Free activities for runners at Walt Disney World this weekend

Feeling motivated by the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend that’s going on now? Here are a few free and low-cost activities for runners at Walt Disney World to check out this weekend.

Keep those muscles loose with a run (or walk) around your Walt Disney World hotel or take in a change of scenery at another location at the resort. Disney has worked with New Balance, the official running shoe of runDisney, to create and identify New Balance Running Trails — more than 16 miles of trails throughout the property that are open 24 hours a day. Among the choices:

** The Animal Kingdom resort area has a mile-long paved trail that connects the three All-Star Resorts (Movies, Music and Sports). At Coronado Springs Resort, there is a 0.75-mile-long promenade that loops around Lago Dorado.

** In the Epcot resort area, runners can make loops around Crescent Lake and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club. The longest course follows Epcot Resorts Boulevard and Buena Vista Drive toward Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At Disney’s Caribbean Beach hotel, a 1.2-mile promenade circles Barefoot Bay. Runners looking for long distance can choose from 2-, 3- and 4-mile routes at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

** The Magic Kingdom resort area offers one of the most unique paths — a 2.5-mile-long trek through Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Plus, there’s a 0.75-mile shaded fitness trail and bike path that connects Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Or run along the iconic Seven Seas Lagoon for about a mile between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian hotels. You’ll pass the wedding pavilion and have a great view of the Magic Kingdom! At the Contemporary hotel, circle Bay Lake Tower and the South Garden Wing on the 0.9-mile paved jogging path.

** Finally, the Disney Springs hotels and others have their paths, as well. Jog along the Sassagoula River on a 1.7-mile promenade connecting the Riverside and French Quarter Resort areas of the Port Orleans hotel. At Saratoga Springs and Old Key West, paths take runners past the fairways of Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Pop Century offers two loops: 1.1 or 1.38 miles. Art of Animation also has a 1.38-mile trail, but it passes the larger-than-life courtyards inspired by Walt Disney and Disney-Pixar classics “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.”

The front desk at each hotel can provide maps of its trails.

On Sunday, Disney Springs Marketplace hosts the Happily Ever After Party from noon to 8 p.m. The party is open to runners, their families and the general public. However, be sure to wear your medal to take advantage of many great offers. Last year, the Disney food trucks gave out free cupcakes with purchase; Little Mismatched gave away free socks; Fit2Run had free gifts; and many restaurants, including Starbucks, Rainforest Café, T-Rex, and Wolfgang Puck, offered runners 10 percent to 15 percent off their bills.

In addition, runners can stop by Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories to have their finisher’s medals engraved with their race times (for a charge). Forgot to purchase something at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo? Last year, a Disney merchandise truck sold race merchandise.

Speaking of the expo, runDisney participants have to stop by there to pick up their race packets, but the event is open to the public, as well. And it’s free admission and free parking! Of course, there is plenty of merchandise for sale, but many of the vendors offer giveaways and samples, too, and there are unique products you might not find elsewhere.

Plus, there is plenty to do on the expo floor, too, even if you are not a shopper. There are photo spots set up with photos of each race course as a backdrop, as well as a green screen for a shot of you crossing the finish line; KT Tape has a booth where you can get your legs taped for support before and after running; and runDisney coach and Olympian Jeff Galloway is available to take photos and sign autographs for runners. Galloway also joins runDisney Nutritionist Tara Guidas for talks together and separately in the speaker series. They cover topics such as “Waist Management: Running, Nutrition and Weight Loss,” “Stay Strong to the Finish,” and “Running Your First Half Marathon.”

Whether you’re registered to run at Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend or you’re just getting started in the sport, you’re sure to find inspiration at Walt Disney World this weekend.

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