It’s time to pull out those sneakers and gather your walk and run teams, as registration has opened for The Arc of Essex County’s 26th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest. The event, which takes place on Saturday, April 27 at the Clipper Pavilion in West Orange, will feature a scenic 5K race, followed by a fundraising walk and a Fun Fest with family-friendly entertainment and activities. All proceeds will directly benefit local children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Registration is $30 for 5K runners and $10 for walkers, who are encouraged to fundraise. T-shirts are guaranteed for all runners who register by April 1 and walkers who raise at least $25 by April 1. Prizes will be given to runners by age group and to the top fundraising individuals and teams.

Admission to the Fun Fest is $5 (free to event registrants and children under 5). Festivities will include children’s cooking stations at Chef it Up, creative projects from Indigo Art Studios, and lively music from Dancing DJs, with more activities to be added in the weeks ahead.

This year marks the return of the Student Champion program, where students in grades 3 to 12 can be champions for the cause and leaders in fundraising, and the February 16 registration deadline is quickly approaching. To learn more about the program and how to apply, click here.

For additional event details or to register, visit RunOrWalk.org. We hope to see you on April 27!