Sharing the Disneyland 10k

Over Labor day weekend many people were preparing barbeques, hitting the pool for a last dip before summer ends, or just enjoying a lazy weekend.  That weekend was anything but lazy for our friend Lois.  She was starting the second of three races out at Disneyland. She participated in her first Dumbo Double Dare and she is happily going to tell you all about it starting with the 10K on Saturday.
Dumbo double dare


Being on the west coast made the early morning wakeup calls much easier than the wakeup calls at Walt Disney World for the Dopey challenge. 



The 10K was villains themed, so I dressed as the Queen of Hearts and headed off to the races. 
dumbo double dare race
 The Goofy statue in the lobby was my go-to for the early morning prerace picture, just a fun place to take a picture.  The walk to the start line was an easy walk and didn’t take long at all.  I loved that part of the Disneyland races, they were all so easy to get to, no getting up extra early to catch a bus or leave early to beat the race traffic.  I absolutely loved being able to walk to the start line, and then at the finish of the race, walk back.  Disneyland can’t be beat for the ease of getting around race morning.


Cruella De Vil had taken over the stage and told us all to be prepared as the villains were now in control, and Mickey was not to be found.  It was true, I didn’t see Mickey the whole race.  Malificent came on the big screen and was very upset she wasn’t invited to the party, and you know what happens when Malificent doesn’t get invited to the party.  She took over and Rudy wasn’t able to start the race (but don’t fret, Malifecent was the one who started the race)
Dumbo double dare race


The race didn’t put us right into the parks, instead we headed down Disney Way toward the convention center, circled around that, and then entered the park on the east side on Harbor Blvd.  I liked being on the street for a bit, as it gave the corrals time to thin a little.  Once we hit the parks, we didn’t leave until the very end of the race where we went through downtown Disney to hit the finish line.  Along the course, the villains were out.  I stopped to get a picture with DJ, and who I thought was the shadow man from the Princess and the Frog (my youngest daughter’s favorite movie).  They had Lotso out from Toy Story, but the line was super long and I didn’t want to wait.  As we rounded into the Hollywood Area, Hades was out.  I’d never seen him, so I stopped for his picture.  Man, he is one scary dude.  Then Lady Tremaine was right there, so I stopped there as well. 


We crossed over from Disney’s California Adventure into Disneyland.  The one big difference between the west coast and east coast Magic Kingdom’s is that the castle on the west coast isn’t a prominent feature.  I of course stopped to get a picture by the castle, but it was rather underwhelming, after doing the races at Walt Disney World.  I loved going behind the scenes and seeing the train depot, the floats, and the Imagineering building.  I don’t know why, but seeing that gave me the chills, I guess it comes from knowing that is where the magic starts. 
Dumbo Double dare race, Captain hook
 I didn’t stop for many pictures in the Magic Kingdom, but I had to stop for Hook and Smee (maybe it is because I absolutely adore Killian Jones on Once Upon a Time, so I just had to get a picture with the original).
Disneyland 10k medal
The 10K ended the same was as the 5K, heading out into Downtown Disney, then through the finish line near the Disneyland hotel.  It was so much fun to see all the villains out, and as I was crossing the finish line Malificent was there.  Once again, the 10K didn’t disappoint, and I really think it is my favorite distance.
Have you ever done any of the Disney 10K's? What were your thoughts?

23 comments:

  1. I didn't even think about the fact that the wake-up time would be pretty normal for and East coaster over there. That's almost enough to make me sign up for a West Coast race on it's own!

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    1. It was waking up at almost my regular time, since I come from Colorado and the time change is 1 hour. Much easier to get up in California!

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  2. I'm excited for the 10k I'm doing there in May. I'm looking forward to waking up early Pacific time but knowing my body clock will be two hours ahead. Those early wake up calls in Orlando are rough!

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    1. The early wake up should be pretty easy with a two hour time difference. The ones in Orlando are brutal, especially coming from Mountain time. You will have a great time!

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  3. I love all the faces in the picture... when you do a Disney race, I figure you GOTTA act it up 100% :)

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    1. The villians don't smile...but oh my goodness, it is hard not to smile in pictures. So much fun though!

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  4. The picture with hook and smee is amazing! I really need to do a Disney race!

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    1. It was so fun not to smile and to try to get into the villain mindset!!

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  5. I love all the DL races and this looked really fun. Lois you took some great character pics along the way!

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    1. I think I prefer the DL races. You were right about the 10K. I'm so glad I listened and did the challenge.

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  6. Disneyland races are great! I love her outfit.

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    1. Thanks. I can't take credit for the outfit, I borrowed the entire costume from a friend.

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  7. I did the half marathon but after reading everyone's 10k recaps I really wish I'd done that one too - I love seeing all the villains, and how much of the race was through the parks!

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    1. I love the 10K for photo opportunities, but I may be done with back to back races. Too many days going to bed early and getting up early.

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  8. Love the costume. Super cute. And you stayed in character for all the pictures which is great!!
    I love Rundisney races. They're all so much fun!!

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    1. Staying in character and not smiling for pictures wasn't easy, but it sure made it more fun!

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  9. Looks like an awesome race Lois:) Fun too! Love your race outfit, so fun!
    The 10k is a fun distance, I don't run nearly enough of them they really are a blast! Love your pictures and looks like a great trip/race!!!

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    1. It was a great weekend!! All 3 races, and the 5K I did with my daughters. I wish I could do more of the Disney races, but they are a lot of money and time. The 10K is my favorite distance, but I keep signing up for half marathons...

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  10. I really need to get to Disney for more races.

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  11. I love your outfit, and that photo with Hades is awesome!!

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    1. He was a scary dude!! I think it is true fear on my face. :-)

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  12. I love the 10K as well, but I keep signing up for the longer half marathon distance. The DL 10K was so fun.

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