The Arc of Essex County gathered for its 24th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run and Family Walk on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.

The 5K winners were Jose Veras, 30, of Jersey City and Julianne Roberts, 29, of West Orange, N.J. Veras, the overall winner and men’s division winner, finished with a time of 17:04, and Roberts won the women’s division with a time of 23:40.

Ian McCartney (31, with a time of 17:48) and Carlos Nunes (56, with a time of 18:03) rounded out the top three for the men’s division, and Allison Place (41, with a time of 24:57) and Michele Ellis (52, with a time of 25:17) rounded out with silver and bronze for the women’s division.

The event raised more than $50,000 for The Arc of Essex County, and also included a family-friendly walk and an assortment of family activities, including a magic show, interactive bubble stations, and cupcake decorating. It was the first time Building Tomorrows had been held in person since 2019.

 “We would like to congratulate all of the runners and walkers who took part in the 2022 Building Tomorrows 5K Run and Family Walk,” said The Arc of Essex County Chief Executive Officer Linda C. Lucas.  “It was so delightful to be able to gather together again, and thanks to 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 IDD.”

The Arc of Essex County would like to thank PSEG for being the event’s platinum sponsor. The event was also supported by participants who raised money for the cause, including the top fundraisers: Maria Thottukadavil, Nancy Fass, and Patricia Salmon, who received gift certificates donated by McLoone’s Boathouse as prizes.

Additionally, the festivities would not have been possible without the generous time and services donated by Dancing DJs, Chef It Up, Fresh Pro Food Distributors, and Wakefern/ShopRite of Livingston, as well as the Essex County Police Academy and a crew of volunteers.

A complete list of race results is available here. Next year’s 25th Annual Building Tomorrows event is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023. Visit www.RunOrWalk.org for more information.