runDisney's Springtime Surprise Weekend Activates Vacation Run
CassiusHealth: runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend Activates Vacation Run Mode
There are races. And then there are runDisney races.
Camaraderie, accomplishment, physical and mental health are just several of the benefits of participating in races from 5K’s to marathons. But runDisney ups the ante by having adding iconic Disney aesthetics to the good vibes.
Everything they say about runDisney is true. CassiusLife got the chance to participate in runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend at Disney World in Florida and it was an experience well worth any running aches and pains, which hopefully lead to gains.
To Run Or Not To Rub
I used to despise running if it didn’t involve getting back on defense or filling the lane during a fast break for an easy layup. But like many, after the pandemic I picked it up as means to say in shape. Soon enough, and after much time spent watching good and awful social media running advice, I came to love the sport.
All the chatter you’ve heard about the physical and mental health benefits, including the phenomenon of the “Runner’s High” are well documented, and accurate. Entry into the fold comes down to finding the time, and a proper pair of sneakers—and taking it slow (to avoid injury).
With many 5K’s now under my belt (Marathon? Nah. Maybe a 10K, one day), I wanted to check out if the runDisney hype was real and it more than delivered at runDisney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fl. Part of the festivities included the race weekend’s Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where participants picked up their bibs, could purchase official race merchandise and see product demonstrations. The weekend also featured the debut of the official runDisney x Brooks collection of Disney-themed sneakers.
Considering how many people we saw taking their new Brooks shoes straight to toe, it’s no wonder the brand is a leader in the running space. We saw their kicks heavy on feet all weekend (and at the airport).
EARLY DARK DAYS
If there is one (minor) ding to runDisney’s reputation, it’s going to be the insane (at least for me) start time. Early start times are nothing new for formal races—the business of the park or a city must go on so best to get the races started and finished sooner than later so runners aren’t barreling into old ladies getting some sun at the park or kids heading to the playground. runDisney’s races are in their parks, and nothing is going to stop them from opening at 7:30 per usual, with vacationers already in line. All that to say, runDisney races start at 5am.
And that’s just when you’re supposed to be at the start line. While transportation is provided if you’re staying on a Disney resort, that also means the first bus to the start line begins leaving at 3am, sharp. Man alive.
THE RUN
But once on the course, all that resentment of getting started at the same time you might be coming in from a night out dissolve as you enjoy the run. Participants, that include many “Disney Adults” are dressed up in familiar characters or dipped in Disney paraphernalia to run through the park—the 5K I participated Friday as well as Saturday’s 10K and Sunday’s 10-Miler were all in and around EPCOT.
Along the course there were also a high school band to cheer runners on as well as characters like Peter Quill and Gamor or Mrs. Incredible in the park, ready to take photos with fans. That meant there were literally lines of runners taking a break from the course to get flicks with their faves. Sure it’s a “race,” but it’s all about the vibes rather than PR’s (personal record race times). And trust, there were plenty of friendly faces of color in the mix, too.
Seeing runners flashing by at obscene speeds while you may be on the slower side of the speed scale can be intimidating. But the event was welcoming to runners of all experience levels. The 5K is an achievable, fun way to dip your toe in race culture while there are opportunities for experienced runners to run all the weekend’s races (5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons, depending on the schedule) and earn great looking medals in the process. Also on the schedule was Springtime Surprise Yoga held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
As for the races, a runDisney “season” consists of six races—including the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend and the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend along with the aforementioned runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.
We’re not going to sugarcoat it, runDisney events are pricey. However, the cost of admission is worth the memories made, friendships fostered and natural serotonin levels upped, and you’ll have the rest of the evenings for all the rest and relaxation you need.
