TinkerBell Half Marathon 2014

Expo — I came around 8:30am on the Saturday for the expo. It was easy in and out. Even with the end of the 10k runners coming in. I came early to register for the Limited Edition New Balance Shoes. Basically, you have to set up an appointment (first come, first serve) for these shoes. They text you when it’s your turn, as well as updating with inventory. I was able to get those nifty Cinderella and Minnie Mouse shoes. I can’t wait to start training in those.
Plenty of vendors to check out — Btw, the expos are open to the public and racers.
I ended up having so much time to kill, I was able to get the KT tape put on my knees and ankles. They are fantastic support for aches, injuries, and so forth. I can’t wait to be able to use it again!
Similar to Sharon V.‘s experience — people have little to no running/​race etiquette. Come on, you can’t be about 4 people deep in a narrow part of the race. I know you want to walk by your team, your near and dear, but seriously, there are people trying to pass you up. AND don’t give them dirty looks if they say excuse me, or to your (right/​left). It’s just etiquette. If there are four of you, it’s not going to hurt you to walk in twos. ok /​rant
The medal is pretty effing awesome. It’s everything you want — huge, shiny, heavy, and a spinning Tinkerbell!!!
I’m not sure if I would do this again — this race costs a few doubloons that I have to pillage. It’s going to be in May 2015 (next year’s Tinkerbell Race). It’s a possibility, because never say never. :)
To all the volunteers, Cast members, Custodians, Cleaning Crews, YOU ARE WHAT MAKES THIS RACE AWESOME! Just having a cheering section at all places of Disneyland… made this race totally memorable and awesome!
FYI, if you park at downtown Disney — it’s 3 hours free + 2 hours (extra) if you get a validation from the AMC or sit down restaurants. I used it during the expo.

After completing last years Disney coast to coast (Disneyland Tinkerbell and DisneyWorld Princess Half Marathon), I knew Tinkerbell would be on my 2014 race schedule again because I had such a great time. This was the 2^nd year participating in the race and I have to say, it’s still a favorite half marathon of mine.
Here are some of the pros and cons from this years race:
–Expo is packed if you go in the middle of the day and accessing the parking area will require a lot of patience.
+/​-​The race starts at 5am which requires a 3am wake up call. This is good and bad. Great that you’re done with the race early and still have the entire day ahead of you –but that wake up call is pppaaainnnnful!
+Volunteers are awesome! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
+Miles 1 – 5.5 are through the park and will make you giddy. Yes, you go through some of the back alleys but going through the heart of California Adventure and Disney with the sky still dark and the park lit up, will make you feel like you are in a fairytale. I still go to a happy place when I think of my morning.
–There are a LOT of people who don’t practice great race etiquette in this race… or any Disney race for that matter. I know people want to run this with all their girlfriends but please don’t create a blockade by walking side by side the entire race. Walk 2 wide (at most) and stay to the right.
–The only difference between last years medal from this years is the band and the date. Really Disney? Can’t you get a little more creative? There are other designs where Tinkerbell can still spin you know…
+If you are on the fence about purchasing their annual commemorative race pins, I say do it. I didn’t purchase one for my first Disney race in 2009 and regret it. Every race i’ve done since with Disney i’ve purchased and they look fantastic with your race medal. Worth the $ 15!
+There were slight changes to the course this year which were much appreciated. No more back up at the castle and the flow seemed to work MUCH better. Other than the start and the «blockades» created by inconsiderate walkers, I didn’t have any «traffic jams».
–Speaking of the start — not sure they can get around it but the first mile of the race is nearly impossible to run with all the athletes. Just prepare for a little stop and go.
+I stayed at the Anaheim Marriott and Disney provided shuttle services on race day. I didn’t use it for the morning of since I thought it would be easier to walk the mile to the start but used it after the race when my legs were very tired. If you are considering this race, I highly recommend you stay at one of the many hotels this service is provided. A mile isn’t far but after a race, walking that distance is the last thing you want to do.
Tinkerbell will definitely be on my radar every year… it’s one of those races that will never get old.