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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- NEMO Heart Health Corporation is hosting its first ever NEMO Heart and Sole Walk.

The 2.5 mile walk will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. beginning in Spainhower Field. Walkers will then take a lap around the track and then walk around the Kirksville R-III schools and end the walk back on the track. Registration is free and begins at 8 a.m.

Organizers said the goal of the walk is get people active, and raise awareness about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and heart disease.

"This particular walk is about being active. It's non-competitive, we're just trying to get people more active and prevent heart disease," said Lisa Archer, the Secretary of the NEMO Heart Health Board of Directors.

"We're thrilled with having over 100 signed up for it. Next year we hope to double that," said Marilyn Blickhan, NEMO Heart and Sole Walk Chair.

Blickhan said they have 11 teams signed up to participate in the walk. The proceeds will go toward the purchase of AEDs and AED education. They hope to raise $10,000 from the walk. So far, the organization has placed 54 AEDs in northeast Missouri.