Record Number of Participants Set for Disneyland Half Marathon and 5K
Labor Day Weekend event reaches capacity

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Posted Friday, 22 August, 2008

ANAHEIM, Calif. – August 4, 2008- The Disneyland Half Marathon and Family Fun Run 5k have reached registration capacity, marking a great start to celebrating health, fitness and family-fun adventure throughout the Disneyland Resort and streets of Anaheim on Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29 – 31). On Aug. 31, more than 13,000 runners will compete in the “Happiest Race on Earth,” a 13.1-mile road race that has quickly become an attractive road race for its flat loop course and mild climate.

Participants can still sign up for a carbo-load dinner the night before the big race, Disney style, by booking a special theme park ticket to Disney’s California Adventure and a pre-race pasta dinner combination package. The dinner features Mickey and Minnie Mouse and is held inside Disney’s California Adventure park. The Pasta in the Park party is available to all participants and their family and friends on a first-come-first-served basis, and costs $125 for adults and $99 for children. The price includes:

· Single day admission to Disney’s California Adventure theme park
· Buffet pasta dinner and dessert at Stage 17 in Disney’s California Adventure
· Disney Character appearances
· After dinner reserved parade viewing of Disney’s Electrical Parade
· One FastPass attraction opportunity

On race day, half marathon participants – some of whom will even be dressed as their favorite Disney characters – are expected to run, jog, or walk the course that begins and ends at the Disneyland Resort. In three and a half hours or less, runners will go through Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland theme parks, and then pass several city landmarks, including the Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center and Angel Stadium before crossing the finish line in the Downtown Disney District. Race finishers will earn a special commemorative medal depicting a Disney icon – Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The Family Fun Run 5k takes runners through both theme parks. Adults and teens alike will take part in this exciting race on Aug. 30.

This year’s festivities also feature a Heelys’ kid races and a special VIP viewing area. Children up to age 14 can participate in kids' races, presented by Heelys, ranging from the 400 yard run down to the 100 yard dash. Added this year to the kids’ race series is the Heelys’ kids race and roll, where youngsters can showcase their skills in a combination race and obstacle course. And for infants (12 months and younger) there’s the Diaper Dash.

Spectators wishing to see their family and friends cross the finish line can do so in style with a VIP viewing package. The VIP experience features reserved finish line seating, restrooms, parking, continental breakfast and a single day ticket to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. Seating capacity is 300 and packages cost $119 per guest.

Participants and non-participants can get the latest running and fitness information at the Health and Fitness Expo, which will be held inside the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall. The two-day event will showcase celebrity runners, seminars on training, racing, and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the newest running and fitness equipment. Expo hours on Aug. 29 are noon – 8:00 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Aug. 30.

The Disneyland Half Marathon is a race where the fun and excitement doesn’t end after crossing the finish line. Participants can enjoy new entertainment, popular attractions and live out their dreams by booking accommodations through Get Travel Sports and Events. Weekend package benefits include specially-priced theme park tickets available only to participants and family members, amazing rates at a selection of conveniently located hotels within walking distance of the race start and finish, and a personal ‘Sports Agents’ to help build a custom itinerary that can include travel arrangements and priority seating at a Disneyland Resort restaurant. Packages can be made by calling (888) 877-4445.

Registration for the Disneyland Half Marathon Pasta in the Park party and Spectator VIP Package can be made online at www.disneylandhalfmarathon.com.

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