Registration opens for one of the nation’s largest women-focused running events; More than 28,000 runners expected for weekend-long event at Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. – (July 10, 2012) – Runners nationwide have their first chance today to go after a commemorative new medal that will be awarded to finishers of the 2013 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.

Registration for the race weekend opens today and all finishers will receive a one-of-a-kind medal to mark the fifth anniversary of the women-focused event at Walt Disney World Resort, Feb. 22-24, 2013. Runners can sign up for the race at www.rundisney.com and the commemorative tiara medal will be revealed in the coming months.

Disney’s Princess Marathon Weekend is one of the largest women-specific running events in the country and focuses on healthy active lifestyles for women and girls.  After nearly 7,500 runners ran in the inaugural 2009 event, the popularity of the race has grown considerably with more than 19,000 competing in last year’s race. This year, the event is expected to attract more than 20,000 runners.

The weekend event includes the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K and Kids’ Races on Saturday, followed by half marathon on Sunday.  The weekend also includes the Disney Fit for a Princess Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring the latest running apparel and equipment, as well as a speaker series involving running experts such as official runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is one of two women-focused runDisney event weekends.  The Tinker Bell Half Marathon takes place in January at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca.

To download video or photos of the 2012 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, go to www.disneysportsnews.com and click on the video or photo tabs.