Many local residents will gather Sunday at Sandy Creek Park to help raise money toward finding a cure for the sixth leading cause of death in the United States — diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association created America’s Walk for Diabetes six years ago and takes place in more than 275 cities across the country.

John Douglas, district manager of American Diabetes Association of Northeast Georgia, said approximately 200 people are expected to attend the event.

‘The event raised around $10,000 last year,’ Douglas said. ‘We are hoping to double that this year.’

Money raised by the event will go toward research for diabetes and educational programs in the Athens-Clarke County community.

The Athens Diabetes Wellness workshop, held every spring at the Classic Center, is an example of how money raised by this event is used, according to Douglas.

Other examples include free diabetes screenings held in March as part of the American Diabetes Alert Program and free eye screenings in November for diabetics.

People who come to the event and turn in their money, which mostly is raised through donations, will receive a t-shirt, he said.

Participants can choose from a 5-kilometer walk or a 10-kilometer run, and rest stops with food and water will be along the trail.

Bonnie Williams, area chairwoman for America’s Walk for Diabetes, said it is not too late to participate in the fund-raiser.

‘People just need to show up, and we can register them at that time,’ Williams said.

Along with participants who collected donations ahead of time, Williams said some individuals get sponsorships or pledges and turn in the money later.

Registration will begin at 1 p.m. at the pavilion at Sandy Creek Park. The walk and run will start at 2 p.m.

‘It will be an annual event around October,’ Williams said. ‘People can go ahead and mark it on their calendars.’

Williams said the organization has been trying to distribute information to the University about different opportunities and events.

‘We have a calendar of events and are constantly looking for volunteers,’ she said. ‘There are many opportunities for people.’