LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Mar. 8, 2009) – In a perfect end to a fairytale weekend, Liza Galvan of San Antonio, Tex., led over 7,500 women runners from around the world to victory at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. Galvan, 39, battled second-place finisher Nadezhda Tuptova for most of the 13.1 mile race through Magic Kingdom and Epcot before cruising to the finish line in 1:18:18. Tuptova (Gainesville, Fla.), 33, crossed the line in a time of 1:19:24. Firaya Sultanova, 47, also from Gainesville, Fla., posted a time of 1:20:26 to finish third.
In the Masters Division, Lilian Kroner (Monroe, N.Y.), 43, won in a time of 1:22:25 – besting the next competitor by nearly four minutes. Jacqui Kapinowski from Point Pleasant, N.J. crossed the finish line in a time of 1:22:26 to win the wheelchair division.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the signature event that saw more than 11,000 women runners compete in various races that included the Royal Family 5K and the Princess Kids’ Races, making the inaugural event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.
The weekend also involved a health and wellness expo that included renowned fitness experts leading seminars on training, racing and nutrition, and the latest running and fitness equipment. Participants and their guests experienced Princess meet and greets, a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a Princess-themed after party at Disney's Hollywood Studios with live entertainment and a special gift at the stroke of midnight. While the weekend is designed for women, more than 200 men participated on behalf of the women in their lives.
About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.
Posted by Debra Martin Koma on March 9, 2009 10:38 AM | 
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