Disney's Princess Half Marathon Field Nearly Doubles in Second Year

Increased field underscores event's instant popularity; runners from every state and 16 countries make up one of nation's largest women-specific endurance events

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 4, 2010) - Nearly twice as many runners as last year are rushing to bring out their inner princess this weekend at Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker at Walt Disney World Resort.

More than 18,000 runners, including 13,000 for the half marathon, are registered for the three-day event aimed at women's health and wellness, making it one of the largest women-specific endurance events in the country.

Every woman wants their chance to feel like a princess and this event allows them to embrace the attributes Disney princesses embody: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance and strength, said Disney Sports Area Manager Kathleen Duran. This event is all about princesses and spreading the message of health and wellness to women of all fitness levels while incorporating the glamour and grace of the Disney princesses.

Disney's Princess Half Marathon, which attracted over 11,000 for the inaugural weekend a year ago, involves Disney's Fit for a Princess Expo as well as two road races - Disney The Princess and the Frog Royal Family 5K and the signature 13.1-mile half marathon through multiple theme parks. Kids in attendance can also participate in Disney's Royal Family Kids' Races.

Disney's Fit for a Princess Expo, free and open to the public, takes place at the newly
re-launched ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday. The expo, geared toward women's health and wellness, features celebrity runner appearances, Disney characters and seminars on training, racing and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment.

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), an organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancers. With the support of thousands of volunteers and participants in LLS's Team In Training program, Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend will help blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.

Registration for the 2011 Disney's Princess Half Marathon begins this summer at www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com.