Autism Awareness Month continued Sunday with the first annual 5K Race and 2K Walk in Brielle to help support an educational program for adults with autism.

The race, held by the Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children, took place at a park on Union Lane at the Brielle Elementary School, where around 600 participated.

The thousands of dollars raised at the event will go toward the organization's effort to develop the $5 million Achieve Academy for Adults with Autism, located at Brookdale Community College's Wall campus. It will assist adults with autism who have aged out of programs and will be vital to continuing their growth and education.

"I felt like we needed even more and I worried about them. What's going to happen to them once they leave our school?" said Linda Jordan, the principal of the Shore Center for Students with Autism.

According to organizers, there are minimal opportunities for those 21 and older with autism outside of the education system in Monmouth County and that it's race to raise funds for resources.

"This is not just a one-day event. We're not just raising money for today," said Jennifer Zona, the executive board member of the Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children.

Project leaders hope it will be operational sometime in the spring of 2022 and open to adults 21 and older with autism in the community. Once open, it will provide independent life, community and social skills, as well as vocational training for those 21 and over with autism.

The program is funded through private donations.

The event raised over $60,000.