The Arc of Essex County will host its 19th annual Building Tomorrows 5K Run, Family Walk, and Fun Fest on Sat., April 29 at South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange.
The event will feature a USATF-sanctioned 5K race, a fundraising walk and an afternoon of interactive fun. All proceeds will directly benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The event is being held at a new venue to accommodate increasing attendance.
The event check-in and all related activities will be located in The Clipper Pavilion, near the Paddle Boat Launch area. The 5K registration opens at 8 a.m. and the 5K race kicks off at 9 a.m. The walk registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m. A 5K awards ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 10:45 a.m.

“We are excited to host our 19th Annual Building Tomorrows event at our new, larger location in Essex County’s South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange,” said Heather Comstock, senior director of development and communication for the Arc of Essex County. “With attendance growing year-over-year, the new location provides ample parking and increased activity zones to ensure fun for the whole family.”

Event registrants are welcome to attend the Fun Fest following run and walk. Nationally-known John Cougar Mellencamp cover band “Human Wheels” will open the Fun Fest. Additional activities include hip hop demonstrations, face painting, character and mascot appearances, a cooking corner, and more.
Fun Fest admission is $5, but is free to children under 5 and individuals who raise more than $25. The early-bird registration fee for the 5K race is $25 with code “early” prior to April 19. Regular run registration rates are $20 for USATF members or $30 for non-members. There is no minimum fee to walk; individual walkers and teams are strongly encouraged to fundraise. For additional event details or to register, visit www.runorwalk.org.