WEST ORANGE, NJ — The 8th Walk for Nikhil occurred at West Orange High School (WOHS) on Sept 16, 2018.

Over 800 people in the school and town community attended the 5K Run and 3K Walk, raising over $52,000 for the Nikhil Badlani Foundation. Sangeeta Badlani, President of the Nikhil Badlani foundation and mother of Nikhil Badlani, commented on this stating, “This has become an event where the community comes together with the common goal of making our streets safer for all.”

Before the walk and run began, the welcoming ceremony kicked off. The Kerboomkidz led the crowd to do exercises in order to help them get warmed up and pumped up. West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi and County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo spoke to the crowd and thanked them for their support. As the ceremony went on, other activities were also found on Suriano Field such as face painting, and games for little kids and adults to play together.

The 5K run took place in the neighborhood surrounding WOHS, in addition to runners running one lap around the Suriano Stadium track. For walkers, their route was slightly different as they exited Suriano Stadium towards the Conforti parking lot, and proceeded to walk along Conforti Ave strip before turning onto Fitzrandolph Rd to re enter the stadium at the back gate.

Two winners for the 5K race were crowned during the closing ceremony. Saney Dani was the overall winner, and first male to cross the finish line. Dani ran the 5K for 19 minutes and 1.45 seconds. Lauren Peifer was the first female to cross the finish line with her time being 21 minutes and 17.56 seconds.

Commenting on the success of this year’s walk, Mrs. Badlani stated, “The walk was very successful.  We had many new families participate this year. The feedback we’ve received from some of the attendees has been very positive.  It heartens us to know when someone tells us that after they heard our story they will not drive distracted and will follow the STOP For Nikhil Safety pledge.”