Organizers for Saturday's American Heart Association Health Walk estimate anywhere from 300 to 400 people took part in the trek around Rapid City.

2012 Black Hills Heart Walk Chair Dale Gisi says, "We've got some great teams who come out and raise lots of dollars on their own. We have businesses who participate and help support us. The individuals, those are the folks that raise dollars and it's really something that is the backbone of this event."

Gisi says that money will go to fund critical local research and programs that are helping to lead the fight against heart disease.

Gisi says, "Right now the American Heart Association has about $1.6 million in research that's ongoing in South Dakota to help fight cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and support Mission Lifeline, which helps with emergency treatment for heart attacks."

Now, local representatives from the American Heart Association say they won't know just how much Saturday's heart walk raised for at least a few days, but they do say by- looking at participation, they should be right on track to hit their goal of $100,000.

Brendyn Medina