Volunteer Park overflows with AIDS Walk 2009

(Photo: Jeff Romeo special to CHS)

An estimated 2,500 people came out for the 2009 walk for AIDS, held by the Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Now in its 23rd year, the event hopes to raise money and continued awareness of the disease as well as bring the community together around a common cause. According to Executive Director David Richart, this year's total reached half of a million dollars as of Saturday morning after 10 weeks of fundraising. 

After a quick stretch led by the Rain City Soccer team, the giant crowd took off, led by the student AIDS awareness group Aspen. The 5k route took participates down 12th Ave. all the way to Union, and back up to Volunteer Park via Broadway. Some chanting, some just chatting, participants filled the blocked off streets with what appeared to be a never ending chain of people.

(Photo: Jeff Romeo special to CHS)

After the route was completed, walkers and runners were greeted with music, food, and plenty of water in addition to the cheering group of hundreds of volunteers that made the event possible.

(Photo: Lucas Anderson)

(Photo: Jeff Romeo special to CHS)