By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer 

Mar. 2, 2016:  For University of Virginia senior Shannon Crawford, February was a magical month.

Crawford, who was an exceptional soccer player at Bronxville High School, recently turned her attention to long distance running. Last month, she displayed just how well she is doing with her new passion. Competing in the Disney Princess Half Marathon on February 21 in Orlando, Florida, Crawford outshone the field of 24,000, winning the race in 1:24.49.

In her third half marathon ever, Crawford took the lead early and held on for the entire race, finishing a full two minutes ahead of the second-place finisher, Brooke Adams, of Randolph, New York.

"Winning this race was a dream come true," said Crawford. "I absolutely love Disney, and I also love running, so when I found this race, I was so excited. Disney World is definitely my favorite place, besides Bronxville, of course!" 

The 13.1-mile course wound through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and a star-studded cast was on hand to greet Crawford as she crossed the finish line. Miss America 2016, Betty Cantrell, was holding the finish-line ribbon, and right behind Crawford, Mickey and Minnie Mouse danced in celebration. With confetti falling everywhere, Crawford was thrilled to be surrounded by her "childhood friends."

"The weekend was an incredible experience," said Crawford. "The best part of the race was running through the castle at Magic Kingdom. It was amazing that so many people came out to watch the race, even though it started at 5:30 am. I met so many cool people in the happiest place on earth."

The Disney Half Marathon Weekend, presented by the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, also had a Disney Princess 5K, a Disney Princess Enchanted 10K, and the Glass Slipper Challenge, which involves runners completing the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. There were more than 44,000 participants overall, mostly women. The weekend is intended to promote women's health and encourage an active lifestyle.

"I had no idea that I would win the race," said Crawford. "I did not realize it until I crossed the finish line. Honestly, even then I didn't believe it for a while. It was such an amazing experience--really a dream come true."

Pictured here:  Shannon Crawford after winning the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

Photo courtesy R. Crawford