Q: What is a virtual run and walk?

• A virtual run or walk is an event that can take place at a location of your choosing.

Q: How does the virtual Building Tomorrows Run and Walk work?

• Participants can complete their 1-mile walk, 5K, 10K, or half marathon any time on Saturday, April 25th, anywhere they choose! Join us for virtual welcome remarks at 8 a.m., then complete your run or walk and upload your time and photos using our online form by 2 p.m. You can also share your photos socially using #BuildingTomorrowsNJ but only those submitted using our form will be considered for our photo contest
  
  As part of your paid registration, you will receive some awesome swag: a custom race bib (runners only), finisher medal, and customized completion certificate! You can track your run using a wearable activity device (i.e. FitBit, Garmin, etc.), synch your activity device to a free Strava account imbedded on your personal fundraising page, and share your results on the Building Tomorrows website. Don’t have a wearable device? Submit your time/results via our online form.

Q: Why should I participate in the 2020 Building Tomorrows virtual run and walk?

• Despite the ongoing pandemic, The Arc of Essex County continues to provide vital services and supports to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We’re providing round-the-clock care to adults in our residential services and executing remote learning plans with students of our Stepping Stones School. The annual Building Tomorrows event provides funds that enable The Arc to remain agile, responsive, and innovative, especially during times like these. Now, more than ever before, we need your help.
  
  There are more reasons, including:
  • The chance to add a really cool medal to your collection.
  • Complete control - the race takes place at a time and location of your choosing. Just getting started? The 1-mile walk or 5K run are great choices. Plan your route on flatter terrain or take advantage of a downhill course. Avid runner? Challenge yourself with a longer race or hillier route.
  • The chance to break the quarantine and get outside (while practicing social distancing, of course!), exercise, and support a great cause!

Q: Who can participate?

• Everybody and anybody! There is no age limit and there are no restrictions. So, grab your shoes and run, jog, walk, or skip, it doesn’t matter. Just get out there and get moving!

Q: Do I need to submit my time and photos in order to redeem my swag?

• No. Your registration will serve as your verification of participation. However, if you want your completion certificate to be customized, you will need to submit your time using our online form.

Q: When will I receive my goodies?

• Due to added production times for the medals, we will mail you your swag within 6 weeks of the race. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.

Q: What is the schedule of events?

• 8:00am – 5K Run Registration Opens
• By 2:00pm – Submit your time and pictures
• 5:00pm – Contest winners announced

Q: Can I still order Arc merchandise?

• Yes. You can purchase merchandise during the registration process on www.runorwalk.org. Merchandise will be mailed with your race swag. Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.

Q: I am on a team. Will our team roster remain the same?

• Yes, the original team affiliation will remain.

Q: How will I be timed?

• Yes, by you! You are welcome to time yourself however you’re comfortable. We encourage you to link your wearable activity tracker (i.e. FitBit, Garmin, etc.) to a free Strava account which can be embedded into your personal fundraising site. When you complete your run, you can share the results directly to the Building Tomorrows website and we can virtually cheer you on! If you choose not to use the Strava app, you can manually track your time on a watch and submit it using our online form

Q: How does Strava work?

• Don't have a Strava account? You can create one for free here: www.strava.com. Follow these directions to link your activity tracking device to Strava, then embed your Strava widget into your personal fundraising page (directions here - pick up where the article says "From there, it’s up to event participants to add the widget from Strava to their pages.")

Q: Is there a certain course I need to run?

• No, you are able to run wherever you like. Hit your treadmill or local neighborhood to complete your 1-mile walk, 5K, 10K, or half marathon, just stay safe and continue to adhere to social distancing recommendations.

Q: What are the awards categories?

• Awards will be distributed to individuals/teams in the following photo categories. Be sure to upload your official contest photos using our online form by 2 p.m. on Saturday April 25th. Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. You can also share your photos on social media using #BuildingTomorrowsNJ.
   
  • Best Virtual Team Photo
  • Most Creative Cheer Sign
  • Best Motivational Photo
  • Most Scenic Route

Q: If I win one of the photo contests, when will I receive my prize?

• You will receive your prize when you receive your swag bag. Your swag bag will be mailed within 6 weeks of the race.

Q: Can I get a refund if I no longer wish to participate?

• Unfortunately, refunds are not available. If you were registered before March 30, 2020 and would like to postpone your race registration until 2021 please email Heather Comstock at hcomstock@arcessex.org.

Q: I don’t live in the United States, can I still participate?

• Absolutely!

Q: I'd like to make a donation. Where can I do that?

• You can either click the "Donate Now" button below or click "Donate" in the menu bar at the top of the page and follow the instructions.

Still have questions? Email us and we’ll answer any questions you have.