughout the year, a race weekend like the Disney Princess Half Marathon is glorified for its openness for new and experienced runners. It attracts people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.

Rest assured, that just when you feel like giving up, there’s a touch of magic to keep you running forward. That’s the magic of Disney.

Source: Courtesy / runDisney

The next opportunity to register for a runDisney race is coming up soon. General registration for the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort is March 11, 2025. Runners can register for both the in-person races and virtual races on their website here.

Check out the entire runDisney season below, which includes six race weekends, four at Walt Disney World Resort and two at Disneyland Resort:

• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
• Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend

Would you run? Comment below.

Source: Courtesy / runDisney