Costume Party Run Half Marathon Race Report

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Medal - The World's Largest Half Marathon Medal

The Green 'Team Superhero' Girl ran the Costume Party Run Half Marathon dressed as Buzz Lightyear last weekend.

Last month, I announced I had been selected by the Superhero Events Super Crew to be a Team Superhero ambassador.

As a member of Team Superhero, my responsibilities are to represent Superhero Events at endurance events, spread the word about Superhero Events through social media, distribute flyers in my hometown, and volunteer at Superhero events.

The Costume Party Run Half Marathon World's Largest Half Marathon Medal

The Costume Party Run included a half marathon and 5k option. The courses started and ended at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Half marathon finishers received the 'World's Largest Half Marathon Medal' - a giant Costume Party Run 6" 45 record with a mini disco ball in the center.

Instead of a race shirt, at the bib pick-up, all participants received a Costume Party Run Half Marathon Trucker Hat featuring a disco ball with headphones.

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Trucker Hat

Saturday night, I stayed in the Gaslamp Quarter and took the Trolley light rail system to Qualcomm. It was convenient because the trolley station was in the parking lot of the stadium.

This was my first time dressing up for a race so I put a lot of thought into a costume that would be comfortable to run in.

Egg and Bacon at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon

Ultimately, I went with an inflatable jetpack that I attached to my Nathan Intensity Race Vest bungee cords, a solid white shirt, a purple Bondi Band, and lime green Zensah Calf Sleeves.

Near the starting line, I saw my friend, Busta Groove. She was dressed as Wonder Woman. That turned out to be a popular costume choice among the female participants.

I was in the porta-potty line when the race began so I had a late start.

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Runners

The morning was humid and I started sweating immediately.

As I headed out onto the course, I met up with a fellow Team Superhero ambassador, Wilmer, dressed as the The Cat in the Hat. I couldn't help but think about how hot he must be dressed like that in the humidity.

The course looped out and back from the stadium on Friars Rd. so I got to see all the faster runners in their fun costumes coming back as I was heading out.

Faithful Costume Party Run Half Marathon Supporter

One faithful spectator cheered us on from the center divider in the road.

There were a lot of running Batgirls, Batmans, Robins, Supergirls, Supermans, and Wonder Womans.

I also saw creative costumes like bacon and eggs, a tube of toothpaste, and a scantily dressed guy in an unidentifiable costume.

At one point, I spotted a fellow Buzz Lightyear with a matching inflatable jetpack running in the opposite direction. We raced towards each other and I tried to snap a quick shot of him but it turned out to be too blurry.

Misty Diaz being interviewed at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Finish Line

I caught up to another Team Superhero runner, Misty Diaz, on the course.

Misty, a runner with spina bifida, was dressed as Batgirl and running with bright pink walking canes.

Misty's mantra is Winston Churchill's 'Never, never, never give up'. Her energy was contagious as she yelled and cheered on fellow runners.

Superheroes at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Finish Line Party

I saw fellow Sole Runner, Scott, on my way to the finish. He was dressed as Batman.

I got tired the last couple of miles and stopped to walk a few times. I could see the finish across the parking lot but it seemed to far away.

Right before I approached the finish, I slipped on my Buzz Lightyear gloves to complete my galactic outfit.

The Green 'Buzz Lightyear' Girl at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Photo Credit: Busta Groove

The finish line was a giant costume party. Costumes became more elaborate now that the running portion of the event was over.

Race director Ken's alter ego, Michael Blackson MoonRunner, congratulated all the runners on their finish and posed for pictures.

Team Superhero at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Photo Credit: Lorrie Mancillas

It was fun to see so many superheroes walking around with their colorful capes.

I was pleased that my foray into the world of costume running as Buzz Lightyear was a success.

'To infinity ... and beyond!'

The Green Girl's First Exposure to Disney Vinylmation

Disney Vinylmation Toy Story 3 Series

The Girl Green was exposed to the world of Disney Vinylmation when she visited the Walt Disney World Resort for the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

The Vinylmation series consists of sets Mickey Mouse figures that are painted and sometimes accessorized to resemble characters and objects from Disney theme parks.

According to the Vinylmation Faq, although the figure is shaped like Mickey Mouse, it does does not represent the 'character' Mickey Mouse. The form is seen as a blank three-dimensional canvas upon which Disney artists can express their creativity.

Disney Vinylmation Toy Story 3 Series Buzz Lightyear

I initially accused Rad Runner Girl of being a Pin Collector when she shared her interest in Vinylmation collecting and trading with me. I quickly changed my tune when I discovered the Buzz Lightyear Vinylmation Figure.

Unfortunately, Buzz happened to be fall into the category of Vinylmation Figures that are sold in secretive sealed packaging so a buyer has no way of knowing which character they are getting until they tear open the foil wrapping.

Disney Vinylmation Toy Story 3 Series

I had written off any hopes of obtaining a little Buzz Vinylmation of my own until Rad Runner Girl explained the whole Vinylmation trading phenomenon to me.

At select Disney stores, they have a window box with three Vinylmation characters that are available for trade. In addition, some stores feature a blind 'mystery box' which is a black box with numbered 1 through 24. The mystery box rules vary from store to store so we learned it's important to ask upfront.

Rex staring at the Buzz behind the glass

Armed with my newfound knowledge of Vinylmation, I bravely made my first purchase and ended up with a very concerned looking Rex.

This is where the adventure began. Rad Runner Girl and I went from store to store trying to find a Buzz so I could trade in my unwanted Rex. We shook boxes and tried to muster x-ray vision to infiltrate the packaging.

At D Street we ran into an avid collector who tipped us off that the secret to finding a Buzz was to find the heaviest box because his helmet added weight.

Andy found me my Buzz!

Unfortunately, as talented as we are, neither Rad Runner Girl nor I could differentiate with certainty the weight of the boxes.

We resorted to sticking boxes in the hands of strangers and asking them which was heavier.

Fortuitously, one of these strangers happened to be a professional Buzz Vinylmation locator by the name of Andy.
With unparalleled precision, Andy lifted each Toy Story 3 series box until he came across a Buzz. He handed over the box with confidence and said, 'This is your Buzz!'.

The Green Girl's Buzz

I quickly purchased the potential Buzz and ripped open the package.

I squealed when I saw how handsome Buzz looked in his protective helmet.

I thanked Andy profusely and asked him to pose for a picture with my Buzz.

It was the perfect fairy tale ending to the Green Girl's Vinylmation story.

Buzz and Rex

What if the Green Girl gets another dinosaur? A mean one?! I just don't think I can take that kind of rejection! Rex
I'm Buzz Lightyear. I come in peace. Buzz Lightyear
Oh, I'm so glad you're not a dinosaur! Rex