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runDisney Announces Race Themes for 2023’s Springtime Surprise

Credit: Disney, Clipart

runDisney’s Springtime Surprise event is set to return to Walt Disney World (and to a virtual track near you) in 2023! This event was incredibly popular when it debuted last year, and fans are thrilled to see it make its return with all-new themes and a sunrise yoga offering for Guests running the race in person.

Disney just announced the themes for the 2023 Springtime Surprise races, and they are very exciting, especially for fans of some of Pixar’s most popular films!

runDisney Race

Credit: runDisney

This year’s Springtime Surprise weekend takes place April 13-16, 2023, at the Walt Disney World Resort. As a celebration of the magic of Pixar, runners at this year’s event are encouraged to channel their favorite ‘Pixar Pals’ in their race-day looks as they make their way through Disney Parks in a 5K, 10K, and 10 Miler.

runDisney Springtime Surprise

Credit: Disney

The themes for the 2023 event include the Disney Pixar Cars 5K, featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater along a 3.1-mile course, the Disney Pixar Monsters 10K, a 6.2-mile course with Mike and Sulley, and the Pixar Toy Story 10 Miler with Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep, and more.

runDisney Springtime Surprise

Credit: Disney

That’s not all, though. Runners who complete the Springtime Surprise challenge (those who run all three weekend events) will be awarded an additional medal inspired by Pixar’s Finding Nemo (2003).

Springtime Surprise will also have opportunities for runners at home to participate in all three races virtually, and those joining runDisney at Walt Disney World will be able to participate in sunrise yoga at Magic Kingdom Park.

runDisney Springtime Surprise

Credit: Disney

Per runDisney’s official website, registration dates for the 2023 Springtime Surprise events are as follows:

  • Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration: August 16, 2022 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time

  • General Registration: August 23, 2022 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time

  • Virtual Registration: August 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time

runDisney Springtime Surprise

Credit: Disney

runDisney races are entirely unique as they allow runners to make their way through Disney Parks either before or after opening with lots of stops along the way to meet iconic (and often rarely seen) Disney characters. All runners participating will also receive a shirt for the race they register for as well as a finisher’s medal (and that goes for virtual races, too!)

You can find all the latest details on runDisney events, and ways to register later this month at runDisney.com. Enjoy your race!

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."