What's a little snow when you're trying to bring awareness to health?

Thousands came out for the annual "America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk" in Utica.

It is one of the largest heart walks in the country sponsored by the American Heart Association. 

The event raises funds and awareness in the fight against heart disease, the country's number one killer. 

These events take place all over the country, but Utica's event has earned it the title of "America's Greatest Heart Run and Walk." 

"It's the volunteers," said Kristy Smorol, American Heart association CNY Communications Director. "It's the participants that really make us America's Greatest. We earned that title because we were the first walk in the country to raise one-million-dollars. We did it before New York City, before Dallas, before all those big cities. We did it right here in Utica. We're a small community, but we are a very heart-felt community when it comes to things like this."

The Heart Run and Walk has already raised nearly $700,000. 

That number is only expected to go up.