LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Mar. 7, 2010) – In a tight race, Gina Aalgaard Kelly bested over 13,000 runners from around the world at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. Kelly (Lisbon, ND), 33, and second place finisher Heather Schulz of Orlando, Fla. overtook Nicole Falvo, of Grand Blanc, MI, who led most of the race, as the women entered Disney’s Epcot theme park. Kelly crossed the finish line in 1:23:58 and Schulz, 35, came in with a time of 1:24:21. Falvo, 35, crossed only 4 seconds later (1:24:25) to finish third.

In the Masters Division, Mary Pardi (Falmouth, ME.), 40, won in a time of 1:25:10. Tricia Brookover-Brau from Palm Harbor, Fla. crossed at 1:27:51 to claim second place.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the signature moment in a weekend full of events that saw more than 18,000 runners compete in various races that included Disney’s Princess and The Frog Royal Family 5K and Disney’s Kids’ Races, making the event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.

The weekend also involved Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo that was open to the general public. The expo, geared toward women’s health and wellness, featured celebrity runner appearances, Disney characters and seminars on training, racing and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment. While the weekend is designed for women, more than 400 men participated on behalf of the princesses in their lives.

Registration for the 2011 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon begins this summer at www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com.

About Disney’s Endurance Series

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is part of the Endurance Series at Walt Disney World Resort, which 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 Expedition Everest Challenge (June 12, 2010), Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct. 1-2, 2010), Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (Jan. 6-9, 2011) and Champion 5k at ESPN the Weekend (February 2011).

Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate The Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. Each year, dozens of Walt Disney World horticulturists install the giant display in a single night, starting once Epcot guests depart and finishing before sunrise. This year’s display includes a live waterfall and pond, Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and Pluto in his “pup tent.”

Special gardens, events and children’s play areas include:

• The new Community Garden - featuring topiary Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy tending tomatoes, beans, peppers and herbs in a salute to community gardens being planted across the country.
• Expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Topiaries of Tinker Bell and friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ latest DVD release “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden for kids, now including the popular live butterfly garden.
• Flower Power concerts – Nationally-known bands play every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Scheduled performers include Jose Feliciano, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker, Tony Orlando and former Boston lead singer Fran Cosmo.
• Home gardening presentations – Both Disney horticulturists and visiting gardening celebrities and authors share tips and secrets.

Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate The Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. Each year, dozens of Walt Disney World horticulturists install the giant display in a single night, starting once Epcot guests depart and finishing before sunrise. This year’s display includes a live waterfall and pond, Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and Pluto in his “pup tent.”

Special gardens, events and children’s play areas include:

• The new Community Garden - featuring topiary Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy tending tomatoes, beans, peppers and herbs in a salute to community gardens being planted across the country.
• Expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Topiaries of Tinker Bell and friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ latest DVD release “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden for kids, now including the popular live butterfly garden.
• Flower Power concerts – Nationally-known bands play every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Scheduled performers include Jose Feliciano, Davy Jones, Chubby Checker, Tony Orlando and former Boston lead singer Fran Cosmo.
• Home gardening presentations – Both Disney horticulturists and visiting gardening celebrities and authors share tips and secrets.