Tinker Bell 10k : Race Recap

The Tinker Bell 10k holds a special place in my heart. This was the first runDisney race, actually first race, that I've ever run alone. I was super nervous about running by myself... but I really enjoyed it! No worries about keeping a certain pace and I could hop to the side to take a picture without having to keep track of my running buddy. Without further ado, here's my recap!

Tinker Bell 10k Race Recap

The Tinker Bell 10k started early on Saturday morning. I made my way over to the start line from my hotel on Harbor Blvd. I had to cross the esplanade (between the two parks) and go through Downtown Disney, but it was really easy and straight forward. 

Once at the end of Downtown Disney, I took a left and headed to the corrals. 

I didn't go into the runner pre-race area and just headed to my corral instead.

The area where the pre-race area feeds into the corrals was right between corrals D and E. I turned to the left and headed towards corral A. It was a long walk, but I was so excited- this was also my first time being in corral A! 

A pre-race photo. I figured I had to be Tink at some point during the weekend! I started towards the end of corral A. 

While waiting for the race to begin, I happened to meet Tracy (@ATurtlesPace) and her daughter, Dawnley (@Hipster_Runner). Tracy was so kind and gave me a #run3rd bracelet. Congrats to both on the race! :)

The race start and soon we were into Toon Town in Disneyland.

I love all the details, even in the backstage areas.

My first ever character photo during a race!!! So cool!

More Disneyland sunrise photos. When else can you experience this?

Chip & Dale! Sadly I don't know who is who.

Buzz! This one was for my hubby who's favorite character is Buzz. :)

No race is complete without a castle photo.

Heading down Main Street on our way to CA Adventure!

Running past The Little Mermaid ride in California Adventure.

Something to note- fellow racers are awesome! Every time I went to take a selfie, I had at least one other runner ask if they could take the picture for me. It was a mutual thing, everyone was helping each other out. So great!

Paradise Pier!

We exited the Disney property around mile 4 at Harbor Blvd and Disney Way. I've stayed at almost all the hotels on Harbor, so the course was very familiar to me- I think it helped to pass the time.

I also took the time to place a quick phone call to my husband! He was off on an adventure of his own (apartment hunting in Texas) and hearing his encouragement kept me going. :)

On Disney Way with about a mile to go!

The finisher's chute funnels into the Simba parking lot.

Finish line!!!

Tinker Bell 10k complete! 

I really enjoyed this race. The 10k distance was perfect and could even be my race distance of choice if I wasn't already hooked on half marathons. Most of the race was through the parks and the last couple miles were still on familiar roads. I truly took it easy and just went at my own pace with no time goals in mind. 

If you're a new runner considering a runDisney event, the Tinker Bell 10k is perfect for you. The distance is great- not too long, but still a challenge- and the course is so fun. Lots of photo ops and great theming. 

The next Tinker Bell 10k will be over Mother's Day in 2015!