Lawrence, Kan., runner Josh Baden and his family came to experience Halloween at Walt Disney World Resort, and he left with a half marathon title; Orlando runner claims women’s title; Race caps off first of four on-site race weekends at Walt Disney World Resort during the 2024-25 runDisney season.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2024) – All he wanted was to take his kids trick-or-treating at Walt Disney World Resort, but Josh Baden’s family vacation became even more magical when he topped it off with a win at his first Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday.
It wasn’t an easy race for the Lawrence, Kan., runner, who had to compete against thousands of runners, but he was up for the challenge. Flanked with confetti, tons of cheers and Disney characters, Baden crossed the finish line with a strong time of 1:16:29, which was a little more than a minute ahead of David Proudfoot of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., (1:17:32) and two minutes faster than last year’s winner Ian Bordelon of Orlando, Fla., (1:18:36). Along the way, Baden soaked in all the colorful Disney entertainment throughout the 13.1-mile course through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. This was his third runDisney event and first half marathon win at Disney World.
“I definitely came out wanting to win,” said Baden, who plans to celebrate his big win with a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Magic Kingdom Park. “It’s awesome just getting to finally win a runDisney race.”
On the women’s side, the race was more than just a run for Lisa Hart, a UK native now living in Winter Garden, Fla. For Hart, it marked an inspiring journey of rediscovering herself after becoming a mom. She was never a runner before but took up running after having two kids and struggling to feel like herself postpartum.
“It was hard coming back postpartum,” said Hart, whose children are 5 and 3. “But it’s always good to do something for yourself.”
Hart started the race off strong and never looked back. She easily finished in 1:22:37 which was well ahead of Leah Foley of Goodrich, Mich., (1:28:05) and Maddison Saalinger of Miami, Fla., (1:29:00).
Linden Williamson of Seguin, Texas, was the top wheelchair finisher (58:03) this year followed by Heather Sealover of Clermont, Fla., (59:12) and Sidney Knox of Benton, Texas (1:18:31).
This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, and among the runners were 98 dedicated “perfects” from Orlando and all over the country who have run this race every year since it began.
Sunday’s half marathon was the final race of the three-race weekend that included a 5K and a 10K, plus a Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and the half marathon) and Post-Race Party. This celebration at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival includes access to Global Marketplaces, select EPCOT attractions, live entertainment and access to the park after regular operating hours.
Next up is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 8-12), the second race weekend of the runDisney race season at Walt Disney World. These races welcome runners of all fitness levels, offering a chance to run through Disney theme parks, enjoy world-class entertainment, and earn exclusive Disney medals.
For more information on runDisney races, visit www.rundisney.com.
