JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands turned out for the 2013 First Coast Heart Walk Saturday morning, raising over $1 million for the American Heart Association.
The walk began at 9 a.m.
"I just watched 18,000 people at the start line, and we've still got people coming to show up to take part in this," the American Heart Association's Lori Strange-Parlor said Saturday on The Morning Show.
Strange-Parlor says the event not only helps raise money for a good cause, but also reminds participants of the importance of prevention.
"It's all about being motivated sometimes, we get so busy and have so many things bringing us down, we tend to neglect our health. We make excuses, so we hope today that we aren't only raising dollars but we are also raising awareness about prevention," said Strange-Parlor. "Almost 80 percent of all cardio incidents can be prevented."
As of noon Saturday, the walk had raised over $1 million, according to the First Coast Heart Walk's website.