Expedition Everest Challenge - Characters?

[MinnieKitty]

Can someone who has done the Everest Challenge comment on the characters that can be found on course or at the finish line? I'm planning on doing this in May, and it will be my first Run Disney event! My only concern is that I've read some reviews of the race and people have mentioned that Everest Challenge does not have as many characters on course as the other races do. On one blog I read, the runner said she only saw one character. Since it will be my first Disney race, I'd love for there to be as much as possible, so I'm hoping someone who has done Everest Challenge (especially if it was recently) can share their experiences. Thanks!

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

Unfortunately EEC doesn't have many characters on the course. If you're looking for characters you'd be better off doing one of the other 5k fun runs. EEC is the only RunDisney event that I actually try to race so I don't really remember which characters are out there, but I think there's usually someone near the entrance to AK. Maybe Rafiki?

There are more characters at the finish. Last year there was a "meet & greet" line with either Mickey/Minnie and Pluto/Goofy. They'd take turns swapping out. I've also soon Baloo and another character who I can't think of at the moment out on the dance floor.

 

[RangerPooh]

I didn't stop to take pictures as I was concerned about my time (turns out I didn't need to be), but recall seeing Donald, Balloo, Mickey, Minnie, and someone else, maybe Chip or Dale or Rafiki. But definitely M&M and Donald.