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. 

“We participate in all the neighborhood events: the 68th Precinct’s Night Out Against Crime, the Ragamuffin Parade, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. We’re really part of the fabric of the community here,” Riley said.  “They’ve embraced us, and they feel a sense of ownership and pride. So many passersby waved to us during the race; I must have had to stop dozens of times to say hello to folks I recognized that were cheering us on.”

A lot more people showed face than expected, Riley recalled. 65 originally signed up, but many more came out on the day of the race. 

“They were just so excited and happy to be a part of this,” he said.  

Riley explained that his goal was to simply do something healthy and different that would bring people together.

“The timing was great as well. It was right when the weather started to cool down a little bit,” Riley said. “The event most certainly exceeded my expectations.” 

GEC also had medical volunteers such as the Bay Ridge Ambulance Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) which provides free emergency medical services to the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton and Dyker Heights, stationed at various points along the course just in case anyone needed medical assistance. 

“Fortunately, no medical aid was needed,” Riley said.

While all participants of the race were winners, Riley noted, official winners for the running portion included Benjamin Roth taking first place; George Savidis, second; and Kwok Ho-Chan, coming in third. 

GEC ended up raising about $3,000 for the race, which is to be put toward a scholarship fund.

Beginning in 1958 as a community-led group of parents and friends of people with developmental disabilities, GEC grew outward to support children and adults alike with group homes, programming and other offerings. 

Its mission statement is “to help children and adults with developmental disabilities lead dignified and satisfying lives and reach their fullest potential all while assisting families in every step of their journey.”