What better way to get into the autumn spirit than with 13 miles of fun and fright through the heart of Disneyland? This past Sunday, Disneyland Resort hosted its first-ever Halloween-themed half marathon, the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon, and it was a spook-tacular success!

The race took runners through iconic locales across Anaheim, including Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. Of course, the epicenter of it all was Disneyland Resort itself. Participants dashed through magical and spooky settings such as Sleeping Beauty Castle, Cars Land, Pixar-Pal-Around, and the ever-charming Halloween Time Mickey Pumpkin on Main Street, U.S.A.

The 13.1-mile competition saw some impressive performances. For the men, Nicholas Hilton, a seasoned runner from Phoenix, Arizona, claimed first place with a stellar time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 52 seconds. Hilton reportedly seized the lead about one mile into the race and never looked back. This marks Hilton’s third runDisney victory, adding to his Walt Disney World Marathon wins in 2018 and 2020.

On the women’s side, the race was equally thrilling as Ashley Cheff of Scottsdale, Arizona, zipped through the course in 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 16 seconds, taking first place. She outpaced Reesa Zagnoli from Tarzana and Stephanie Shimada from Irvine, who finished second and third, respectively.

This inaugural Halloween Half Marathon not only showcased athletic prowess but also celebrated the enchanting and eerie allure of Disneyland during Halloween Time. It was a treat for runners and spectators alike, immersed in both fitness and festivity.

What are your thoughts on this Halloween Half Marathon? Did you participate or attend? Share your experiences and comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends!

Source: Austin Turner