The Arc of Essex County Crowns Victors of 18th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Race and Walk

The Arc of Essex County, a 501c3 organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD), crowned Alex Delgado, 24, of Waldwick, N.J. and Maria Metzger, 41, of Basking Ridge, N.J. the victors of the 18th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run while raising more than $63,000 to support the agency’s programs and services. Delgado, the overall victor and men’s division winner finished with a time of 18:26, while Metzger finished 14th overall and first in the women’s division with a time of 22:14.

The USA Track and Field sanctioned 5K-race held on Saturday, April 16 in Essex County’s Brookdale Park attracted a broad field of competitors. More than 650 participated in the simultaneous Two-Mile Walk and Family Fun Fest. The Building Tomorrows event is part of The Arc of New Jersey’s annual Step Up for the Arc statewide initiative of walkathons held locally by every county chapter. The Arc of Essex County is the state’s largest provider of services and supports to the I/DD community with a wide variety of programs that serve individuals from birth through their senior years.

Finishing on Delgado’s heels in the men’s division were Jason Heap, 33, of Morristown, N.J. with a time of 18:31 and Timothy McCarthy, 36, of Nutley, N.J. with a time of 19:19.

In the women’s division, Maurine Oosthuizen, 41, of Montclair, N.J. placed second with a time of 23:22 and Hillary Walter, 36, of Glen Ridge, N.J. placed third with a time of 23:44.

Following the run and walk, attendees enjoyed family-friendly activities at the event’s Fun Fest. Children and adults alike enjoyed a culinary class with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, interactive music from Tempo! Music Therapy, theatrical performances by the Pixie Dust Players, face painting by Patty Sweetcakes, sand art by Prudential, carnival games by Camp Hope, martial arts demonstrations by Complete Martial Arts, a magic show by Doug the Magician, caricatures by Speedydoodle Studios, balloon sculptures by Mad Hatters, princess appearances by Once Upon a Princess Parties, a bounce house, popcorn, and cotton candy.

“We would like to congratulate all of the runners and walkers who took part in the 2016 Building Tomorrows 5K race and 2-mile walk,” said Linda Cancro Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of Essex County. “As a result of their fundraising efforts and the participation of the community, we raised vital funds which will enable The Arc of Essex County to continue to offer and innovate our programs and services for generations to come.”

The Arc of Essex County would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions and support of the 18th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K race/2-mile walk: PSE&G, PwC, Bird Pharma Consulting, Gallagher Bollinger, Public Sewer Service, Prudential, and Stop & Shop.

A complete list of race results is available here. Photos from the 5K Run, 2-Mile Walk and Family Fun Fest will be available on The Arc of Essex County’s social media channels in the coming days.

About The Arc of Essex County:

The Arc of Essex County is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in every level of our society and enjoy fuller, more independent lives. Founded in 1948, The Arc of Essex County provides a wide variety of programs and services that support nearly 1,500 people throughout Essex County from birth to their senior years. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.arcessex.org.