Disneyland Hosts 'Happiest Race on Earth'

A record field of more than 17,000, including runners from all 50 states, 19 countries and actor Sean Astin, is registered for Sunday's seventh annual Disneyland Half Marathon.

The 13.1-mile course, which begins on Route 66 in Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure, will pass by the Matterhorn and through Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The runners, ranging in age from 14 to 78, will then take to the streets of Anaheim, including running through Angel Stadium.

There will be Disney characters, music and live entertainment along the course in what organizers have dubbed "The Happiest Race on Earth."

The race has reached its registration capacity each year.

 completed the 13.1-mile flat loop course in one hour, eight minutes, 14 seconds to win the men's division of the Disneyland Half Marathon. Jesse Kleinjan of Chicago was second, at 1:12:13.

 for the second consecutive year in 2011. Booth, 30, won with a 1:18:01 time, 2:41 slower than her winning time in 2010. Jennifer Boyd of Santa Paula was second among the women, at 1:23:17.

In addition, on Sunday Disneyland offers a Cars Land 5K Rally, a family-oriented race that includes young ones being pushed in strollers. The half marathon and 5k rally are part of a weekend filled with activities that included runDisney Kids Races on Saturday, The Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo Friday and Saturday and a Pasta in the Park Party Saturday night.

Astin will be running in connection with his I Run 4 Something program in which he runs for someone or a charitable cause that has been submitted to him via Twitter.

"Happy Days" co-star Scott Baio will be present to support his wife, Renee, who is running for their Bailey Baio Angel Foundation, which raises awareness and financial assistance for children who suffer from rare metabolic disorders.

Patch Local Editor Liz Spear contributed to this report.