EP 198 Full of Helium and Insight: A Chat with runDisney’s Balloon Ladies

If you’ve participated in a runDisney event, you’re likely familiar with the infamous Balloon Ladies. In our latest episode, we reconnected with Molly and Kathleen. These two remarkable women serve as the visual representation of the 16-minute-per-mile pace obligation at runDisney races.

The episode begins with an introduction from Riley, At Springtime Surprise. If you’d like to introduce an upcoming episode, please reach out to us on our social media. You can also email us, or leave us a message on our hot-line (727-266-2344).

The Heart and Soul of runDisney: Behind the Scenes with the Balloon Ladies

The origin story of the Balloon Ladies proves particularly interesting. Before their inception, runDisney used cyclists. These cyclists enforced the pace requirement. This method created tension with runners. Runners felt the bikers couldn’t relate to their struggle. The solution? Experienced runners carried visual markers. Initially, they used dollar store balloons to represent the pace cutoff in a more empathetic way. Years later, Disney officially adopted the concept, providing official balloons and establishing what has become a Run Disney institution.

Maintaining an exact 16-minute pace requires significant skill and preparation. The Balloon Ladies explained their precise system. They sync their watches with runDisney officials at the start line. They also carry timing charts showing where they should be at each mile marker. If they arrive early, they’ll wait until exactly 16 minutes before proceeding. This dedicated approach ensures consistency and fairness for all participants.

These women aren’t just casual walkers. They’re experienced runners. They specifically train to maintain the 16-minute walking pace. “We practiced, we trained,” explained Molly. “We do the 16-minute walk pace. We don’t just go out there… some of us are faster runners and we actually have to slow down.”

For runners concerned about staying ahead of the Balloon Ladies, they offered valuable advice. Position yourself at the front of your corral. Practice maintaining a pace slightly faster than 16 minutes per mile. Come prepared for Florida’s heat and humidity. Perhaps most importantly, be honest with yourself about your capabilities.

Perhaps the most touching aspects of our conversation were the emotional stories they shared. These women have helped injured runners continue their journey. They have witnessed the triumph of participants who feared they wouldn’t finish. They have become an integral part of thousands of runner’s runDisney magic moments.

“We’re not the mean people,” Kathleen emphasized. “We may encourage you. We may give you advice or suggestions. Really, we just want to help you in any way we can.”

2026 Springtime Surprise Themes

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