MARIETTA - On Saturday, approximately 1,000 local residents are expected to participate in the Cobb Start! Heart Walk, an annual fundraiser hosted by the American Heart Association.

The purpose of the walk is to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living, and to raise money to fund research for the No. 1 killer of U.S. citizens, heart disease, and the No. 3 killer, stroke.

According to the organization's Web site, the walk has raised more than $190,000 as of Thursday afternoon. Cobb Start! Heart Walk assistant Jane Sanders believes the organization will reach its fundraising goal of $225,000.

"There will be a lot brought in last minute, but the numbers so far are very exciting and promising," Sanders said.

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. in Glover Park on the Marietta Square. Sanders said there will be information available on stroke and heart disease; a tribute tent for those who have died from stroke or heart disease; company-sponsored tents and a kid's play area. A welcoming program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

Most walkers will follow a 5K route, leaving north on Cherokee Street and returning to the Square traveling south on Church Street. The survivors who are walking will travel a shorter path, cutting over from Cherokee Street to Church Street via Sessions Street.

Sanders said WellStar has the largest group of participants, with 674 employees participating in the walk. Those interested in walking are encouraged to donate a minimum of $150, and can sign up online before the event or at the Square the day of the walk, Sanders said.

The program's Web site is cobbheartwalk.kintera.org.