Thousands participate in run at Piedmont Park to raise money for HBCU students

ATLANTA - Thousands of runners hit the streets on Saturday morning to help send students to historically Black colleges and universities.

The 16th Annual Atlanta HBCU Alliance 5K Run/Walk kicked off at 8 a.m. at Piedmont Park. 

The annual fundraising event started in 2008 with around 250 participants. Now, thousands of people participate each year.

The goal this year is to raise $100,000. It's the largest annual fundraiser for the organization. The event helps make scholarships possible for local students who plan to attend a HBCU.

There was also a virtual race option for supporters who were unable to attend in person.

Organizers say they teamed up with CareSource this year to give up to $5,000 worth of book grants to 10 metro Atlanta students, who will be randomly selected from applicants who attended today's walk.

So far, the event has raised more than $88,000.