The spirit of inclusion and community was on full display during a recent group training session with RUN To The Best You, a local running club dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities discover the joy and benefits of running.
Runners of all experience levels gathered to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic City Marathon Race Weekend, led by the club’s founder and coach, Tadris Parker. Among the group was Grace, a vibrant 24 year old from Northfield, N.J., who is nonverbal autistic and always on the move — and now, she’s taking on an inspiring new challenge: running her very first 5K.
Grace’s journey began with the Walk Club hosted weekly by the Atlantic Center for Independent Living (ACIL). Her enthusiasm for movement quickly grew, and Grace joined RUN To The Best You to begin training as a runner.
During a recent track workout, Grace and her fellow athletes practiced the Galloway Run-Walk-Run Method, a technique developed by Olympian Jeff Galloway that alternates intervals of running and walking to build endurance while reducing fatigue and risk of injury. Grace’s customized plan includes running for 15 seconds followed by a 30-second walk, using a timer to guide each interval — and her progress has been nothing short of remarkable.
“It’s about more than running; it’s about connection, confidence and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Genia Sperling, Race Director of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series.
Coach Tadris Parker, who overcame his own health challenges after a major knee injury, has built his program on simple, sustainable habits that make fitness accessible to everyone. Through balanced nutrition and his signature run-walk training system, Parker has inspired hundreds of members to take small steps toward big goals — physically, mentally and emotionally.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it,” he often tells his runners.
Grace’s mother shared how transformative this experience has been for her daughter.
“Seeing Grace lace up her shoes and run with such joy has been amazing,” she said. “This opportunity has shown her — and us — that inclusion isn’t just about participation. It’s about belonging.”
The Atlantic City Marathon Race Series (ACMRS) has long embraced inclusivity as part of its mission. Over the years, the race has welcomed participants from Achilles International, which supports athletes with visual and physical impairments; Ainsley’s Angels, which promotes inclusion for individuals with disabilities; and Unified Sports Clubs, which foster friendships between athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.
“Watching athletes like Grace take on new challenges reminds us that running is for everyone,” added Parker. “It’s not about finishing first — it’s about showing up, giving your best and celebrating each milestone along the way.”
This fall, Grace will join hundreds of runners and walkers at the G. Larry James Legacy 5K, part of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Weekend, taking place Saturday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. The weekend will also feature a 10K on Saturday at 9 a.m., as well as a full marathon and half marathon on Sunday, Oct. 19, along Atlantic City’s world-famous boardwalk.
To learn more about the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series or to get involved as a runner, walker, or volunteer, visit www.acraceseries.com.
