Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Report – Part 9
The next morning was the main event: the Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon. I had been excited about this for months, and it was the whole reason for the trip (not that we wouldn’t have enjoyed the trip otherwise), so expectations were high.
As usual, I was unprepared to run 13.1 miles. This time it wasn’t the normal “oops, I didn’t train” thing. Arguably, I had trained for this by running the Disneyland Half Marathon earlier in the month and by walking all over France.
Unfortunately, I had left my running shoes in Indianapolis, my back was hurting from carrying the camera bag everyday, and it turns out that even walking a ton per day isn’t enough to offset the toll eating a bunch of desserts each day takes on my body.
I was hardly worried, though, as the minimum pace for runDisney is pretty accommodating, so I knew if worst came to worst, I could walk. More than likely, I figured excitement and adrenaline would take control and I’d do fine.
The morning started out much like the previous one, with a winding walk through the Disneyland Paris resort area before ending up the start line. Once there, the same hosts from the previous morning were there to rev up the crowd. This is something I enjoy every race, and it was no exception here.
One thing I did notice was that these hosts seemed more ‘serious’ about the run than the stateside ones. The race being taken more seriously was obvious in a few regards, most notably that we (thankfully) received a post-race recovery box of food that was actually healthy, as opposed to the normal plastic nacho cheese and random junk.
This time, the race started in Walt Disney Studios Park. I think that was the right decision, as it builds up to Disneyland Paris.
We ran through the set of Lights, Motors, Action! and a disaster scene in the Backlot Tour–again, the best ways to experience both attractions is by running past them–before heading into the rest of the park.
It was really cool to go through the ‘stage’ of these shows, and I think one thing a lot of runDisney participants (myself included) appreciate is seeing the parks from different perspectives.
As you can see in this photo, it’s already Christmas in Walt Disney Studios Park, despite this being before the official start of Halloween season. I’m guessing they thought guests would just dismiss the decorations as more illogical WDSP hodgepodge?
Look at all of those runners disregarding Walt’s wishes…
Starting in Walt Disney Studios Park meant getting to Disneyland Paris a tad later, right in time for sunrise. It was a pretty morning, and the clouds overhead looked liked puffs of cotton candy.
Once again, a lot of characters were out, particularly in Fantasyland.
A lot of these characters were pretty rare, too. Apparently I just missed Cheshire Cat–a bucket list character for me–who was on rotation with the Alice in Wonderland characters in Fantasyland. I also missed the Sultan from Aladdin, another one for whom I probably would’ve stopped.
Once again, we spent a good deal of time in Disneyland Paris, and it felt like the course was maximized for as much park time as possible. We exited Disneyland Paris in Adventureland around the 5 km marker and then did another 1 km through backstage facilities.
After the first 6 km of the race (I have no clue what this translates to in miles–probably something like 14), we were off into the mean, corn field-lined streets of suburban Val d’Europe. While nothing compares to running alongside a dried river basin in Anaheim or doing what feels like 35 miles through the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Florida, this stretch was somewhat dull.
I think many other runners disagree with my assessment here, but I’m guessing it’s the first time running through such an area for many of them. I’m curious how this stretch would hold up once the “novelty” of running past French corn fields wore off. (Not that I run past French corn fields regularly or anything…)
Still, even most portions of the course in Val d’Europe were pleasant. There was a stretch of roadway lined with trees that with fields just beyond the trees and another stretch at the edge of a lake, both of which were nice.
We also ran past an apartment complex (that looked like it might’ve been Cast housing?) where there were a number of people cheering on the runners. Moreover, there is something appealing about French architecture, even in the more cookie-cutter, suburban setting. All told, this made even the dull stretches of the course moderately engaging–but not something I’m pining to repeat.
Following that, it was time to loop back into the resort area of Disneyland Paris. For me, this is arguably the best layout of any Disney resort worldwide. It has a huge footprint, but (unlike Walt Disney World) is entirely walkable.
I love the idea of leaving the park and being able to have dinner or drinks in any of the hotels. In my mind, Paris strikes the perfect balance between Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
That footprint was used to full advantage for the final miles of the Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon, as we looped through or past every single hotel on property.
I felt compelled to stop and take the above photo, since this is where our journey started, driving (part of) that same route before heading to Paris.
Hotel Cheyenne was the best portion of this stretch, and is the hotel best suited to having a race. Something tells me this was not a consideration when building the hotel…
I still really want to stay at Hotel Cheyenne. Perhaps if we can figure out how to take advantage of the discounted Annual Pass rates, we’ll book it for next year.
I’d also really like to do Newport Bay Club, but I’m guessing the rates will be higher than what we’re willing to pay. Perhaps a meal here, instead. (We intended to dine here this trip, but it got cut due to budget constraints.)
After running past all of the resorts and through Disney Village, we headed towards a backstage corridor. Perhaps 1 km before the finish line (or less?), there was this artist painting a runDisney banner. This was really cool, and felt appropriate for the venue.
My time ended up being 2:12:36, which is about 10 minutes worse than my Dopey Challenge time from earlier in the year.
Still, I’m satisfied with that time. I stopped for a bunch of photos and was physically beat up going into the race. I’m not sure when I’ll run another race (I’m not registered for anything during the Walt Disney World Marathon and don’t intend upon doing the Disneyland Half this year), but I’d really like to break 2 hours for a half.
Yes, yes, a photo recap post please!
Photo recap, yay!
Hi Tom, Just wanted to echo and agree with your comments about the cast members, they absolutely made the weekend from my perspective. Hope the message got through to DLP how appreciated it was, and we can expect a repeat next year.
Having done (a bit) of Switzerland myself, I’d love to see a report from you, but appreciate these things take a massive amount of time. I’ll wait instead for a detailed trip report on your experiences of DLPs 25th (as I won’t be getting to it till September)!
Fake…you look to refreshed in the medals shot. Let’s see the “my legs are aching” and “why did I do his again” mile 9 shots.
I would love to see a photo recap as well! I always love your trip reports, but this one was especially incredible. I might just have to do my own Disney tour of France!
I would love at least a photo recap of the rest of your trip. I have been to all of those countries (except Lichtenstein) and would love to see your perspective.
Hey, here’s another vote for a recap!
Hey Tom,
totally understand the lack of time and other priorities for your blog – and life in general. 🙂
Though I would have loved to read your thoughts on Munich. Maybe some other time….
Have a great new year!
Recap pllllease!!!
Would love to see a photo recap as I am a Disney novice and would like to see what those photos could even be 🙂
Glad you got your hat! I totally know how you feel about not being able to find something and all of a sudden DESPERATELY needing it. In my case though when I finally found it (after a MONTH) I didn’t even want it anymore haha. It was enough to just have found it, I guess?
Excellent post as always. I take back what I just said on the other post about wanting to run- 13 miles is too much. :p
Photo recap, please! Love the trip reports!
A photo recap post of the rest of the trip would be fantastic!
I’d love a photo recap!
Would love the photo recap post! Perhaps a recap of the rest of the trip on Travel Caffeine. Do you ever still write over there?
Not nearly enough. I keep telling myself I’m going to get serious about it and start doing 3 posts per week…but then I never do. It’s tough to find the time to do everything, unfortunately.
Thanks for the updates over there! They’ve been great!
Great trip report, Tom, as usual! I’d love to see the photo recap from the rest of your trip. I was following your journey on Instagram and I’m very eager to see the route you took and sights you visited.
You really know how to build to climax of a story Tom……. “whether they had the McDuck hat. They did”……… We will gladly trade you forgoing the rest of this trip report, for a classic old school Trip Report from you first 2017 trip…. Deal????
The build-up v. conclusion in the trip report matches the actual experience. I was so consumed with trying to find the hat the night before, and then pre-occupied the following day with trying to get in and out as quickly as possible–the finding of the hat was really just a footnote during that rush, and not some fist-pumping moment. 🙂
Thank you so much for another entertaining (& informative) trip report! I just returned from my first trip to DLP (Nov. 2016) and even after reading all of the “warnings” in your guides/reports re WDSP, I was still shocked with how shoddy the place looked. My boyfriend and I commented that it was like Six Flags Magic Mountain-level of theming, i.e., absolutely no theming at all! But DLP blew us away with its beauty and wonderful atmosphere (even with all the refurb going on). The only thing about DLP that drove me crazy was that I could not find one working drinking fountain! (maybe they are all being repaired for 2017 or no one in paris drinks water)?
Another very entertaining trip report Tom. Thank you!
And I’d also love to see some photos of Switzerland/Austria/Germany. Whatever you have time for…
Happy New Year to you and Sarah!
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts, especially since I participated in the 5K myself! I know you’re saying in your last paragraph that you’re done with the trip report but I’d love to see any photos of Germany, Switzerland or Austria on Instagram or Travel Caffeine. I love your pictures 🙂
Tom- I love your photos and trip reports and would be excited to see a photo recap of the rest of your trip! We’re looking at visiting France and Germany in the next few years and could use some inspiration.