Some local residents used exercise to benefit their hearts in more ways than one today.

Around 300 people attended the Southeast Ohio Heart Walk held at Sulsberger Memorial Stadium today to raise money for the American Heart Association.

“The Heart Walk is the priority event because we feel who better to promote cardiovascular fitness through their fundraiser than us,” said Becky Leija, corporate relations consultant American Heart Association.

The goal of the Heart Association is to reduce death and disability due to cardiovascular disease and stroke. To help accomplish their mission they need to raise money for research.

“It’s the number one killer of men and women and unfortunately the new technology, the new devices, the research is all very expensive, so this is the main reason of importance of raising money to try to fund those projects,” said Keith Brantley, Heart Walk keynote speaker.

Today’s event is expected to raise more than $50,000 for the American Heart Association.