Thousands Turn Out For 2011 Heart Run

Almost 6,000 people came out, including some of our own at KTVA CBS 11 joining in the fight against heart disease.

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By Natalie Travis

Story Created: May 2, 2011 at 10:23 AM AKDT

Story Updated: May 2, 2011 at 10:23 AM AKDT

On Saturday, the 33rd annual 2011 Heart Run for the American Heart Association went off without a hitch. It’s the largest footrace in Alaska kicking off at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus.

Almost 6,000 people came out, including some of our own at KTVA CBS 11 joining in the fight against heart disease.

In the past, race officials say the Heart Run has raised around $140,000.

This year, volunteers say they hope to make the same, especially since all proceeds go to heart disease research and education.

Race officials say every dollar is very important, because you never know which donation will fund the next important breakthrough in treatment.

The race offers both timed and non-timed 3- and 5-kilometer events.

Some who participated are survivors themselves of various forms of heart disease. One man who raced today is recovering from a quadruple by-pass surgery.

He says he's thankful his doctor caught the problem.

“Dr. Kramer is my cardiologist. He's the one who found it because I didn't have any symptoms at all which made it really special for me to find right away,” said Robert Johnston a participant and survivor.

“Heart disease has touched my family. My grandmother died of a stroke, my mother died of congestive heart failure, my uncle and my father are both multiple by-pass survivors, so it's very personal to me,” said Lisa Sauder, executive director for the American Heart Association.

Anyone who would like to help fight against heart disease is welcome to participate.

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