Photos: 2017 Heart Run

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Aurora Williams, 9, splashes water on her mother, Audrie Williams, during the Heart Run on Saturday, April 22, 2017, in Anchorage’s university district. The Heart Run, a benefit for the American Heart Association, is one of Alaska’s largest races. (Rugile Kaladyte / Alaska Dispatch News)

Every drop of perspiration paled compared to the flood of inspiration. Occasional grimaces were heavily outweighed by constant grins. And pain didn't rate a place on the podium when there was so much pleasure around that happiness took win, place and show.

The annual Alaska Heart Run is a 5-kilometer footrace, an untimed 3K run/walk and a fundraiser for the American Heart Association in the fight to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke — organizers ballpark the race's proceeds this year at $240,000.

Read the rest of the Heart Run story here.