Local participation in the recent Avon Beast Cancer three-day walk netted more than $71,000 for the fight against cancer.

Twenty-four women and men from Fayette County, Sharpsburg and LaGrange trained for months in preparation for the 60-mile marathon walk which started at Lake Lanier and ended at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.

The walkers included doctors, teachers, home makers, veterinarians, accountants and others, according to Amy Metzger of Peachtree City. “There are some who are survivors of breast cancer and some whose family members have been affected by the disease. Some walked in memory of friends or family members and some just walked to help raise the awareness in others,” Metzger said.

The theme of the walk was: “Early detection saves lives.” Altogether, more than $3 million was raised.