Walking, Rolling and Hopping to Be Well in 2022: Disneyland Resort Cast Member Friends & Family 5K

Amy Cassidy

by , Internal Communications Specialist

In the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, April 24, wellness enthusiasts laced up their sneakers, gathered their friends and family and celebrated the return of an iconic cast member event at the Disneyland Resort.

The Disney Be Well, Cast Member Family & Friends 5K made a triumphant return, featuring the well-known and well-loved Kermit and friends. “Yaaaaaay!” (read in Kermit’s voice)

Disneyland Resort cast members Joy and Billy Hopke

Cast members Joy and Billy Hopke (pictured above) were especially excited to participate. This past year, Joy underwent brain surgery and has since been in recovery. “Don’t let any obstacle get in your way. You can overcome anything; we’re proof of that,” Billy said of his wife’s journey to recovery. “Any hurdles can be overcome; it’s just one step at a time. And have fun — that’s the most important part!”

Welcoming our racers were Disneyland Resort Ambassadors Nataly Guzman and Mark Everett King Jr., alongside Senior Vice President of Operations Patrick Finnegan.

Participants walked, ran, rolled and leapfrogged through the Happiest Course on Earth. In Disneyland park, cast kicked off on Main Street U.S.A., strolled through the Wild West of Frontierland, journeyed through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and so much more. In Disney California Adventure park, racers got their kicks on Route 66, explored Avengers Campus and celebrated a race well done with their pals on Pixar Pier.

“It’s really exciting to have these events back,” said Skyler Rendon, Attractions hostess at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. “The best part about today was being able to meet up with all my friends and seeing everyone happy and together again.”