The Arc of Essex County Crowns Victors of 19th 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) such as Down syndrome and Autism, crowned David Leiken, 34, of Morris Plains, N.J. and Larissa Hoffmann, 23, of Sussex, N.J. the victors of the 19th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run while raising more than $77,000 to support the agency’s programs and services. Leiken, the overall victor and men’s division winner finished with a time of 19:37, while Hoffman finished 6th overall and first in the women’s division with a time of 21:46.

The USA Track and Field sanctioned 5K-race held on Saturday, April 29 in Essex County’s South Mountain Recreation Complex attracted a broad field of competitors. More than 700 participated in the 5K Run, Family Fundraising Walk, and 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 Leiken’s heels in the men’s division were Timothy McCarthy, 37, of Nutley, N.J. with a time of 19:45 and Peter Cullen, 48, of Verona, N.J. with a time of 20:36.

In the women’s division, Nicole Rong, 15, of Livingston, N.J. placed second with a time of 23:16 and Chloe Contarino, 28, of West Orange, N.J. placed third with a time of 24:20.

In addition to the USATF-sanctioned 5K Run, members of the community gathered to participate in a fundraising walk. More than 20 teams and 500 individuals participated including the Essex County College Public Safety Academy Police Class BPCO 17-1 whose 67 members raised more than $12,000 and volunteered throughout the day.

“We would like to congratulate all of the runners and walkers who took part in the 2017 Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest,” said Linda Cancro Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of Essex County. “We are especially thankful to the Essex County College Public Safety Academy for their continued support and participation in this event. As a result of everyone’s fundraising efforts and the participation of the community, we raised needed funds which will enable The Arc of Essex County to continue to fuel vital programs and services for children and adults with I/DD.”

The Arc of Essex County would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions and support of the 19th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Race, Family Walk, and Fun Fest: PwC, PSE&G, Bogush, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Bird Pharma Consulting, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Prudential, Sax LLP, and Stop & Shop.

Additionally, the Fun Fest would not have been possible without the generous time and services donated by Audience Pleasers, Bricks 4 Kidz – Essex County, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Dancing DJ’s, FrankieFace Designs, Human Wheels, Lyric Performing Arts Center, Miss Pattysweetcakes, Once Upon a Princess Parties, Prudential, Super Jam, and Tempo! Music Therapy.

A complete list of race results is available here. Photos from the 5K Run, Family Walk and 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.