Powered by Pixie Dust: What a Season of Disney Miles, Friendship, & Magic Taught Me

A Fairytale Race Season

Every race season tells a story… and my 2025 to 2026 runDisney season might be one of my favorites yet. Between princess dresses, sparkle, incredible friendships, brand partnerships, castle miles, and even a roller coaster in the middle of a marathon… this season truly felt like a real life fairytale!

Let’s Start From The Beginning…

It all began at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend 10K, where the official race theme was Olaf’s picnic. Since Olaf naturally led us toward all things Frozen, our group decided to add our own whimsical twist and show up as “Frozen Lake” ballerinas. I had the honor of being ballerina Anna, complete with icy sparkle, ballet inspired details, and all the sisterly energy. It was the perfect way to kick off race season with creativity, friendship, and a little Disney magic.

On To The Big One…

Next came Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January. I started with the 10K, where the race theme was a Chip & Dale mystery storybook adventure. I kept this one intentionally easy, dressing in Disney bounding colors inspired by the theme while saving my legs for something much bigger waiting on Sunday… the full marathon!

This year I had the incredible opportunity to partner with MISSION for the full Walt Disney World Marathon, which made the experience even more special. I dressed as my forever favorite princess, Cinderella, and set off for 26.2 magical miles.

And wow… what a day.

Running through all four parks never gets old. Seeing the castle lit up before sunrise is one of those moments that stays with you forever. But somewhere in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I made what may be one of my favorite marathon decisions ever…

I stopped and rode Expedition Everest.

Honestly… probably the most fun rest stop you can possibly take during a marathon!

This was my second marathon, but my first since becoming a mom, which made crossing that finish line feel even sweeter.

Then came my favorite weekend of them all… Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

Princesses, Pixie Dust, & PopFlex

I ran the Fairytale Challenge, taking on both the 10K and Half Marathon, and I was beyond excited to be sponsored by one of my favorite brands, POPFLEX.

For the 10K, I wore POPFLEX’s Blue Storm shorts and top set, paired with a white bow, to create a Belle bound reminiscent of Belle in her blue village dress. The morning started with a light drizzle, and I’ll admit I was carefully watching every step, determined not to slip. Thankfully, as soon as the race began, the rain stopped as if Disney itself had ordered perfect race weather.

I also bedazzled my race bib for this one, and I may never race with a plain bib again!

For the Half Marathon, I got to run through the castle once again, this time wearing POPFLEX’s Tie Breaker Superdress in Fleur d’Amour. I paired it with red rose bib clips and, naturally, a matching bow to create an athletic Winter Belle bound.

And just when I thought the race couldn’t get more magical…

Near the finish line, the fairy godmother apprentices from Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique were out pixie dusting runners.

Yes… actual pixie dust.

That little sprinkle of sparkle gave me exactly the boost I needed heading into the finish!

Spectating @ Springtime

While I didn’t race during runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, I got to experience something equally special. I spent race morning cheering in the BoardWalk area, encouraging runners as they passed by. And honestly… being on the spectator side was its own kind of magic.

Getting to clap, cheer, celebrate, and pour energy back into this community reminded me that these weekends are about so much more than medals. They are about people.

Looking back on this season, I feel so incredibly grateful. I got to run alongside some of the most inspiring people. I felt supported by amazing brand partners. I got to dress up, sparkle a little brighter, and even spread some encouragement back to fellow runners. This community truly feels like home.

Reflection: Who Is That Girl I See…

This season taught me that strength and sparkle were never meant to compete… they were always meant to go hand in hand. Becoming a mom didn’t make my dreams smaller, it made them deeper, more purposeful, and more meaningful. Every early wake up, training run, castle mile, and finish line became about something bigger than me. It reminded me that you can chase big goals, work hard, show up with discipline, wear the bow, stop for the castle photo, cheer for others, and still cross the finish line stronger than ever.

More than anything, this season reminded me that while the medals are beautiful, the people are what make runDisney truly magical. The friendships, the encouragement, the incredible brand partners who believed in me, and the runners who smiled, cheered, high fived, and kept each other moving… that is the real magic. And when you stay true to who you are, whether that looks like princess dresses, motherhood, or marathon miles, the right opportunities, the right people, and the right kind of magic have a beautiful way of finding you.

If you’ve ever thought about signing up for a Disney race, this is your sign. Whether it’s your very first 5K or your first marathon, there is something truly unforgettable about running through Disney.

In my completely unbiased princess opinion…

They really are the most magical miles on earth! ✨