I ran the Third Annual Bunny Hop 5K on multi-use trails here in DeBary Florida on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. It was my second time running this little local holiday race. Here's my recap.

My mind is really on the Springtime Surprise Challenge races coming up next weekend, which I am hoping to complete despite the total derailment of my training in the 6 weeks leading up to those races. So my goal for this race was to see how my legs and knees would cooperate with some very slow easy run:walk intervals. I set my watch to 15/45 intervals (15 seconds of running followed by 45 seconds of walking).

Race Day: April 9, 2023
I love when there are races at Gemini Springs, because these are familiar running trails, and I can walk or bike to the start. On race morning, I arrived in plenty of time to get my packet, stow my stuff with my bike, and line up for the race. It was 66°F at the start with 94% humidity, overcast skies, and a stiff breeze. Despite the humidity it was pretty pleasant weather for running. 

Chip time: 42:14
Placement details: 5/10 in Age Group; 91/117 overall
Race Amenities: Cute tech shirt, finisher medal for all, video of start/finish 
Cost: $27.88

Are you looking for costume ideas for the upcoming Springtime Surprise race weekend at Walt Disney World this April?

The race weekend takes place April 13-16, with a 5K on Friday, a 10K on Saturday, and a 10-Miler on Sunday. The theme for these races is as follows:

Cars for the 5K
Monsters for the 10K
Toy Story for the 10-Miler
Finding Nemo for the Challenge (of completing all three races)

Today I'll be highlighting one character idea for the 10K: James Patrick "Sulley" Sullivan. This character is a large horned monster with fluffy purple-spotted turquoise fur. 

I dressed up as Sulley for the 2017 Disneyland 10K. The theme for that race weekend was Pixar, and the10K was Monsters. There were a lot of Sulleys running the race!

Sulley is a fun and easy character to fashion a simple DIY a running costume.

For my outfit, I tacked (or basted, aka temporary stitching) pieces of purple felt onto a turquoise tech top and a turquoise Bolder Athletic (SparkleSkirt), both of which I already had in my closet. All I had to buy was a few sheets of purple felt for Sulley's spots, so this was a very affordable DIY job. 

For my Sulley costume hat, I cut the Monsters University logo out of craft foam and hot-glued it onto a cheap navy blue cap I got from Amazon. I cut and stitched together some grey felt to make a pair of horns, stuffed them with craft fill (like this), and stitched them to the sides of the cap to complete the look. 

Side note! I still have this cap and plan on re-using it for the 2023 Springtime Surprise 10K, though my costume will be a mashup of Sulley and someone else... stay tuned.

If you're not up to a DIY costume, Sulley running costumes are easily available from artists on Etsy. Below are the pieces I've got in my Etsy shop, WeRunForFun.

These are fun because they have a printed fur texture look just like the big guy himself. They're also more comfortable than running a 10K with poorly-sewn purple patches on your clothes (or maybe that's just me).

You can also easily purchase a Monsters University hat on Amazon (see below).

Are you looking for costume ideas for the upcoming Springtime Surprise race weekend at Walt Disney World this April?

The race weekend takes place April 13-16, with a 5K on Friday, a 10K on Saturday, and a 10-Miler on Sunday. The theme for these races is as follows:

Cars for the 5K
Monsters for the 10K
Toy Story for the 10-Miler
Finding Nemo for the Challenge (of completing all three races)

Today I'll be highlighting some ideas for 5K costumes inspired by Cars. These come from my Etsy shop WeRunForFun.

Dress Up Like Lightning McQueen!

The star of the Cars franchise is red sports racing car Montgomery "Lightning" McQueen. Number 95 is a cocky race car in the Piston Cup circuit, a race series inspired by NASCAR. We offer a few pieces inspired by this iconic character so you can pick the garment(s) that you find most comfortable. 

Other Cars Character Running Costume Ideas!

The world of Cars may revolve around Lightning McQueen, but there are a lot of other characters in the franchise, like Lightning's bestie Mater, his girlfriend Sally Carrera, trainer Cruz Ramirez, Doc Hudson, diner owner Flo, and more. We've got pieces inspired by all of these fun cars characters.

Checkered Race Flag Running Outfit Pieces

The perfect accompaniment for the above Cars-character-inspired tops would be a checkered (or chequered) flag skirt or leggings! Add the headband as part of your accessories, or match the checkered flag shirt with other costume pieces for a unique Cars-inspired look!

Speed Racer Race Car Pattern Running Shirt & Skirt

If you'd like to wear something Cars-themed (or cars-themed), but don't want to get into character, consider these two costume garments that feature an all-over print from Speed Racer and include checkered flags and blue and red race cars.

Run-eze Spoof of Cars Rust-eze Logo Running Shirt

Are you looking for costume ideas for the upcoming Springtime Surprise race weekend at Walt Disney World this April?

The race weekend takes place April 13-16, just days after the highly anticipated ride Tron: Lightcycle / Run finally opens at the Magic Kingdom. The ride officially opens on April 4th.

Why not use Disney's newest attraction as inspiration for your race weekend costume? There are a lot of costumes geared for athletes available from shops on Etsy, including a few of my own. Here are some favorites, along with some fun accessories.

Quorra from Tron: Legacy

The character of Quorra, from 2010's sequel to Tron, was played by Olivia Wilde. She wore a stylized catsuit style outfit with the iconic lighted lines that stood out against the black background. These pieces are all inspired by her look, but note that none of these actually light up or glow in the dark.

Tron Character Accessories

Add flair to your Tron: Legacy inspired costume with custom ears that you can wear, or an identity disc that you can carry!

Tech Patterns for a Tron Style Look

If you don't want to go full Tron character for your race weekend, consider these tech pattern pieces like these!

Here are the themes, all Disney/Pixar-related, for the three races taking place April 13-16, 2023

Cars for the 5K

Monsters for the 10K

Toy Story for the 10-Miler

Finding Nemo & Dory for the Challenge

Cars for the 5K

Zazzle has some fun graphics inspired by characters and themes from Cars. You can use Zazzle's tools to transfer designs to different products. I'm sharing some examples below that would be fun to wear on race day.

I participated in the Pump House Run in Lake Apopka, Florida this year. This was the second running of this race. The event also includes the signature 8-mile race that takes runners to the pump house and back from the start/finish at Magnolia Park.

I ran the Pump House 5K in 2020 and it immediately became one of my favorite races of all time. It might not have happened in 2021 due to the pandemic, and I think construction at Magnolia Park may have prevented the race from happening in 2022. I was very glad to see it return. I signed up for the 8-miler but about 3 weeks before the race, I decided to drop back to the 5K again as I'm still not where I want to be in my fitness. I was very happy that the RD obliged my request with no issues.

Race Day: February 18, 2023
I left home around 6:30AM to get to Magnolia Park in time to get my packet before the 7:40AM start time for the 5K. There was plenty of parking, though the later one arrived, the further away one had to park in the extremely long parking lot across the street from the start/finish area.

The 8-milers went off at 7:30AM and then, 10 minutes later, it was time for the 5K runners to start. It was an extremely pleasant 54°F at the start with bright sunny skies, about 64% humidity, and a bit of a breeze. It was very similar to the conditions for the 2020 race -- really nice running weather.

Mile 1: 13:53
The first ~1/3 mile was on the multi-use paved trail along S. Binion Road, taking us from Magnolia Park to Lake Apopka wildlife area. Once we turned into the natural area, the run was on hard packed gravel trail, and we were suddenly surrounded by the wetlands and bird sounds of the Lake Apopka wildlife area. About 1/3 mile later we turned again, now running alongside Lake Apopka to the southwest.

I kept comparing my pace to the 2020 event, and I was thinking about how much slower I was moving now than the previous race. I was getting in my head and feeling kind of down.

Mile 2: 13:10
The trail continued to run along the Lake Apopka shore. This was an out-and-back so we had the same beautiful scenery after the turnaround, though now we were running into the sun.

I was looking down a lot, and kept trying to remember to look up and enjoy the beautiful course. As long as I looked to the side, the peaceful landscape was a good distraction. That sun was brutal, though!

I had started almost dead last (a runner with a stroller came into the narrow chute behind me and it wasn't possible to let her pass without being awkward) so after the turnaround I saw all of the people I had passed. It wasn't a huge amount, but it was still a little pick-me-up to think about.

This was a cupless race, so the water stop at the turnaround had several jugs of water available. I brought my own handheld and didn't need to refill. The volunteer or staff members manning the water stop were really encouraging, which was appreciated.

Mile 3+: 13:32, 1:30
I was feeling pretty good in this mile. It seems to take me longer to warm up these days; it wasn't really something I paid any attention to when I first started running, or the first few years. I'm starting to understand the idea that the first mile (or so) is a liar. In the last quarter mile or so the first 8-milers passed me, and it was cool to see those fast runners heading back to the finish line.

After the Race
Runner refreshments included hot dogs, water, energy drinks, granola bars, bananas, chips, and cookies. Just like last time, I thought it was a very good spread for the relatively small field of runners (104 5K finishers and 117 8-milers; in 2020 there were 69 in the 5K and 133 in the 8-miler).

While I was having some post-race cookies, I checked the race results and was amused and delighted to see that I came in 3rd place for my age group. The awards weren't given out until around 9AM so I had to wait before heading over to the wildlife drive for some post-race birding. I know I came in 3rd place because my AG wasn't competitive for this run, but it was still a nice pick-me-up to get to stand on the podium for a moment. I've earned a couple of awards at small races but I think this was the first time I ever actually stood on a podium like this.

After I received my plaque, I headed back to the car, changed my clothes in a park restroom, and drove over to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive to do some birding. I took a photo of my award with the pump house in the background.

Recommendation
This was a well-organized event from local race company Sommer Sports. It was another small field of runners (just a bit more than last time) but we were well taken care of. Pre-race information is clear and complete, there is ample easy parking, good swag, and the route is gorgeous. I hope to run all the way to the Pump House some day. Highly recommended. 

Chip time: 41:58 (about 3 and a half minutes slower than 2020)
Placement details: 3/6 in Age Group, 62nd overall out of 104 finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton unisex t-shirts and finisher medals for everyone, free race photos, very nice spread of treats
Cost: $47.93 (downgraded from initially signing up for 8-miler)

Branded photos & finish line video (c) Sommer Sports

For over a decade, the MeStrong 5K in Deland, Florida, has been a popular small town race put on by a local cancer charity and fund-raising group. Last year's "Victory Lap" was intended by the original organizers to be the final event. By popular demand, the event was resurrected by sponsor Florda Cancer Specialists & Research Institute with logistics organized by a group of four Rotary clubs in West Volusia County.

The popular race goes through the streets of and around downtown Deland. The 3.1 mile course is lined with spectators, cheer zones, volunteers, and refreshment stations, including at least two mimosa stands. Local businesses and student organizations from Stetson University cheer the runners, along with live bands and other groups. In the past I have participated in the 2019 MeStrong 5K and the 2022 MeStrong 5K (as well as the 2021 virtual event).

Training & Goals
Arthur and I planned to walk this one together without any goal for time.

Race Day: February 4, 2023
We had picked up our packets the day before so all we had to do race morning was find a parking spot, which was easy when we arrived at the courthouse at around 7:15AM. We sat in the car for a while, watching the lot fill up. 

I hopped in for the group photo with my run club, and then Arthur and I watched the opening speeches close to the stage before making our way to the middle of the start area. I thought we should have moved farther back because we were walking, but from the middle of the pack we were among other walkers so it was fine. 

It took us a good 6 minutes to cross the start line, and I think I heard later that it took 18 minutes for the entire crowd of participants to officially start. It was about 52°F with partly cloudy skies and 82% humidity when we started.

Mile 1: 16:40

Mile 2: 15:59

Mile 3+: 15:03, 2:36

After the Race
MeStrong takes over downtown Deland with sponsor booths and food and drink vendors. A lot of shops and restaurants opened early for the runners. The after party is pretty legendary! Arthur and I looked at the booths and picked up some snacks and swag before heading out.

Recommendation
4000+ MeStrong participants are happy this extremely popular race will continue to raise money for local cancer patients. Excellent race organization. Fun on-course entertainment and great after party. Always recommended.

Chip time: 50:11
Placement details: I came in 81/243 in age group; 1725 out of 4112 finishers. Arthur finished 65/108 in his age group and one spot ahead of me at 1724th overall.
Race Amenities: Nice cotton race shirt, swag bag, fun course with lots of support
Cost: $77.06 for two bibs

MeStrong branded photos (c) Almost There Photography

I published a similar post last year for the 2022 Princess race weekend. Since some of the featured princesses have changed for 2023, I'm sharing more officially licensed leggings and tops for this new group of characters. 

Remember that you can customize the shirts here to make them unique for your race; here's how: Design Your Own Officially Licensed Disney Race Shirt.

This post features several different apparel styles. 

The all-over print racerback tanks are made of a soft ring-spun polyester/spandex blend. The flowy tank styles are made of a poly/cotton or poly/viscose blend.

The all-over print leggings are made using a comfortable, breathable polyester/spandex blend, and do not include pockets. 

Both the leggings and the all-over print tanks are made using a cut-and-sew process; the design elements on the different pieces of fabric might not line up exactly. This is normal and shouldn't be too noticeable while wearing. 

The leggings and tanks are great for racing but also comfortable for post-race park hopping.

Here are Zazzle's officially licensed Disney offerings featuring the race mascot princesses:

Jasmine for the 5K
Belle for the 10K
Moana for the Half Marathon
Cinderella for the Challenge

Jasmine for the 5K: Officially Licensed Leggings for Princess Race Weekend

Belle for the 10K: Leggings and Tank Top Ideas for Princess Race Weekend

Moana for the Half Marathon: Legging Options and Matching Tank Top Outfit Ideas for Princess Race Weekend

Whether you're dressing up in a Moana-themed outfit for the half marathon, or looking to channel the character while park hopping later in the day, there are a lot of options featuring Disney's Polynesian Princess.

Cinderella for the Challenge: Leggings and Tank Top Ideas for Princess Race Weekend

If you decide to use one of these kits or costume pieces for your race, check if Zazzle has any coupons or promotions to apply. If you're not in a hurry, wait until a great sale before making your purchase.

This post originally appeared on the blog on January 7, 2022. Since then I've run in this costume, during the 2022 Princess Half Marathon, and made a few more pieces available in my Etsy shop. I figured now would be a good time to update this post and feature it again for the upcoming Princess race weekend.

I love a good mashup costume! After runDisney discontinued the Star Wars themed races (Dark Side forever!), I thought I would continue to run races at Disney, but I'd try to incorporate Star Wars into my costumes as much as possible.

I was thinking about Star Wars / Princess mashups for the 2022 Princess Half Marathon weekend, and figured that combining two strong characters portrayed by the amazing actress Ming-Na Wen would be perfect! So here is a fun costume that mashes up her Fennec Shand from the Star Wars universe with Mulan, a character she voiced in the original animated feature.