Princess Half Marathon 2025
Running the Disney Princess Half as Tinkerbell (with a Little On Magic!)
This year, for my birthday, I had the joy of running the Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando alongside my mum. Naturally, I wanted to embrace the fun spirit of the race while also representing On, so I decided to dress as Tinkerbell. The big question: what did I wear?
On CloudBoom Strike (Lake/Wolf)
Cloudboom Strike. Picture provided by On Website
On’s high-performance race shoe, the CloudBoom Strike, powered me through all 13.1 miles. Built with PEBA foam, which boasts a 73% energy rebound value, and reinforced with a solid carbon-fiber plate under the drop-in insole, this shoe was designed for speed. The shoe also weighs only 194 grams!
This was my first race back after recovering from hip flexor tendonitis and a concussion, so my goal was to take it easy. When I wore the CloudBoom Strike at the New York City Marathon, I couldn’t fully appreciate the PEBA foam’s responsiveness because I was running at a much slower pace. But during this race, clocking in at a steady 9:45-minute-per-mile pace, I truly felt the foam’s springy energy return. The shoe’s weightlessness provided a continuous bounce that made every step feel effortless.
Before joining On, I raced in either New Balance’s FuelCell Elite or ASICS’ Magic Speed Pro. Honestly, it’s hard to say which shoe is my absolute favorite! The CloudBoom Strike’s PEBA midsole is slightly cushier, and the shoe runs wide—maybe even too wide for some. One downside? The laces untie easily, so if you plan to race in these, double-knot them tightly!
I’d recommend these shoes for runners who want the benefits of a super shoe but aren’t necessarily pushing elite speeds. With my other carbon-plated shoes, I only felt the responsiveness when running under a 9-minute pace. With the CloudBoom Strike, I could feel the bounce even at a sub-10-minute pace.
On Race Tights Short (Black/Limelight)
On Race Tight Shorts. Picture provided by On Website
For bottoms, I opted for On’s Race Tights Short, which, while different from the Race Half Tights, share the same sleek design. The polyamide-elastane fabric is ultra-light, breathable, and surprisingly supportive.
I loved the Race Half Tights for the NYC Marathon but had to pair them with On’s running vest since they only had one pocket. For this race, I figured I’d be fine with the shorts version since I only needed to carry one gel. Turns out—these shorts have NO pockets! I’m not sure what distance these were designed for, but if they’re intended for marathons, On might want to consider adding storage for long-distance essentials.
On Studio Bra (Caper)
On Studio Bra. Picture from On Website
The Studio Bra (formerly the Movement Bra) is On’s least supportive option, but it’s hands-down my favorite. I bought two in July, fell in love, and immediately ordered three more. I don’t need much support, so I prefer a bra that’s stretchy, soft, and non-restrictive. It’s marketed for light workouts like yoga, but I wear it for training runs, boxing classes, and even as an everyday bra. It’s so comfortable that I sometimes sleep in it! For the race, it worked perfectly—its light green color even added to my Tinkerbell aesthetic.
Tinkerbell Wings (Amazon Special!)
Fairy Wings from Amazon
The final touch? A pair of Tinkerbell wings from Amazon. At first, I worried they’d cause chafing or bounce uncomfortably, especially in Florida’s humidity. Surprisingly, neither happened! The straps stayed put, the back didn’t rub, and they were so lightweight that I barely noticed them—except at the start when weaving through crowds. Otherwise, they were a seamless addition to my outfit.
Race Recap
I finished with an unexpected (but welcome!) pace of just under 10 minutes per mile—faster than anticipated post-injury. I truly believe the CloudBoom Strike played a role in that extra boost.
Moving forward, I’ll keep my Race Shorts for shorter runs when I don’t need storage, and I’ll continue wearing my beloved Studio Bras (currently at six and counting!). As for the wings? They were the perfect touch of Disney magic—fun, festive, and, most importantly, chafe-free!
And Thank You to my mother who stayed with me for the majority of the race. Her conversations helped me stay awake before sunrise.
All in all, this race was an unforgettable way to celebrate my birthday, and I can’t wait for the next one!