Disneyland half-marathon sees 16,000 runners

Sixteen-thousand runners showed up for the Disneyland half-marathon on Sunday in Anaheim, Calif., after selling out in a record 10 hours earlier this year. The Disney races, becoming known for their unique locales and race courses through the company’s these parks and resort grounds, have become some of the most sought-after bibs in the running community.

The weekend kicked off with a 5K on Friday, followed by 10K and half-marathon races on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Although the runs are largely not focused on elite competition, the men’s race was won by Flagstaff, Ariz., runner Nick Arciniaga in a quick 1:07:48. Arciniaga represented the United States at the 2011 world championships in the marathon.

Congratulations to our first place finisher at #DisneylandHalf! @NickArciniaga finished the race in 1:07:48. pic.twitter.com/sRcMuXQBPm

— runDisney (@runDisney) August 31, 2014

The race weekends are attractive to families for promoting runners to dress up and run in costume and offering plenty of distance options. They also happen in theme parks meaning there is plenty of other ways to enjoy the trip.

The next Disney race weekend will be the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler at Walt Disney World in Florida at the beginning of October.

Our first female crossed the #DisneylandHalf Marathon Finish Line at 1:23:33. Congratulations Jennifer Berry! pic.twitter.com/69uTf2X5TS

— runDisney (@runDisney) August 31, 2014