Alabama woman triumphs at Disney Princess Half Marathon
In a whirlwind of cheers, confetti, and beloved Disney characters, Shea Zablan of Birmingham, Alabama, emerged as the unexpected victor in the Disney Princess Half Marathon, held at Walt Disney World.
Zablan, accompanied by her high school girlfriends on their annual getaway, had initially set out to bask in the enchantment of the Disney theme parks. Little did she anticipate clinching the title of the first female runner to triumphantly cross the finish line, completing the 13.1-mile course in a remarkable 1:21:18.
Reflecting on her unprecedented achievement, Zablan expressed her delight at the vibrant spectacle that unfolded along the route, weaving through the magical realms of Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. “Running through the parks was definitely a joy,” she enthused, recounting the rhythmic cadence of music and the unwavering support of cheering spectators, which buoyed her spirits throughout the race.
Meanwhile, for Michael Fussner of St. Louis, Missouri, the half marathon marked a poignant journey of redemption. Having narrowly missed victory in the previous year’s race, Fussner surged ahead this time, claiming the coveted title of the first male finisher with a commendable time of 1:15:11. His triumph echoed sentiments of fulfillment, as he reveled in the exhilarating moment of crossing the finish line, confetti in tow.
Notable among the participants was reality TV star Matt James, making his debut in the runDisney realm with a spirited run, clocking in at 1:27:32 and ranking 10th among male runners. James, captivated by the allure of the event, expressed his intent to return for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January, eyeing the formidable Dopey Challenge as his next conquest.
In the wheelchair division, Heather Sealover of Bossier City, Louisiana, once again clinched the top spot with an impressive time of 1:02:53, followed closely by Linden Williamson of Seguin, Texas, and Nicholas McCoy of Boerne, Texas.
Sunday’s half marathon was the final race of the three-race weekend that included a 5K and a 10K, plus a Disney Fairytale Challenge (10K and the half marathon).
