DESTINATIONS RUN DISNEY | FAMILY HOLIDAYS
The Incredibles, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, and even someone in the full furry head and frock suit from Beauty and the Beast. Rather him than me!
ROAD RUNNERS Just before 7am – the sun still not up – the countdown began and we were off, heading out of Walt Disney Studios, past the restaurants in Disney Village and through the gates to Disneyland Park. We ran up Main Street, where crowds were already gathered, many wearing massive Mickey Mouse gloves to high-five us as we ran past. We headed towards Sleeping
Beauty Castle and got our first sighting of the Disney crew and my 10-year-old daughter, Marijke, who gave me a quick ‘energy kiss’ before we carried on to Discoveryland. We ran past Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast, the Orbitron space rockets and Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, before moving into the maze of roads, warehouses and outbuildings ‘backstage’. We covered another couple of
kilometres before re-entering the park in Fantasyland, where we got to run through the castle – magical even for the most hardened runner – then kicked on into Frontierland, by Day of the Dead decorations inspired by Disney-Pixar film Coco, Big Thunder Mountain rollercoaster and the haunted mansion. Next came Adventureland, home of Aladdin, the Swiss Family Robinson and Pirates of the Caribbean, complete with three Jack
GETTING THERE ABOVE: Disneyland Paris kids’ race
RIGHT: Lucy and Tom with their medals PICTURES: Disney/Yann Piriou
Sparrows, where we spotted the 5k marker – we were over halfway. The next section took us back out
on the roads, which was the hardest bit, but soon we were re-entering Walt Disney Studios, passing Crush’s Coaster from Finding Nemo, Slinky Dog from Toy Story, and Ratatouille, which picked us back up.
One more stint outside the park, following the route of the famous Studio Tram Tour, ate up another kilometre, and then, as we hit the 9k marker, we were routed back into the Studios. Rounding the final corner and seeing all the crowds – including my daughter, Stuart and Oliver from Travel Weekly,
Andy from Clia and our Disney and MagicBreaks hosts – Tom suddenly broke into a sprint. I gave chase but couldn’t quite catch him. Giggling as we both crossed the finish line, officials hung medals around our necks and directed us to pick up energy drinks and bananas. We were totally buzzing.
Photographers appeared to take our pictures, although all we wanted was a shower and a massive breakfast – we had calories to replace after all.
A WALK IN THE PARK With a full day and night in the parks to come, we needed the energy boost. We ticked off nearly every ride and attraction during the day, ate lunch in Annette’s Diner
The fifth Disneyland Paris Run Weekend takes place from September 24-27, plus there’s a new Princess Run from May 8-10. A three-day trip to Disneyland Paris departing September 25 starts from £1,702 for two adults and two children. It includes accommodation at Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe, three-day park hopper tickets, Eurostar travel, entry and running bibs for the 5km run and kids’ race.
disneytravelagents.co.uk
and had a delicious Arabian-style dinner in Agrabah Cafe. The children were shattered
after our early start and I debated whether to keep them up to watch Disney Illuminations – a show with lights, movie clips, music, water and fireworks against the backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle. But I am so glad I did – it was truly incredible. The following morning saw us get up early to bag a spot at the finish line to watch Stuart and Oliver complete the half-marathon – which they did in style, both recording great times and adding another medal to their collections. As for Tom and me, we will also be back, but only to repeat the 10k. One race is enough – although next time, we will be in full Disney fancy dress!
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