UTICA, N.Y. -- The "America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk" draws large crowds each year.
"You see everyone out, and it's just you get to see an array of people who come out to support a great cause," said Brianna Snyder, a walker. "It's lovely to do see that in our community because you don't see that very much anymore."
Many came out despite the cold and windy weather, Saturday.
"Wheeling it down won't be a struggle, holding it up when the wind hits like this is very hard. It's very difficult," said James Kendrick who walked in the event.
Some wore six layers of clothing for the walk. However, no matter what the weather is like, many said it's important for them to come out and support the American Heart Association because of a personal connection.
"Before I started walking, my aunt passed away in her sleep at age 55, and she passed away from Heart Disease. So, it really is a personal connection for me. That's when I started walking," said Sue Hughes, a walker.
"My grandfather was like my best friend when I was younger so losing him was hard for me so I'm hoping they can find a cure and other people don't have to deal with losing their grandfather," Snyder said.
While it was chilly, some said it wasn't the coldest ever.
Hughes has been participating since 1989.
"I've walked in blizzards before," she said. "So today's cold but, it's not the worst. We've had worse weather."
Warm or cold, many just want to help the American Heart Association and raise awareness.
"A lot of people don't realize that they could be fine one day, and then the next minute while without even realizing they even have a heart problem and passes away, so an event like this is very important," Kendrick said.
An impressive $976,143 was raised, short of their goal of $1,110,825.