Keeping Resolute With Disney

Now that we have entered the end of January those of us who haven’t already broken our New Year’s resolutions are finding that our willpower is slowly wavering.  If your resolution was to get more exercise, Disney has some upcoming events that can help get you back on track. 

Registration is now open for the Champion 5K race to be held on March 5, 2011 at Walt Disney World Resort.  As part of ESPN The Weekend events, racers should keep a close eye out for star athletes and ESPN personalities during the five kilometer race that will wind through many of the attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park (map).  Participants in the 5K race will not only gain the benefits of healthy exercise, but proceeds from the race benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research created to honor the late Jimmy Valvano, the legendary North Carolina State basketball coach.

Once you have completed that 5K run in March, you just might be ready to tackle the Disneyland Half-Marathon scheduled for September 4, 2011. Rounding out an entire weekend of family fun and fitness, the 13.1 mile course leads through the city of Anaheim, California and Disneyland Resort (map). Runners get a rush as they zip through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and receive encouragement from an assortment of Disney characters along the way running through California Adventure, Disneyland and finishing at Disneyland Hotel.

Other events taking place this weekend include a Family Fun Run 5K held on September 3, for racers of all ages and offers a stroller division.  Disneyland Kids Races will also be held on September 3 and features a diaper dash for crawlers up to 12 months, and various length races for children up to age 8.  Racers in the family events receive a t-shirt and race finisher medallion, goody bag and post-race refreshments.

As all racers know, a pre-race meal loaded with carbohydrates is required before a long run.  The Pasta in the Park Party, will not only allow racers to load up on carbs, but fun too, as they relax and enjoy a pasta and dessert buffet, twilight tickets to Disneyland park including two FastPass attraction tickets, even a special reserved area for viewing the parade.

Family and friends have an opportunity to be part of the ChEAR Squad and rally their favorite racers to the finish.  From the complimentary Bronze level that provides ChEARleaders a complimentary updated newsletter to Silver, Gold and Platinum levels that provides continental breakfast, a cooler-chair, t-shirt, Mouse Ear clappers, reserved viewing location on route and at finish line, one-day theme park ticket, and reserved finish line parking at Disneyland Resort Hotel.

Registration for all events are now open so dust off your resolutions and get moving!

Photo Selections: WDW News