On Sunday, September 2, more than 15,000 runners gathered at the Disneyland® Resort to embark on the 7th running of the Happiest Race on Earth – including 500 strong who were making their 7th straight appearance. Just before dawn, participants representing all 50 states and 21 countries began on a 13.1-mile journey past local Anaheim landmarks, onto a field fit for Angels, and through the Disneyland® Resort.

Runners were encouraged and entertained by beloved Disney characters, cheering fans, and inspirational music and scenes from classic Disney stories throughout their journey.

The half marathon course offered a truly unforgettable running experience for participants as they ran through Radiator Springs in the newly opened Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure® Park, Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland® Park, and right through Angel Stadium.

In the male division, Jimmy Grabow of Running Springs, California, became the 2012 Disneyland® Half Marathon champion by completing the conquest in 1:05:29, setting a new course record. Kevin Broady of Brea, California and Sam Williams of Los Osos, California, soon followed to round out the top three male half marathon finishers.

For the women, Cindy Lynch of Cardiff, California, had the winning time of 1:24:45, while Kellie Nickerson of Abuquerque, New Mexico and Merryt Jackman of San Diego, California, finished second and third, respectively.

The morning’s journey ended 3.5 hours and nearly 15,000 runners later. From Humberto Rojas and Rachel Booth to the final finishers, each runner felt the sheer exhilaration of their accomplishment and relished the magical memories they created along the way.