(Images: Alex Garland for CHS)

An estimated 2,000 walkers and runners raised thousands of dollars at the End AIDS Walk Saturday at Volunteer Park.

The annual fundraiser benefits Capitol Hill-based Lifelong which continues to provide services and support while working to reduce new HIV infections.

Of the more than 7,000 people living with HIV in King County, around 2,300 are not virally suppressed — but the Seattle area has made good progress. King County has the highest documented rate of viral suppression of any urban area in the United States, according to Frank Chaffee, manager of the HIV/STD Program for the county.

Chaffee said it is estimated that among people infected with HIV in King County, about 8% are unaware of that they are infected.

More than 100 teams registered for this year’s event as speakers including Mayor Ed Murray and the warm-up crew including the Quake rugby team helped participants on their way along the route that circled Volunteer Park and parts of 12th Ave and Broadway.

For more information or to give, visit endaidswalk.org.