POSTED: Tue, 01/24/2012 - 06:05 | POSTED BY: Kristen Kirk Tue, 01/24/2012 - 06:05 |

RunDisney events are becoming increasingly popular not only with established athletes, but they are reaching out to a whole new population of Disney lovers and are inspiring them to get fit. The next big event coming up on the runDisney schedule will bring together women from around the world for Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend on Feb. 24-26, 2012. Does you Fairy Godmother Carry a Stopwatch?





The Fit For A Princess Health and Fitness Expo will offer fitness training seminars, opportunities to experience the latest running and fitness equipment, as well as a speaker series involving leading trainers and health experts. Celebrity runners like Olympian and official runDisney Coach, Jeff Galloway will join the activities. Jeff is a pioneer and inspiration to runners and walkers alike for his dedication to the sport and his methods that help all sorts of people get fit. This runDisney event reaches out to women of all shapes and sizes, motivating them to get moving and embrace the princess inside.





Disney has created a race experience fit for the princess in all women whether she be earning her glass running slippers or a woman who runs her kingdom already. Running events that will be features include the Princess 1/2 Marathon, the Royal Family 5K, and a Kids 1 Mile Race. The theme of the weekend celebration focuses on the important princess qualities that will help make your dreams come true. "Commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength" are qualities that will help all of the race participants cross the finish line.

I haven't worked my way up to a 1/2 Marathon, but I'll be headed down for Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend to participate in the Royal Family 5K through Epcot. You'll find me bringing up the rear, walking just as fast as I can, because with a 16 minute pace limit these races are open to runners and walkers alike. Do you do Disney on wheels? That's fine too because runDisney events offer a wheelchair division that keeps the magic rolling for as many people as possible.





Take a good look at the 5K route above. Don't we all walk more than that when we're down for vacation anyhow? runDisney just inspires you to do it faster! In my experience one of the best things about Disney races is that cast members and Characters line the race route to entertain, motivate and cheer on the participants all the way to the finish line. For race routes that go through the Magic Kingdom, like the 1/2 Marathon, there's a magical quality that fills the air and inspires the heart as you run through the Castle and know that you're really doing it. I'll admit, the first time I did it, I cried.

Have you ever thought about running a marathon, half marathon or 5K? For a Disney lover there's no better reason to get motivated than the magic of a runDisney event. Do you runDisney? Will you be down for the Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend? Leave a message below and let me know what inspires you to reach for your dreams!