Rocket & Groot Take on the Springtime Surprise Challenge - 5K

If you've ever wondered what it's like to run through EPCOT at 5:00 in the morning, dressed like a raccoon and chatting with a potted tree, allow me to enlighten you.

The first leg of the Springtime Surprise Challenge kicked off with a 5K hosted by none other than Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. Naturally, I took this as a personal invitation to cosplay as Rocket Raccoon and bring my trusty sidekick — a potted baby Groot — along for the ride. (He didn’t complain, though I suspect he still thinks he's the real star of the show.)

"RunDisney" apparently translates to “alarm goes off at 2:00AM.” Yes, 2:00AM. I rolled out of bed like a raccoon emerging from a dumpster, slapped on my costume, grabbed Baby Groot (who was looking very awake for a tree), and hopped on the transportation bus by 3:00AM. By 3:45AM, I was in Corral B, making friends, chatting with fellow costumed runners, and occasionally adjusting Groot’s soil to keep him comfortable.

When our corral moved forward and crossed the start line just after 5:00AM, we were greeted by dazzling lights, pumped-up music, and announcers who really love mornings. The race began in the EPCOT parking lot, and the first mile was a warm-up lap around the outside of the park — which Groot found just a little dull.

But soon, the real fun began: we entered World Showcase, where cast members and entertainers cheered us on, and the park’s lights cast a glow that almost made me forget it was still technically nighttime. We ran under Spaceship Earth, then past the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride — the perfect backdrop for our dynamic duo. Groot may or may not have tried to steer us toward the ride queue mid-race. (He’s got priorities.)

Throughout the course, I chatted with Baby Groot, and to my delight — and his — several entertainers and Cast Members recognized him. Shouts of “I am Groot!” echoed as we passed, causing his little leaves to perk up. He was basking in the attention, and I could tell this would be a core memory for him. (Tree pun intended.)

As we neared the finish line — back in the EPCOT parking lot — I heard the heavenly sound of the race choir, which only meant one thing: we were almost done! Groot and I gave it our all down the final stretch, and despite stopping for character photos and general raccoon-tree shenanigans, we crossed the line in 40 minutes. Not too shabby for a non-timed race full of detours and dancing.

Our post-race reward? A medal shaped like a cassette tape, complete with Adult Groot featured front and center. Naturally, I shared it with Baby Groot — he earned it too, after all. (He insists we alternate weeks wearing it. We'll see.)

 

All in all, the first run of the Springtime Surprise Challenge was a blast of galactic proportions. Whether it was the early morning adrenaline, the thrill of running through EPCOT, or just the joy of pretending I was Rocket with my miniature bark-covered bestie, it was an experience I'll never forget.

Until next time… we are Groot.

And hey — if you want to see Rocket and Baby Groot in action (yes, there’s dancing), you can catch our whole adventure on my YouTube channel. Click here Groot promises not to cry if you subscribe... but he might do a happy little wiggle.