Today's goal...raise money for the American Heart Association, and thousands of people came out for the event.

Over 7,500 walkers and runners participated in this year’s chilly event. Of course there were a lot of running and walking options for people: A 30-K run began in Barneveld at 7:30 this morning, a 10 mile run started in Stittville just after 8:30 this morning, and there were also five and three mile runs, along with the popular three mile walk that kicked off at 10:30 this morning.

This year's top walker was Sonya Ezell. In total, she raised $17,468 for the American Heart Association.

The thousands of runners and walkers ended their trek at Utica College.

No matter the snow, wind, or freezing temperatures, Americas Greatest Heart Run and Walk heated up at the finish line. Dressed in their team colors or silly costumes run-walkers bundled up head to toe to stay warm...with the exception of a select few. Crossing the finish line prompted many to scream cheers of joy and some to tears of tribute. Even if their feet didn't touch the participants completed their journey filled with pride. Each step they took made today worth celebrating.

We also held a telethon right here on WKTV last night from seven to eight and again this morning from eight until one this afternoon. The total raised at the heart telethon is $84,416, all thanks to your generous donations. As for the grand total for the entire heart run and walk, that comes in at $1,115,427. That comes from all the money raised by walkers and runners from today's events. Just a reminder, all participants can turn in their pledge money up until March 31st.

Part of the American Heart Association's campaign to raise money, was the Two of Hearts Giveaway: The winner of the raffle could choose between two Hyundai Accents or two Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycles. This year's Two of Hearts winner is Lauren Paye of Utica. She usually buys one ticket, but bought three this year. Paye already drives a Hyundai and plans on giving the two cars to her kids.

And the money raised by the Two of Hearts Giveaway also goes toward heart disease research. One local person who's seen the benefits of this fundraising is Victoria Swider. She was born with heart problems and had her first of *four* open heart surgeries when she was just 13 hours old. Swider's mother says the entire family comes in, even from out-of-state, to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Several people took time out during today's Heart Run-Walk to honor slain New Hartford police officer Joseph Corr. Officer Corr was killed in the line of duty this past Monday by a robbery suspect he was chasing down. At today's events, the New Hartford Police Department had time to thank the public's outpouring of support for him and his police family.

New Hartford P.D. Lieutenant Timothy O'Neill said, “Everything that you have done has been noticed and very much appreciated. Thank you very much and please, always remember Joseph Corr, an American hero.”