CLINTON, N.Y. (WKTV) - Hundreds walkers and runners took part in the 11th Annual AIDS Hike For Life Sunday morning at Hamilton College. The participants raised $32,100 to support AIDS Community Resources in Central New York.

Two new teams were created this year and made up of employees and clients of the AIDS Community Resources organization. Organizers say that the new teams, the Green Hikers and the Tag Team became fast and fierce competitors in the race to raise funds.

“This has turned into something really great for us,” said Team Captain and Case Manager Jessica Green from the Green Hikers who has signed up 13 clients. “We’re working as hard as an AIDS Hike For Life team as we do as a team of case managers and clients trying to work through health issues.”

Event officials say that the tough economy has been hard for for the AIDS Community Resources and is challenged to find funding. ACR’s Development Director, Wil Murtaugh says a successful AIDS Hike For Life is essential to keep Mohawk Valley youth prevention services strong. “This is important work and we have been doing it for years. We will have to buckle down and go for the gold like never before. I can’t tell you how it warms my heart to see our clients wanting to help us out.”

All of the money donated in the AIDS Hike For Life supports emergency client services and HIV/AIDS Youth Prevention programs like the Teen AIDS Task Force in local high schools.

It is the only school-based HIV prevention education program in New York State which works toward promoting abstinence and works with schools and community groups to prevent infections of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases in youth. There are now has 16 chapters in the Mohawk Valley.