Springtime Surprise 2026 (Apr 16-20)

[tx911]

This isn’t the place to be talked out of doing more races

I usually think of the 5K as a kind of shakeout run. And you have almost a whole year to get trained up, so no reason not to just do everything, as long as you’re there. And doing the challenge means you only need to register for one thing, which makes life easier.

Kind of like expecting to be talked out of a DVC purchase on the DVC board

I'm having trouble getting back into double digits in the heat of the summer, but like you say, I have almost a year to get there!

 

[PrincessV]

I can’t even imagine the work this would require to craft, but Pooh2D2 & CPTigger0 would be an incredible feat.

I really wanted to pull off a Lando-inspired costume this year but it never materialized… gotta be a way I can mash that up with something.

 

[LittleBitGoofy]

I'm thinking of trying the Challenge.

I was planning on running the 5k as an easy run, making the 10K my target race, and maybe doing the 10 miler as a run/walk.

This is probably crazy talk and I should focus on the 10K only. I was just thinking, if I'm making the trip....

Yep, that's my current plan of approach too. 10K will be the main event for me and finishing the 10 miler in any fashion will be a bonus for me. Just gotta get registered!

 

[sandam1]

I was planning on running the 5k as an easy run, making the 10K my target race, and maybe doing the 10 miler as a run/walk.

As with all of the Disney events, the 5K for SS weekend does not have a pace requirement and no "balloon ladies." So that makes it the best race to walk, take all of the photos, stop in stupid long character lines, etc.

If you've never done a challenge before, I feel that SS is the best one to start with because the last race is "only" 10 miles. IMHO, the double digit miles is where it gets rough. However, with a 10 miler, that's where it ends. Also, with the 5 a.m. start time, there is significantly less time/miles in the bright sun.

 

[tx911]

Yep, that's my current plan of approach too. 10K will be the main event for me and finishing the 10 miler in any fashion will be a bonus for me. Just gotta get registered!

I've never registered for a runDisney event before, so I'm hoping I can get in.

 

[tx911]

As with all of the Disney events, the 5K for SS weekend does not have a pace requirement and no "balloon ladies." So that makes it the best race to walk, take all of the photos, stop in stupid long character lines, etc.

If you've never done a challenge before, I feel that SS is the best one to start with because the last race is "only" 10 miles. IMHO, the double digit miles is where it gets rough. However, with a 10 miler, that's where it ends. Also, with the 5 a.m. start time, there is significantly less time/miles in the bright sun.

I agree! The 15k doesn't get much love, but I love that distance.

I've run a few halfs (halves??), but not since Covid and I'm finding it difficult to get back there.

 

[The Expert]

If you've never done a challenge before, I feel that SS is the best one to start with because the last race is "only" 10 miles. IMHO, the double digit miles is where it gets rough. However, with a 10 miler, that's where it ends. Also, with the 5 a.m. start time, there is significantly less time/miles in the bright sun.

True, BUT the SS race weekend is almost always HOT, and if you don't do well in the heat or are coming from a northern climate where summer weather hasn't yet settled in, it can be rough. Consider how well you tolerate a hot race and/or plan to do some heat acclimation at the end of your training for sure.

 

[nancipants]

I really wanted to pull off a Lando-inspired costume this year but it never materialized… gotta be a way I can mash that up with something.

Lando and Han is an obvious duo.

 

[sandam1]

agree! The 15k doesn't get much love, but I love that distance.

I've run a few halfs (halves??), but not since Covid and I'm finding it difficult to get back there.

Then it sounds like the 10 miler will be perfect for you! I've done a bunch of half marathons and I have so much joy when, during the 10 miler, I realize that I only have 1 mile left at mile 9 instead of 4 miles.

 

[tx911]

True, BUT the SS race weekend is almost always HOT, and if you don't do well in the heat or are coming from a northern climate where summer weather hasn't yet settled in, it can be rough. Consider how well you tolerate a hot race and/or plan to do some heat acclimation at the end of your training for sure.

I'm in Texas, so while I hate the heat, I experience it a lot.

 

[The Expert]

I'm in Texas, so while I hate the heat, I experience it a lot.

Oh yeah. You're good then!

 

[fatmanatee]

So…

- Yoga confirmed for the Monday event
- NO afterparty at one of the water parks
- October 1 POT deadline

 

[Disneyhanna]

A 10k can be used for POT for Springtime Surprise, right? I haven't done SS before so all new to me! If you do the challenge, is the 10k and 10 mile corral the same, or does the 10k have a separate corral from your 10 mile? Why Disney is not consistent between races on the 10k corral is always confusing to me...

 

[The Expert]

A 10k can be used for POT for Springtime Surprise, right? I haven't done SS before so all new to me! If you do the challenge, is the 10k and 10 mile corral the same, or does the 10k have a separate corral from your 10 mile? Why Disney is not consistent between races on the 10k corral is always confusing to me...

Yes, you can use a 10K for POT. And my pics from the 2024 SS Challenge show a single corral designation on the challenge bib for all three races.

 

[Naomeri]

Lando and Han is an obvious duo.

Mash Lando and Han as Nick and Judy

 

[The Expert]

Mash Lando and Han as Nick and Judy

Yep -- Judy's colors are blue and black, which overlap with Han. Lando could wear Nick's colors, just add that half cape.

 

[jmasgat]

I like the line "If bounding as Pooh, please wear pants."

 

[Naomeri]

Yep -- Judy's colors are blue and black, which overlap with Han. Lando could wear Nick's colors, just add that half cape.

and just add the appropriate animal ears and tail

 

[1lilspark]

A 10k can be used for POT for Springtime Surprise, right? I haven't done SS before so all new to me! If you do the challenge, is the 10k and 10 mile corral the same, or does the 10k have a separate corral from your 10 mile? Why Disney is not consistent between races on the 10k corral is always confusing to me...

It’s all one coral for all three events at least it was that way in 2023 when I did the challenge

 

[nancipants]

Yep -- Judy's colors are blue and black, which overlap with Han. Lando could wear Nick's colors, just add that half cape.

Picturing Han as a cop is hilarious.

Now that I’m thinking of it, Luke as Judy and Han as Nick would be amazing.