Disney Nerd’s recap of the 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise
In honor of Global Running Day, I thought I’d talk about my last runDisney trip!
This past April, I was able to participate in one of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World, a runDisney event. After a 2-year hiatus, I really missed those in-person runDisney races.
April’s runDisney weekend was also the first year of a new theme, Springtime Surprise. This theme is to celebrate “yestermorrow” which means that runDisney brought back some fan-favorite races.
The inaugural Springtime Surprise Weekend occurred March 31st through April 3rd and consisted of three races and a new event for this season, Sunrise Yoga.
Sunrise Yoga
Sunrise Yoga was on March 31st at 5 am in front of Cinderella’s Castle and I was there. It was the very first thing I did that weekend. I arrived at the Magic Kingdom (after driving through the night) just over an hour before yoga began. RunDisney cast members were at the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) to check people in.
Once I arrived at the gates of Magic Kingdom, cast members were there to lead small groups up to the hub. Once at the hub, there were spots set up all overlooking the castle. Each spot was marked with a blue yoga mat in a runDisney travel bag and a bottle of water. Since I arrived so close to the start time, I wasn’t right in front of Cinderella’s Castle but I was ok with that. I found a spot near one of the fountains and still had a great view. The sound of the water running off the fountain was relaxing during yoga. Yoga lasted an hour and I found it a wonderful way to begin the weekend. I’m not a master yogi by any means but having that hour in front of the castle doing yoga poses is a memory I’m glad I have.
runDisney Expo
After yoga, I headed to the Springtime Surprise Expo at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. This has typically the first place to go during a runDisney race. The expo is where all runners go to get their race packets (race bibs, shirts, etc.) as well as shop for race weekend merchandise.
I arrived at the expo before the shop opened and proceeded to wait in line. In the past runDisney let racers do some pre-ordering on some of the merchandise (pins, shirts, ears, etc.). That option was not available this year for some reason. Because of that, I decided to shop early. I didn’t have to worry about anything selling out. Once I got into the shop, I grabbed the items I wanted and was happy to find mobile check-out was available. Honestly, I think I spent more time waiting to get into the shop than I did the shopping and checking out. Even though I was happy to get the merchandise I wanted but I hope that the merchandise pre-ordering comes back for runners for future races.
After shopping, I want to pick up my race packets and explore the expo. The expo consisted of several vendors showing off their products. I always like the expo because I usually find a product I didn’t know about. Also, I like heading to the runDisney booth to see past and future medals. One thing I noticed was this year’s expo was smaller than in past years. I hope that was just because COVID safety precautions were still in place. Hopefully, more vendors will be available at future expos.
After the expo, it’s time to get ready for the races!
Expedition Everest 5K
The first race of the weekend was that first evening, the Expedition Everest 5K. Expedition Everest 5K is a nighttime race at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Expedition Everest 5K is not just a race though, it’s also a scavenger hunt! We received instructions at the expo for an app to install on our phones so we can participate in the scavenger hunt portion of the race.
The Expedition Everest 5K began at 10 pm. But before the race, we received storm warnings. It looked like we were going to get rain and thunder that evening which caused runDisney to cancel the scavenger hunt portion of the race but luckily not the race entirely.
Anyone who has been to Animal Kingdom at night knows how magical the park looks at night but it was even better during the race. There were several places to stop to get photos with some favorite characters which is a big perk in a runDisney race in my opinion. But besides the characters, it was still amazing to look around at this beautiful park at night.
Race for the Taste 10k
The next race was Saturday morning, I was up and ready to complete Race for the Taste 10k. Race for the Taste 10k began in Epcot, going around Yacht & Beach Club and Boardwalk, and then back to Epcot to finish. Unfortunately, I got injured on the race route and was unable to finish the race. I was transported to a medical tent where I was still given my medal and got medical treatment. Once I was ok, I was able to find my friend after she finished the race.
The medical team was great and did everything to make sure I was ok and didn’t need further treatment at a hospital. That being said, I hope I never get injured during a race again. I missed an amazing race and moments that you can only experience in a runDisney race.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler
The third race was the next morning, and it was The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. I was not registered for it which was probably a good thing since I got injured. This race also started in Epcot but went through Hollywood Studios to finish in Epcot. My friend ran this race and loved being able to run through Galaxy’s Edge for the first time. She said that and seeing “zombie bellman” were the highlight of the race for her. The “zombie bellman” are some of the great characters you can only experience on a runDisney race!
Now with the three races done, what did my friends and I do? SLEEP.
If you’ve never experienced a runDisney weekend, I must tell you that it is not a typical Disney vacation. Personally, I rest more on these trips because I’m doing a race. There are usually not any rope drops or late nights out. Races typically start at 5 am but you have to catch a bus much earlier than that. I woke up between 2-3 am on those race mornings. I love those race weekends because I typically spend more time at my Disney resort and there’s just a whole different feeling. I take things slower and resting is key. I celebrate after all my races are done and will do a late night or a nice meal or all of the above.
Now that the first-ever runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is in the history books, will I go again? You bet ya!!
Not only do you experience the park during a time most people aren’t there, but you also get photo opportunities with characters and that amazing feeling of accomplishment that only comes from a race. But if that’s not enough, there are some beautiful medals for every race!
I’m looking forward to more races in the future and I’m excited to see if the Springtime Surprise Weekend will keep the same race themes or if they’ll change every year.
