The 2013 Pike County Heart Walk was a night of firsts.

It was the first time the event was held at the Troy Recreation Center, and also the first night participants tracked their walking efforts at the event.

Pike County Heart Association President Elizabeth Mitchell said the event was moved so that walkers, entertainers and supporters could all feel a part of the evening. While entertainers performed and supporters mingled on the gym floor, walkers used the track above.

“It has been a big adjustment for us,” Mitchell said, “but it has been wonderful. It’s a really good crowd for us.”

Seventeen teams raised money and attended this year’s Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association. The total amount of funds raised was not available by deadline Tuesday night.

“This is our only fund-raiser,” Mitchell explained. “But it is nice that we have so much support in the community. And this is our first time really walking, even though we’ve always called it the ‘Heart Walk.’”

This year, walkers carried punch cards that were marked with each lap they made. The marks indicated what level of prize the walker would be qualified for. Gift cards and certificates to Home Gallery, Walmart and other area businesses were awarded to lucky walkers.

“When it comes down to it, heart disease is a silent killer,” Mitchell said. “Sometimes it is hard for people to admit they have a heart problem, but what we are doing here is not only raising money, but also awareness.

“We are trying to tell people that heart disease is out there and give them preventative tips.”

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said he was proud of the crowd and their efforts to support the Heart Association.

“In 1987, my grandfather Homer Reeves had five bypasses,” Reeves said, noting that research in the field of heart disease gave him many happy memories with his grandfather.

“I am very grateful for all the hard work that goes into this event.”