Disneyland Resort Update: Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land, Tower of Terror

Over the weekend it was time for the 3rd Annual Avengers Half Marathon, a race I hadn't planned on running until a few days ago. But I'm glad that I did, not only was the race MUCH better than the first Avengers Half Marathon in 2014 (click for that review from 2 years ago) but it also allowed us to get some backstage pics of Tower of Terror AND Star Wars Land. 
We also have some Star Wars Land pictures taken from the parking structure after the race down at the bottom. 

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Written by Gregg Condon

So as I mentioned above, I hadn't actually planned on running Avengers until Thursday. Without getting too political, I found myself in a funk after Tuesday night, not just with the results but by it's aftermath that still continues. So I was happy I was still able to register at the last minute and join the race, because it was EXACTLY what I needed. 

Considering how busy Disneyland (and other theme parks in Southern California) were over the weekend it seems I wasn't the only one in need of some escapism. 

The Corrals and Race itself didn't seem as crowded as past Disney races

Keep in mind, some of the race pics were taken on my old point and shoot camera so the quality may not be up to our usual standards. But the Star Wars Land Pics taken from the Parking Structure were from the DSLR.  ​

I had run a 1/2 Marathon 2 weeks ago and while my time for Avengers was essentially the same as that one I didn't really push myself for this one as much as I probably could have, I was just having too much fun on the course. (I need to remember this for when I run the LA Marathon in March, but also still wanting to have a good time for that one) 

Entering Cars Land

Of course, because much of the race goes backstage I was able to get some pics of Tower of Terror. It really IS tacky in person. 

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Having not actually been to Disneyland in 2 years I wish there were some rides open. I mean, if they can have character stops, why not ride stops. ;) 

Of course, having heard from some friends who have been AP's since 1992 that this was the busiest weekend they've EVER seen at DL (Holidays included) made me rethink visiting soon. 

Have heard that the new Holiday World of Color is nothing short of breathtaking. 

I will admit, I got a bit emotional entering the gates of Disneyland for the first time in 2 years. 

Old School Selfie taken with the Point and Shoot (since I was streaming on Periscope)

I was shocked we got this close to Star Wars Land construction ... definitely just dirt on this side. 

Throughout the race it was awesome to see all of the amazing volunteers, the spectators and fellow runners. All races, religions, orientations, just together to have an amazing time. I wasn't in the race for a new Personal Record, I just wanted to have fun. ​

The character location near TDA was Doctor Strange. Fitting. ;)

Trains are getting some love while they are not in use.

All departments are represented during the race

How about some more ToT with a bit of better lighting

Heading out to the streets of Anaheim

Angel Stadium

The ChEAR sections were amazing, just amazing.

Today was all about spreading love, so I didn't even boo the Anaheim Ducks as we got near The Pond. ;)

Wanted to go visit Motel 6 Feet Under ... they weren't open sadly. ;)

More Tower of Terror. You know, in theory I'm really not opposed to the makeover of the ride (and YAY for random drop sequences) but this is just REALLY bad show. They should have just closed it already. 

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Towards the end, two different schools playing together ... what it's all about. 

Had such an amazing morning running through the parks and Anaheim. The course was SO much more improved than the inaugural race 2 years ago (I didn't do last years race) and again it was just the RunDisney therapy I needed. 

Another old-school selfie since my phone totally died using Periscope through both parks

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Ok, you've waited long enough, here are some pics of Star Wars Land for you to enjoy. It helped that they parked the runners on Minnie, so I didn't even have to go that far from my car to get these. ;) 

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This was my first time seeing it in person and I have to admit, pictures really don't give the scope of this justice. 

At least it's not all just dirt anymore. ;) 

How many Mountains do you see?

Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoyed the update and a rare Disneyland update from us. I guess in the future when we're in the area we'll have to take a detour to track Star Wars Land construction, even if it's just from outside the park. 

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Related Updates: 

• The Disney California Adventure that could have been 
• Fun at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2016
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Part One and Part Two
• Frozen Ever After Review and Uniqlo at Disney Springs

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