RALEIGH -- Thousands of people hit the pavement to raise awareness for autism in Raleigh Saturday morning.
It was all part of the 17th annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism.
A member of one of the running teams, who runs for his daughter.
His team alone raised more than $8,000 to help improve the lives of those affected by the disorder.
"People don't realize how big this is, people don't realize how much autism is becoming more in the news every day and when you have this many people out here, it really makes a difference in the lives of people who are struggling,” said Holly Springs resident Troy Smith.
The annual event has raised more than $2 million to date.