Pictures: RunDisney Disneyland Half Marathon offers racers views of two theme parks, many characters and even a peek backstage

in Disney, Entertainment, Inside the Magic, Theme Parks

Disneyland Resort was host to a runDisney Half Marathon over the weekend of September 3-4, 2011, drawing thousands of runners to compete in race around both theme parks and through the nearby Anaheim streets. Through the first few miles, racers enjoyed a scenic trip through Disney California Adventure followed by Disneyland Park, spotting popular characters and parade floats while enjoying upbeat music to keep them moving on their 13.1 mile journey not only through familiar theme park streets but also past intriguing backstage sights.

Regular Inside the Magic contributors Jeremiah and Josh Daws both ran the race with cameras in hand, naturally. Their goal wasn’t to win, but rather to take part in seeing what type of magic Disney would roll out for the event. Along the way, . And for Disney fans like the Daws brothers, it was an excellent opportunity to see a side of Disney’s parks that isn’t often offered.

AUDIO: You can hear Jeremiah’s tale of running the Disneyland Half Marathon on Show 335 of the Inside the Magic podcast.

The photo slideshow below follows Josh and Jeremiah through the entire Disneyland Half Marathon experience, from registration to crossing the finish line and being awarded the prized medal. During the race, runners encountered Star Wars characters, Disney Princesses, and Pixar favorites, experienced a rare opportunity to run down Main Street USA and through Sleeping Beauty Castle without being scolded, and spotted a few Jungle Cruise animals without their skins backstage. And now we take you along for the ride, er race:

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