BAY RIDGE — The Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC), a nonprofit agency that assists developmentally disabled children and adults, held its first annual 5k walk and run race along the 69th Street pier the morning of Oct. 26.

The race, which was 2.5k each way — almost to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge — had approximately 100 participants, “20% runners and 80% walkers,” according to Joe Riley, GEC’s CEO and executive director.

“There were people there of all ages, including individuals with developmental disabilities that chose to do the walking aspect of the race,” Riley said. “They were mostly community members from the area — participants that wanted to support our mission. It was a really beautiful day.” 

Riley noted that the vibe and spirit of the event was “extremely upbeat.” The community has a really special relationship with GEC, Riley pointed out, adding that most of the people that live in Bay Ridge grew up with GEC as their neighbors.