2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - Team Hope Story

Hi! My name is Hayley and I am so excited that you are here!

In 2024, I ran my first runDisney race during the Princess Weekend. I have never enjoyed running, but I've always found it so inspiring when my friends run. With that in mind, I decided to challenge myself by doing something that scared me. I trained and completed my very first 10K and now... I might just be hooked. I still wouldn't say that I love running, but I love that finish line feeling and reminding myself I can do things that are hard. Plus, who wouldn't want to run through Disney Parks?!?

In the spirit of continuing to challenge myself, I will now be running my first half marathon in November, but it doesn't stop there. My bestie Katlyn and I had such a fun time during Princess Weekend that we decided to go hard and train for all three races next year. That's right-- we plan on running the 5k, 10k and half marathon in February 2025. 

What's even better than running at Disney with your dear friend though? That would be running for an amazing cause. This is where you come in. We decided that we wanted to support Hope Story and were thrilled when we were selected to represent them in the 5K. I am hoping to raise $550 for Hope Story-- a group who provides resources, support, and hope to families whose child has received a Down syndrome diagnosis.

When I decided to challenge myself to start running, no one really doubted me--people simply assumed that I would be able to. While we don't mean to, we often underestimate what those with Down syndrome are capable of. The reality is they are capable of EVERYTHING you and I are. However, when we don't give them the same opportunities, we rob them of that chance to show that they are capable. We accidentally limit them. I am so excited to run for a charity that is proving just how hardworking and limitless these individuals are and providing hope to families as they navigate that diagnosis.

You can learn more by visiting http://hopestory.org and stay connected to them by signing up for email updates by visiting this link: https://mailchi.mp/hopestory/sign-up

Please be sure to follow Hope Story on Instagram and Facebook.