10/19/2026
I wanted to take a little time before posting because I needed to let the entire day soak in. ❤️
Today was something truly special for so many people.
Seven years ago, we talked about this grand idea of putting on a race on Clinton Road. To say it was easy would simply be a lie.
Why? Because bringing this vision to life meant getting the mayor, WMPD, the school district, Newark Watershed, volunteers, props, bathrooms, custom everything, and so much more to work together in the right place at the right time. Every piece had to come together in a very specific sequence.
Was everything perfect? No. But when the biggest concerns you walk away with are little things that have simple solutions, you know you accomplished something special.
Now for the shoutouts, because there are so many people who deserve to be recognized!
**❤️ My dude, Neil Balestrieri.**
Regardless of what is happening in my life or yours, I am blessed to have you in it. I'll say it publicly: I love this guy like my own blood. He is always there for me and my family, and friends like that are rare in this world. I never take that for granted.
**❤️ My wife, Jacky.**
With little notice and sometimes even less guidance, you continue to step up, fill the gaps, and anticipate problems before they happen. I know we do a lot for other people, but honestly, it is simply who we are. Thank you for always being there and helping make these crazy ideas a reality.
**🙌 Renee and Daga.**
You two absolutely killed it today! You stepped up in a huge way and took on a massive task with confidence. I am so proud of you both. And I cannot wait to see what you two have planned for this bingo event! 😂
**❤️ My kids, including Johnathan.**
You didn't exactly sign up for all of this, but somehow, it has become part of who you are. You continue to show up, put in the work, and be part of something bigger than yourselves.
Bryce, you volunteered more hours in three days than most high school students probably volunteer in their entire high school careers. I couldn't be prouder of the person you are becoming.
Cameron, you have put so much work into this sport, and today you got to showcase your abilities. And for those who haven't heard, you finished the day as one of the fastest 12 year olds ever to complete a 10K in the United States, coming within just over a minute of the reported U.S. record. Absolutely incredible!
Reese, you looked great, had fun, and still found time to help me all day yesterday setting up at PK and organizing props for the race. You were right there in the middle of it all.
These kids may not realize it yet, but the lessons they are learning through all of this go far beyond running.
**💪 Our volunteers.**
Without every single one of you, these events simply cannot happen. Many hands make light work, but let's be honest, this was not easy work! You all showed up, put in the hours, tackled whatever was needed, and did it with smiles on your faces. You helped put an amazing day in the books, and I cannot thank you enough.
**🧟 Our zombies!**
WOW. Just WOW!
You were all absolutely incredible! From the costumes to the energy to the hours you put into volunteering, you helped create an experience people will be talking about for a long time. Some of you even had people questioning whether they were going to make it through without losing their bladders! 😂
You can officially say you conquered Clinton Road!
**💛 JHTC coaches and parents.**
Thank you for always doing what is best for our kids, even when it means taking the road less traveled. That is what makes this program so special. You continue to believe in our athletes, support their growth, and help them experience opportunities they might never have imagined.
I hope you enjoyed watching our younger athletes run side by side with some amazing high school and adult athletes. That is what this sport is all about. Building confidence, creating opportunities, and showing our kids what is possible when you work hard and surround yourself with great people.
**Mayor Dale.**
Thank you for helping solve a problem that Newark Watershed couldn't quite figure out how to help us with. One phone call, and we were able to move forward. Sometimes that one person who is willing to help makes all the difference, and you are a perfect example.
🚌 Tricia from transportation, our bus drivers, Gene our custodian, and the Board of Education.
Thank you for helping us make this event possible and for supporting the vision behind it. From transportation logistics and the bus drivers who help keep our community moving, to making sure the facilities were ready, to giving us the support and flexibility needed to bring this idea to life, every piece mattered.
Events like this require people behind the scenes who are willing to step up, help out, and make things happen. Your support did not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful to have people and a school district willing to support something that brings our community together in such a special way.
Thank you for being part of making this dream a reality! ❤️
**WMPD, EMT, and CERT.**
CLASS ACTS. Every single one of you!
You made this race safer than I ever could have imagined, and your professionalism and willingness to work with us were incredible. Thank you for helping us take something that had never been done at this level and making it happen safely. We could not have done this without you.
**Town Council Member Rudy Hass.**
I owe you a shirt! 😂 But more importantly, thank you for believing in this idea. One phone call, and you were all in on something that started as nothing more than a dream. That willingness to support an idea before you know what it will become means more than you know.
I really wish my dad were around to experience this and do it alongside all of you. I know he would have loved seeing what this community came together to accomplish.
**And finally, to everyone who played a part in making today happen... THANK YOU.**
Seven years ago, this was just an idea. Today, it became a reality because so many people were willing to believe in something, give their time, and work together to make it happen.
That is what makes West Milford special. That is what makes JHTC special. And that is what makes days like today so meaningful.
We didn't just put on a race. We created an experience, brought people together, challenged ourselves, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
I am exhausted, grateful, proud, and still trying to process everything that happened today.
**Clinton Road, you have officially been conquered. 🧟♂️🏃♂️💛🖤**
Thank you all for being part of the journey. ❤️
More photos to follow!
“The good in life is rarely found in things. It is found in people, memories, and moments that remind us what really matters.” ~unknown
