A crowd of more than 350 runners participated in the first-ever Glow Run 5K on Saturday night, an event organized by the Arc of Pearl River County to raise funds for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The nighttime event occurred in downtown Picayune, where participants ran or walked a course while wearing glow-in-the-dark accessories. The event exceeded initial expectations. Organizers initially planned for 150 to 200 participants, but day-of signups and community turnout brought the total to over 350, according to event director Steven Coner Good.

“This came to be because my mother-in-law is the Arc of Pearl River County president,” Good said. “The state, I believe, is cutting back on funds, so they needed another way to raise money for the organization. I said, ‘Hey, let’s do a 5K run,’ they put it on my shoulders. We took off with it, and I had a lot of good people around me.”

Despite weather forecasts predicting rain, the weather remained clear long enough for the run. Good said additional runners continued registering on the day of the event.

“All the money—every single penny—is going to the Arc of Pearl River County,” Good said. “They’ll use it for individuals with special needs in the community, and even outside the community, for things like wheelchairs, ramps, helmets, and other necessary equipment.”

According to Good, the funds will also assist with  helping educate parents about available programs and services to support their family members. As well as put on multiple free events throughout the year.

The Arc of Pearl River County is a nonprofit organization that provides services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization also works with families to ensure they are informed about state and local resources.

Good said one goal of the Glow Run was to increase visibility for the nonprofit.

“This is not a well-known nonprofit, and we’re hoping this will put it on the platform so people can learn more about them,” he said. “We hope to see everybody—and more—next year.”

The Arc of Pearl River County is a local chapter of The Arc, a national organization that provides advocacy, support services, and education for individuals with disabilities and their families.