Nickerson Wins Inaugural Tinker Bell

Kellie Nickerson Wins Inaugural Tinker Bell

ANAHEIM, Calif. – (January 29, 2012) – Kellie Nickerson – looking apropos in her fairy wings and green tutu – flew away from the field to capture the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim on Sunday morning.

Nickerson, who hails from Albuquerque, N.M., captured her first win at Disney in 1 hour, 27 minutes, 52 seconds, finishing ahead of Southern Californians Sharon Wilkinson of Winnetka (1:28:18) and Stacy Schafer from Carlsbad (1:28:54).

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by the city of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, led runners on a 13.1-mile trek through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as by several city of Anaheim landmarks. The first year event featured music, entertainment, Disney characters and costumed runners donning fairy wings and pixie dust. Finishers received a commemorative Tinker Bell “wings” medal.

TV sitcom star Megyn Price (Rules of Engagement) and “Goonies”, “Lord of the Rings” and “Rudy” movie star Sean Astin were among the 12,000-plus registered runners to take part in Sunday’s 13.1 mile race.

The weekend of events, all geared toward health, fitness and active lifestyles for women, featured a variety of races including The Never Land 5K on Friday night, kids’ races on Saturday and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on Sunday.

There was also a health and fitness expo featuring the latest running merchandise, products, apparel and guest speakers – all tailored for women – creating a weekend of camaraderie and wellness, plus a pinch of Tinker Bell’s trademark sassiness and sense of adventure.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is the second women-focused event weekend in the runDisney series. Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend will take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Feb. 24 – 26. Both event weekends are among the largest women-specific events in the country.