On Saturday, February 20th, I woke up at 3am. Was I crazy? Maybe. But I decided to run a Disney race, and it’s up bright and early for them! Well, I shouldn’t say bright and early. It wasn’t bright because the sun wasn’t even up yet. But I got on my Tiana running costume and headed out to the bus with two of my friends at 3:30am. We were going to the Enchanted 10k! This one is a special one for me because 2 years ago, it was the first real race I ever did and the thing that got me hooked on running.
We were into the race area in Epcot by 3:45 am. Given that the race didn’t start until 5:30 we still had a lot of time. They were doing some meet and greets with Princesses. Normally I don’t care too much since I can see most of the princesses all over the place, but when I saw Tiana was out I knew I had to get a picture with her since that was my costume! We were just going to be standing around anyway so we got in line. It took about half an hour but I got my photo! And then literally after my picture was taken Tiana disappeared and was replaced by Belle. I was the last one to get a Tiana photo and I am so, so thankful it worked out – I would have been super disappointed otherwise!
I was in corral B for the 10k, which meant I started the race at around 5:40am. It was pretty chilly that morning, and I kept my throwaway jacket on for almost the first two miles. I told myself to take it slow for the 10k to not tire myself out, but I get so caught up in the excitement and the exhilaration that it was hard!
Anna and Elsa waved to us from one of the overpasses, and I also ran past a few character stops – the witch from Snow White, Tinkerbell and her fairy friends, and Pocahontas and Meeko (I got a picture with them my first year doing the 10k, back in 2014!). After the 5k mark we entered the Epcot World Showcase area. Like last year the random guys on stilts were out and I still don’t know what they’re from, but I grabbed a quick photo with them!
I love running through the World Showcase. Last year the sun was rising when I was there but this year due to starting earlier and being a bit faster it was still dark – but still beautiful. I told myself I would stop for character photos if there were any I really liked or really rare ones. In Italy I passed by Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio (I had stopped for Jiminy last year). Once I got to France though, I knew I would be taking a break. Lumiere and Cogsworth were out for photos! I’ve never seen them out for pictures before and I love Beauty and the Beast so this was a must stop for me.
Then it was out of Epcot and onto the Boardwalk area. I saw the genie in his vacation outfit and the line wasn’t too long so I stopped again. Then we ran past the Beach and Yacht Club and made our way back to Epcot, where Sofia the First was doing photos. Once we got into the park we entered up by the Figment ride and ran down past Nemo. They had some random coral reef stilt people out and they were so unique looking that I had to stop for another photo.
After running past Spaceship Earth we were almost done! I finished the 10k in 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a pace of 12:09 minutes per mile. I can do a 10k much faster now but not at Disney with all of the crowds and the character stops! I love the 10k distance and the route this one takes. The 10k is always a winner and I had a great time – of course this time it was just the warm up for the half marathon the following day! I grabbed my medal, got my snack box, and headed back on to the bus. There was just enough time for a quick shower and nap before breakfast at Ohana!
Which characters would you have stopped for? Have you ever run a 10k at Disney?
What a great experience! And you’re right, a lot of those characters are rare to see out and about! I’ve never seen Lumiere and Cogsworth out for a meet & greet, and even the Genie is not easy to find. I must remember to do one of these runs just to get pictures with these rare characters!
Yeah, it’s definitely one of the highlights for me to see all of the characters – even if I don’t stop for them just seeing who is around is really cool!
This looks like so much fun, congrats! I did the 10-miler a couple years ago and loved it, but since it was my first race I was in one of the last corrals so I didn’t have time to stop for character pictures because of the long lines 🙁 I want to do another Disney one soon!
I did the 10-miler as well and I had a lot of fun, but it definitely helps to be in a better corral. I hope you get the chance to do another Disney race!
This looks like so much fun! I’m going to disneyworld in September (my first time, yay!) and I am going to have a look and see if there’s any races on while we’re there 🙂
That’s so exciting! I hope you have an amazing trip!
Congrats on your 10k!! That is amazing!! And to do it at disney, how fun. Thanks for sharing
Thank you! Running is definitely better at Disney 😉
Love this post! You look so adorable and happy! Awesome job my dear!
Thank you so much!
I absolutely hate running but I think I could do this race just because it looks like so much fun!
So I actually hated running when I started it – and this race is what turned my opinion around!
I’m a new RunDisney’er (ran the 5k and half over marathon weekend and prepping for Darkside Challenge) so I can’t get enough of these runner reviews! That Lumiere and Cogsworth meet has to be one of the best….unfortunately I don’t think they will be at Star Wars! You finished with a great time! Especially as part of a challenge weekend. Looking forward hearing about the half
Congrats on completing the half!! And I’m a little jealous you’re doing the darkside challenge 😉 I bet you will have some awesome characters at the Star Wars races! I will be sharing about the half soon 🙂
Sounds like such a fun and exciting race! I’d love to one day do a Disney race because I feel like I’d never be bored! Congratulations on finishing with a great time 🙂
It’s true – Disney is the best place to race because even when things start hurting or getting tough, there is so much to distract you!
I’ve never run a 10K before, and this one sounds awesome!!! Congratulations!
It’s my favorite 10k! Thank you!
This sounds like a blast…I wish I lived close to one of the Disney parks! I am trying to relocate to CA, so hopefully that will happen soon! Your costume is adorable…!
Valerie
xo
Fashion and travel
Thank you! I hope your relocation works out, I’m sure CA would be an amazing place to live!
Congrats!!! That looks like a really fun race!! I ran the Disney marathon in January 2013. I’d love to run another some day but man are they expensive!!
Thank you! They are definitely expensive. I’m considering running the January marathon next year – registration is right around my birthday so it might have to be a birthday present!
This looks so fun! I didn’t know you could do a race through Epcot- what a great motivator! Congratulations!
Yes, running into Epcot is the best feeling! It’s so cool to be going around the World Showcase. Thank you!
I really want to push myself to run a 10k this year. I’ve signed up for a couple 5ks starting in April and hopefully can push through it. I really need to get an inhaler though. My body is finally in shape for it but my lungs are struggling.
My lungs are the hardest part for me too. I have an inhaler as well – I don’t need it often but I’ve found particularly in the summer when it’s warm out I have more trouble breathing. Good luck with your 5ks!
I don’t and shouldn’t run but if I did Disney would be the place to do it ha. Congrats!
Disney is the best place to run, definitely! Thank you!
I’ve always wanted to do a Run Disney race! Looks like so much fun!
I highly recommend it if you ever get the chance!
Oh my gosh this is so so awesome!!! I totally wanna do this race!!