Why Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend Is the Ultimate Girls Trip

I first attended Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend in 2013 as motivation to get in shape. I ran it with my husband and had a wonderful time. Every year since then, I have been back with my girlfriends and found that I liked it better that way (no offense, husband!). Are you considering running a runDisney race? Here’s why Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is the ultimate girls trip.

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Theme

Princess Half Marathon weekend is usually at the end of February and a good time to get away from the cold where I’m from. Plus the theme is princesses! I get that not every woman is into princesses and ball gowns; I love my superheroes, too. However, if someone wants to pamper me, call me princess all day, talk about tiaras, and give me a sparkly medal, then who am I to say no?

Just take a look at the 2018 Princess Half Marathon medals. This is bling worth running for.

Traveling With a Purpose

Every year I ask my friends, please can we just go on a cruise or something? Why are we getting up early and running? Well, maybe my friends know more than me. Even after my alarm clock goes off at 2:30 a.m., completing a 5K, 10K, and/or half marathon makes me feel really good. My body may ache afterwards, but I’ll be darned if I don’t feel a sense of pride. It helps me set goals and crush them or learn from them. Either way, I win.

Also, a lot of my friends run for charity. They raise money to help others, and as a collective whole, we feel closer to each other. And yes, castles, characters, and good food are also extra bonuses. It also makes it easier to tell my family, “Yes, mama is going to Disney to run a race.” Important work, people. When they ask me if I won, I’ll show them my medal. What?

If you’re extra smart, you’ll combine Princess Half Marathon Weekend afterwards with a Disney Cruise!

There’s Something for Everyone

I know sometimes people side-eye me for choosing Walt Disney World as a vacation destination for a girls weekend. But there really is something for everyone. We don’t have to stay all together every second. If some people want to shop at Disney Springs, great! If others want more park time, have at it! Some prefer pool time. It’s easy to split up and meet back up for meals or at the hotel, because transportation on Disney property is free. You’re a bus, boat, or monorail ride away from your next adventure.

If running’s not your thing, no worries, cheering for runDisney races is a blast, too! Those who aren’t running support the others who are. We make signs, hand out snacks, and support all the runners giving it their all. Frankly, it’s inspirational.

Tips for Princess Half Marathon Weekend

If you decide to make Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend your ultimate girls weekend, you’ll have a blast. If you’re first timers, check out these Princess Half Marathon Etiquette tips. Also plan early. Race registration sells out quickly, so make a plan ahead of time.

Have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometime things don’t go as planned, but roll with it. Do stay on top of race information, so you know to go to the expo and when you’re supposed to be in the corrals. If you don’t know, ask someone.

Dress in costume! Obviously, this is not a requirement, but it makes for some awesome pictures. I’ve dressed up for every single race I’ve run and have never regretted it.

So out there and make memories, Princesses! Run through castles and have the time of your lives. Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is waiting for you.