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Run Disney‘s Springtime Surprise Weekend launches today with 5 magical races celebrating friendship. From April 16-20, 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort, runners can choose from themed 5K, 10K, 10-miler, challenge, and yoga events. Each race features beloved Disney duos and unforgettable character encounters across four theme parks.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event Dates: April 16-20, 2026 at Walt Disney World in Florida, uniting thousands of runners and Disney fans.
- 5 Race Options: 5K (Zootopia-themed), 10K (Winnie the Pooh), 10-miler (Inside Out), Challenge (Aladdin, 19.3 miles), and morning yoga sessions.
- Unique Medals: Runners earn one-of-a-kind medals for each race finish, with a fourth Challenge medal for completing all three main races.
- Virtual Queue System: Merchandise shopping uses Disney’s virtual queue technology, allowing guests to shop from their hotel within 45 miles of park property.
Celebrate the Power of Friendship Across Five Unique Races
This inaugural Springtime Surprise Weekend centers on Disney duos and the magic of friendship. Runners can tackle Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in the 5K, while Winnie the Pooh and Tigger lead the 10K course through beloved park locations. The 10-miler features Joy and Sadness from Inside Out, bringing emotional storytelling to every mile. Those seeking ultimate adventure can complete the Challenge, combining all three races for 19.3 miles of pure magic.
Beyond races, runners enjoy meet and greets with rarely seen characters, inspiring movie clips, and immersive Disney theming. The weekend concludes with optional morning yoga sessions to help participants unwind and celebrate their accomplishments alongside other runners.
Run Disney’s Springtime Surprise Weekend launches April 16 with 5 magical races
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Expo Hours and Registration Details
The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo opens today at 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 16. Participants must attend the expo at least one day before their first race to pick up bibs, shirts, and merchandise. Friday runs 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and Saturday operates 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM for last-minute bib pickups.
All runners receive official race merchandise and can browse booths from official sponsors like AdventHealth, Brooks, Enterprise, and Honey Stinger. Yoga participants may check in on the day of their session at the yoga location, offering flexibility for early morning stretchers.
Race Weekend Logistics and Course Information
| Event | Distance | Theme | Medal Included |
| 5K Race | 5 kilometers | Zootopia Duo | Yes |
| 10K Race | 10 kilometers | Winnie & Tigger | Yes |
| 10-Miler | 10 miles | Joy & Sadness | Yes |
| Challenge | 19.3 miles total | Aladdin & Genie | Four medals |
Official course maps are now available through the runDisney Digital Expo Guide at rundisneyexpo.run. Runners traverse through all four theme parks, experiencing stunning backdrops and character encounters at each mile marker. The courses wind past iconic attractions and hidden Disney magic that only dedicated runners witness.
“From April 16 to April 20, celebrate the power of friendship with races centered around some dynamic Disney duos as you conquer mile after magical mile at Walt Disney World Resort.”
— runDisney Official, Walt Disney World Events
Virtual Expo and Advanced Merchandise Shopping
Disney’s virtual queue system revolutionizes race weekend shopping. Guests within 45 miles of Walt Disney World can join virtual queues from their hotel, receiving QR codes for entry when their wait time reaches approximately 60 minutes. Club runDisney Gold and Platinum members skip queues entirely, accessing exclusive shopping windows on the first day of expo.
Merchandise inventory is subject to availability, and popular items may sell out quickly. Early arrival is recommended for guaranteed access to official race bibs, participant shirts, and themed merchandise. The system eliminates long physical lines while maximizing shopping time for all participants.
Which Race Experience Suits Your Running Goals Best?
Choosing the perfect Run Disney event depends on your fitness level and available time. First-time Disney runners often start with the beloved 5K featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia, a quick 3.1-mile celebration through magical parks. Intermediate runners embrace the 10K with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, pushing to 6.2 miles of sweet adventure.
Serious endurance athletes tackle the 10-miler featuring Joy and Sadness, testing grit over 10 miles of emotional storytelling and park exploration. The ultimate challenge awaits those brave enough to attempt the Challenge, conquering all three races for 19.3 miles total and earning four coveted medals. Every runner leaves with memories, muscle achievements, and Disney magic captured forever.
Sources
- Walt Disney World Official – Springtime Surprise Weekend event details and race information
- runDisney Official – Event schedules, expo hours, and race logistics
- runDisney Digital Expo Guide – Course maps, vendors, and merchandise availability
