Dozens hit the pavement for Long Island Coalition Against Bullying’s 5K Walk and Run at Eisenhower Park on Saturday.

For nearly a decade, the nonprofit has worked with communities and schools to raise awareness and educate people on the harmful effects of bullying, something the organization's founder Joseph Salamone knows all about.

"Hanging out with kids who would leave me in the woods when they wanted to play manhunt, getting hassled by the neighborhood kids, getting things stolen, assaulted on bus to and from school," Salome detailed.

It got so bad in ninth grade, Salamone said he almost committed suicide, but a teacher intervened, took him under her wing and Salamone turned his anti-bullying crusade into a career.

According to stopbullying.gov, 20% of students ages 12-18 will experience bullying in school and 15% are bullied online. Participants said it's a big problem in the suburbs.

Bullying by definition is a repetitive behavior intended to cause harm perpetrated by one person or a group of people. Participants said they'll continue to work against it on Long Island.

Organizers said Long Island Coalition Against Bullying works to help children boost their self-esteem through free karate lessons. The group also helps children and their families pay for private therapy.