COLUMBUS (WCMH) — The 12th annual African American Male Wellness Walk drew thousands to Livingston Park Saturday.

There was live entertainment, free health screenings, a 5K walk/run, job fair and free immunizations.

The event was founded in 2004 by a John Gregory. He says the idea was born out of a research project he had been working on. Research shows African American males die younger of preventable diseases.

Clay Robinson attended the event this year and said he makes his health a top priority, but realizes that others still haven’t made that choice.

“I know people who haven’t been to, people who don’t even go to a doctor. You can tell they even look like they’re not healthy,” said Robinson.