Denver woman wins both the 10K and half marathon in the women’s division; Dramatic 346-pound weight loss journey among compelling human interest stories

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 31, 2014) – Nick Arciniaga, originally from Fountain Valley, Calif., won the Disneyland Half Marathon in record fashion Sunday, finishing in 1:07:48. Arciniaga, 31, led the field of 16,056 registered runners virtually from wire to wire to win easily after placing 7th in the Boston Marathon earlier this year finishing as the second American in 2:11.47.

“I don’t get very many hometown wins since I don’t race around here very much but running at Disneyland is something that is pretty close to my heart,” said Arciniaga, who currently resides in Flagstaff, Ariz. “My aunt works here. I came here pretty much a couple times a year growing up so Disneyland is a huge place for me.”

Jennifer Berry, 33, of Denver, Colo., captured the women’s title at Disneyland, finishing with a time of 1:23:33, after winning the Disneyland 10K on Saturday.

“I was a little tired from yesterday,” said Berry. “I came in this morning just to do the best I can and today was good enough. I had some awesome competition out there and I’m really happy.”

Derrick Deaton, a huge Disney fan from Indianapolis, Ind. always wanted to run arunDisney race.  However, the idea was inconceivable five years ago because Derrick weighed 529 pounds.  But now, Derrick, 31, runs a 5K six days a week after losing 346 pounds. His scale now registers at 183 pounds.  Derrick finished the Disneyland Half Marathon just under 2:30.

Runners in the Disneyland Half Marathon traveled through Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort, the streets of Anaheim and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. All along the route, they were greeted by cheering fans, Disney characters, music and live entertainment.

This year’s sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend included runners, ages 14 – 82, from all 50 states and 26 countries. There were 19,182 runners from California.  In addition to the half marathon, other weekend events included the Disneyland 10K, Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K and the runDisney Kids Races.

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