runDisney fans were treated to a new race weekend in 2022: the Springtime Surprise. Runners enjoyed throwback races for the inaugural event. What are the themes for the 2024 runDisney Springtime Surprise? When will it be held? And when does registration open for this runDisney race? Here’s everything we know about the runDisney Springtime Surprise for 2024.
Table of Contents
Everything We Know About The runDisney Springtime Surprise
Joining a ton of exciting new Disney experiences in 2022, runDisney changed up the theme of the spring race.
Once known for its Star Wars races, Disney World decided to shake things up a bit with this new, revolving theme race weekend.
Does that mean we could see Star Wars-themed races return? Sure could!
But we won’t know each year until Disney makes the announcement.
Here’s what we do know about the runDisney Springtime Surprise race weekend.
When Is The Next runDisney Race Being Held?
The next runDisney Springtime Surprise is being held on April 18-21, 2024.
Mark your calendars and reserve your Disney World Resort rooms and theme park reservations now!
Here is the current runDisney race calendar.
What Is The Springtime Surprise?
This race weekend date and the theme will change yearly.
It is currently scheduled to run in April of every year, but the date will fluctuate annually based on Easter and Spring Break Disney traffic.
This is a relatively new race weekend, so the history of events is not very deep.
See below for previous Springtime Surprise themes.
When Can You Register For The Springtime Surprise Weekend?
The runDisney 2024 Springtime Surprise registration dates are:
- Club runDisney Early Registration: August 15, 2023
- General Registration: August 22, 2023
- Virtual Experience Registration: August 26, 2023
Do You Have Any runDisney Registration Tips For The Springtime Surprise?
You know we do!
The races sold out super fast last year, and with a new fun theme annually, we expect to keep seeing that happen.
Check out these runDisney race registration tips to help prepare you for registration day.
You can also watch this runDisney registration walkthrough video from the No-Guilt Disney YouTube channel.
Who Is The Sponsoring Charity For 2024?
Make-A-Wish® Central & Northern Florida is the sponsoring charity for this year’s Springtime Surprise.
There are other charities that will have bibs for this race weekend, however.
Please watch this post for updated information as it develops.
runDisney Springtime Surprise Charities
What Were The Past Themes For The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend?
We’ve only had one race weekend under the Springtime Surprise heading so far.
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Yestermorrow (2022). This race weekend celebrated old runDisney races, bringing them out for one more run! Expedition Everest 5K, Race for the Taste 10K, and The Tower of Terror 10-Miler were all run on March 31-April 3, 2022.
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Celebrates Pixar (2023). Stay on track as you run along courses inspired by some of your favorite Pixar Pals, including Disney Pixar Cars 5K, Disney Pixar Monsters 10K and the Disney Pixar Toy Story 10-Miler.
What Is the runDisney Springtime Surprise Theme For 2024?
Just announced:
Embrace the adventure!
The 2024 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will transport you to a world of “wow!” Fly off on a magical journey that starts with the Peter Pan and Tinker Bell-inspired Neverland 5K. Ascend to new heights with the Adventure Is Out There 10K, where you’ll meet beloved characters from Disney and Pixar’s Up. Run wild with the Hakuna Matata 10-Miler, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Lion King. Complete all 3 races for the Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge and earn a commemorative medal symbolizing unity.
This weekend isn’t just about races—it’s about making special connections and embracing adventure––together!
– runDisney
We previously guessed some possible/hoped-for themes for future Springtime Surprise races, and for 2023, we were right!
- Return to runDisney at Disneyland (Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend)
- Pixar Themed Races
- Return of Star Wars-themed races (Baby Yoda)
- Marvel-themed races (caveat: only certain characters can be used at Disney World due to licensing agreements)
- More 10-Milers
- Heroes vs. Villains Races
What Distances Will Be Run At The Springtime Surprise In 2024?
- Neverland 5K
- Adventure is Out There 10K (Up Themed)
- Hakuna Matata 10-Miler
- Springtime Surprise Challenge (run all three races above and earn an additional Stitch themed medal)
- Springtime Surprise Yoga
Check out all the Springtime Surprise medals here.
More runDisney Posts You’ll Love
runDisney Spectator Guide: How To Cheer At Disney World Race Weekends
Best runDisney Restaurants To Fuel Up Before Races!
runDisney Proof of Time Dates and Deadlines
Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com