In January, 16,000 fan-runners entered the "Star Wars" half-marathon at Disneyland in California. It started at 5:30 a.m., through a gate featuring Tatooinian architecture.
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Despite the darkness, the course is well-lighted and -directed. It goes through the iconic Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
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There are cameos by "Star Wars" characters, both official and non-. This is the half-marathon where you get a chance to hug Chewbacca and high-ive Lando Calrissian.
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Most runners don costumes, like a fit-focused Comic-Con.
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The course goes through Disneyland and Disney Adventure Park, including past the lit-up canyons of Cars Land from the animated film "Cars."
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Most of the 16,000 runners don't seem so concerned with finish times that they won't sacrifice minutes to get their picture taken with C-3PO or pose riding a landspeeder.
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After mile five, the race leaves Disneyland and snakes through the streets of Anaheim, California.
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There are nine themed runDisney races year-round at theme parks in Paris; Anaheim, California; and Orlando, Florida.
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Within the "Star Wars" races, there are Dark and Light Side versions to cater to those who might prefer to run in an Ewok outfit versus a Boba Fett.
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Every finisher gets a medal. There are, sadly, no prizes for costumes, no matter how deserved.
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Winners for their divisions get free entry to next year's race.
