Kansas runner triumphs at 2024 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Josh Baden turned a family vacation into a victory lap, winning the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday. The Lawrence, Kansas, runner outpaced a field of thousands to claim the top spot with a time of 1:16:29.
Baden’s win was a highlight of the 15th anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The race, which took runners through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, offered stunning views and iconic Disney characters along the 13.1-mile course.
“I definitely came out wanting to win,” said Baden. “It’s awesome just getting to finally win a runDisney race.”
Baden finished a little more than a minute ahead of David Proudfoot of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, (1:17:32) and two minutes faster than last year’s winner Ian Bordelon of Orlando, Florida (1:18:36)
In the women’s race, Lisa Hart, a UK native now residing in Winter Garden, Florida, emerged victorious. Hart’s win was particularly inspiring, as she overcame postpartum challenges to become a dedicated runner. She finished with a time of 1:22:37. “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 finished ahead of Leah Foley of Goodrich, Michigan., (1:28:05) and Maddison Saalinger of Miami, Florida. (1:29:00).
Linden Williamson of Seguin, Texas, was the top wheelchair finisher (58:03) this year followed by Heather Sealover of Clermont, Florida, (59:12) and Sidney Knox of Benton, Texas (1:18:31).
The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend also featured a 5K, a 10K, and a Disney Two Course Challenge. The event concluded with a post-race party at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
The next runDisney event at Walt Disney World is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, scheduled for Jan. 8-12, 2025.
