2016 Tinkerbell Half Marathon

2016 marks the 5th Anniversary of the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. I have run this race since the beginning and I really enjoy it every time.

On Saturday morning I headed down to Anaheim to check in the hotel and then hit the Expo.  First thing was bib pick up. We followed the green carpet down. 

There was a special back-drop with the names of all the legacy runners. 

Legacy runners were noted on their bib and we also received a mirrored compact. 

After picking up my bib we entered the Expo to check out the official event merchandise. 

We decided to have breakfast before checking out the rest of the Expo. We ate at Steakhouse 55 which is located in the Disneyland Hotel. Breakfast there is so good!

Then it was back to the Expo. I always love to take advantage of the free photo opportunities. 

After the Expo it was time to head back to the hotel for an early dinner.  I always like to eat at Marri's before a Disney race. It's within walking distance to the hotel so we had called our order in earlier and it was ready when we got there. 

After dinner I laid out my outfit to make sure I wouldn't forget anything the next morning. 

Tiger Lily is ready to run

I had signed my mom up for the ChEAR Squad which meant she got some goodies and was able to be on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure as the runners races by. 

ChEAR Squad goodies: super soft shirt, Mickey clappers and a really nice blanket

3:45am came way too quick!  I was up and out the door by 4:15am. 

It was only about a 10 minute walk to the corrals. There was a security check point which was new since the last Disney race I ran. I wasn't carrying anything so I was able to walk right past the tables. Since I had left the room earlier than usual I was able to be all the way at the front of my corral. It stated filling up fast. 

Looking back from the front of the corral.

Being at the front of the corral meant a great view of the stage as we waited to start. 

Minnie and Daisy have their running clothes on!

Due to the Star Wars Land construction we had less time in Disneyland and backstage but I still like the course.

We entered Disneyland and headed backstage around the back of Tomorrowland.

 

We headed around the Matterhorn and into Fantasyland and through the Castle.

This is one of my favorite runDisney race pictures.  

It was then on to Frontierland.  We ran along the Rivers of America and then made a u-turn in front of the Haunted Mansion and headed out through Adventureland.

We ran down Main Street and out of Disneyland.  Then is was across the Esplanade and into California Adventure.

We ran around the park, went backstage and behind CA Screamin' then re-entered the park near Car's Land.





From there it was down Hollywood Blvd, up Buena Vista Street, and out of the parks and onto the streets of Anaheim.



As I neared the finish line I could see the big Sorcerers Hat.




High fiving (fouring?) Minnie at the finish!

 

Almost there!



I did it!  Half #22 complete!



  

I had my mom bring my other Tink medals to the finish line so I could get a picture with all of them. 

I liked that they brought the banner with all the names out to the finish line. 

I ended up finishing in 2:38:45. Just 46 seconds away from a Half PR. 

After finishing I was given a bottle of water, a bottle of Powerade and a snack box. I always love the treats in the snack box. 

After a quick shower it was time to hit the parks. 

We took advantage of PhotoPass and got a ton of pictures taken. 

 

  

 

Did you run the 2016 Tinkerbell Half Marathon? What did you think?  Let me know in the comments below.