As the sun was shining in mid January in Orlando, Florida, Annie Cockerline, senior, her sister, Alyssa Cockerline and father, Keith Cockerline took a trip to the “most magical place on Earth.” The three Cockerlines packed their bags to leave the snow filled Midwest to the land of castles and princesses to complete the annual Walt Disney World Marathon.

With the Walt Disney World Marathon being on her father’s bucket list, the three family members decided to sign up on a whim, according to Annie.

“I ran and trained with my sister and dad so it was great having that support group,” Annie said.

The training process consisted of about a two and a half month period consisting of two short runs, a middle distance run, a long distance run, a speed day, a cross training day and one day of rest each week. According to Annie, her training started the day after her senior cross country season ended.

With the race starting at 5:30 pm, the marathon consisted of running through the four parks at Walt Disney World.

“My favorite part of the race was running through Cinderella’s Castle,” Annie said. “It was beautifully lit up which really stuck out because we were running outside in the dark.”

Although this was Annie’s second marathon, her goal going into this race was to meet her previous marathon time. Annie finished the race in 3 hours and 30 minutes, averaging an 8:01 pace. With being 18 years old and her finish time, Annie was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon has been a lifetime goal of Annie’s.

“It was a huge surprise that I qualified,” Annie said. “I knew I wanted to go at some point but I didn’t think I would qualify until later in my life.”