Welcome to planDisney, Kristen, and welcome to
runDisney! Congratulations on registering for
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. Every starting line is a success.
I love that you phrased your question with "my
first runDisney event." It seems you already know it won't be your last. My first in-person runDisney event was Springtime Surprise 2022, and the addiction is real. I'll be there next month, too.
Usually about two weeks before the weekend, you will get an e-mail from runDisney with the Digital Expo and Guide. This will include the information we have all been waiting for since registration: the course maps! It will also have transportation information. Typically, the monorail system is not part of the transportation options for this weekend's events. We won't know until the information is released, but in the past, they have used buses exclusively for these races.
At your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, there will be signs posted on all the weekend's events. There will also be a location dedicated to the runDisney transportation, which may be separate from the theme park bus location. This is where you will find the bus that will take you to the race on the morning of and to the
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to pick up your race bib and t-shirt before Saturday. You can find just about everything for a runner from the Expo vendors and pick up awesome runDisney merchandise too.
The transportation information in the Digital Guide will let you know the times for the buses on the morning of your 10k. Usually, buses start between 2:30 and 3:00 am and go until about 4:00 am. It is early! Luckily, there is a place to purchase coffee and a banana once you get to the runners' area. Although it is early, it is lively! There are characters, runners in costumes, music, and hosts keeping the energy up for everyone.
One tip I've picked up: tuck a small plastic bag in your pocket for after the race to carry the post-race snack pack, Powerade and a banana. You will want to keep one hand free to show off your medal! After the race, you can take more photos with characters and your medals before boarding your bus while glowing in your achievement.
runDisney is the most magical place to race! See you at the finish line!
Jana