Today’s Race Is More Than a Run in the (Theme) Park

More than 2,000 runners are expected to take part in today’s first-ever Disneyland Marathon through the streets of Anaheim, with another 5,800 registered by late Saturday for today’s 5K race.

Both events start and finish inside Disneyland, with the marathon scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and the 5K, which is 3.1 miles, at 7:15 a.m. The amusement park will open as usual at 8:30 a.m.

Ten charities have been chosen to benefit from race-related fund-raising efforts, including the March of Dimes Orange County chapter, the Hispanic Education Endowment Fund and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County.

To participate, runners must have preregistered for the races.

Disneyland Marathon and 5K

A marathon returns to Orange County for the first time since 1991. Disneyland is sponsoring the 26.2-mile and five-kilometer races through the streets of Anaheim.

When: Today

Where: Both races start and finish inside Disneyland with the courses including surrounding streets of Anaheim.

Starting times: Marathon will begin at 7 a.m., the 5K at 7:15.

Time limits: The marathon course will close after five hours; the 5K course is limited to one hour. Competitors not finishing the 5K within an hour might be asked to leave the course for marathoners.

Distances: The marathon is 26 miles, 385 yards. The 5K is 3.1 miles.

Information: Registration for both races closed Saturday. Call (800) 524-9200.

Prizes: A total of $50,000 will be awarded, with $19,000 for the marathon and $31,000 for the 5K.

Source: Disneyland