ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - Rome Free Academy was the place to be Saturday to support heart health as the American Heart Association held its annual Rome Indoor Run and Walk.

The event offers different courses to accommodate the leisurely walkers as well as the avid walkers and runners. The most challenging courses included stairs.

Rome Memorial Hospital was there providing free blood pressure screenings. The Run and Walk is a precursor to the America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk which is coming up on March 5.

Diane Butler, the committee chairperson, said, "especially with the older population that may be worried about falls and being cold, they can come to Rome and do it. Secondly, it allows the Rome community to feel involved in the Heart Run and Walk without having to drive out to Utica."

This year's inspirational honoree was Kevin Kovich, a Rome resident and RFA teacher who underwent open heart surgery in 2010.