"We are pleased to join with the City of Anaheim for this event that will draw marathon runners from around the country for a very special running experience, while bringing economic benefits to the community at the same time," said Matt Ouimet, president of Disneyland Resort.  "Few half marathons give runners the opportunity to run through such a special, magical place as Disneyland and past such sports icons as Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and Angel Stadium of Anaheim all in one race."

"For 50 years, Anaheim has benefited tremendously by partnering with Disneyland in creating outstanding sports and entertainment events for our residents, businesses and guests," added Curt Pringle, mayor of the City of Anaheim. "Based on the long-term popularity of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in Florida, we believe the Disneyland Half Marathon
Weekend will provide an economic boost to Anaheim as runners fill up our hotel rooms, frequent our restaurants and do business with our other retail establishments."

The feature event of the weekend will be a 13.1-mile "Happiest Race on Earth" road race on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006 that will start on Disneyland Drive, run past the Anaheim Convention Center, through Disney's California Adventure and into Disneyland Park where runners will cruise around such world-renown attractions as the Matterhorn and Sleeping Beauty Castle.  The race continues on to the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim then along the Santa Ana Trail to Angel Stadium of Anaheim and back to the finish line near the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney.

Race finishers will earn a special commemorative medal depicting Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.  This will be the fourth in a series of Disney race-specific medals.  The Disney medal series currently includes the Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse medals, which are awarded to Walt Disney World half marathon and marathon finishers, respectively, and the Goofy medal for runners who participate in both Walt Disney World races on back-to-back days.

Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF) will be the beneficiary of the 2006 Disneyland Half Marathon.  The organization will receive more than $2,500 in donations as part of this year's race. 

Other weekend events will include the Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel (Sept. 15-16) and the Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K & Kids' Races (Sept. 16).  The Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo, which will feature celebrity runner appearances, the latest trends in running apparel, technology and fitness equipment along with seminars on training, racing and nutrition, will be open to the public with no admission charge.  Registration fees are $85 for the half marathon, $25 for the Family Fun run 5K and $5 for the kids' races.  Special Anaheim-area hotel rates and reservations and Disneyland theme park ticket options will be available through the Disneyland Resort for the Half Marathon Weekend. 

"It's great that Anaheim will be the host location for the 2006 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend," said Charles Ahlers, president Anaheim Orange County Visitors & Convention Bureau.  "This event will shine the spotlight on our exciting destination and wide selection of hotels, while giving participants an opportunity to experience a unique health event in sunny Southern California."

"Disneyland and Marriott have shared a fabulous partnership throughout the years," said Bridget Bilinski, general manager of the Anaheim Marriott Hotel and area manager for the North Orange County Market. "We look forward to the new Half Marathon, which will be the exclamation point at the end of the tremendously successful 50th Anniversary. This event will bring more people to the 'Happiest Place on Earth,' and to the coolest city in Southern California - Anaheim."
"We are excited to bring this popular weekend marathon event to a new audience on the West Coast," said Reggie Williams, vice president of Disney Sports Attractions.  "We are certain many runners who have participated in the successful Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will want to be part of this race as well."

Jon Hughes, president of Event Marketing & Management International, who has served as the race director for the Walt Disney World Marathon since its inception in 1994, will be the race director for the 2006 Disneyland Half Marathon.

###

ABOUT DISNEYLAND RESORT - Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, California, the Disneyland Resort includes the Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure theme parks, three hotels with a total of 2,238 rooms and the 310,000 square foot Downtown Disney retail, restaurant and entertainment district.  With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County's largest employer.  In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth Guest since opening on July 17, 1955.  Beginning May 5, 2005, Disney theme parks around the world began an 18-month celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland.  This global event is the largest in Disney theme park history. More information about the Disneyland 50th anniversary celebration and vacations at the Disneyland Resort is available at www.disneyland.com, by calling (877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local travel agents.

###

ABOUT ANAHEIM - Founded in 1857, the City of Anaheim is one of the nation’s premier municipalities and California’s 10^th most populous city. As the oldest and largest city in Orange County, Anaheim covers 50 square miles, with more than 345,000 residents and 2,077 employees. The municipal corporation’s annual budget is $1.298 billion. The city boasts world-class organizations such as the Anaheim Angels, Boeing, CKE Restaurants, Inc., L-3 Communications, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Pacific Sunwear and The Walt Disney Company. Annually, Anaheim also welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

Home | Marathon | 1/2 Marathon | Goofy Challenge |Disneyland 1/2 Marathon | WDW Trails | Email | Links