About 1,300 riders from across the country took part in the “7 Hills of Kirkland” benefit bike ride Memorial Day, May 26, race organizers said last week.

Drawing participants from as far away as Alaska, California, Montana and New Mexico, the ride raised approximately $72,000 for Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing (KITH), said Chris Fox, president of KITH’s board of directors. An Eastside nonprofit, KITH helps local low-income families and individuals secure permanent housing.

7 Hills of Kirkland is a ride — not a race — and does not recognize a timed individual winner.

Last year the ride attracted about 1,100 riders and raised nearly $66,000.

About 87 to 88 percent of the money brought in this year will go directly to KITH, with the rest going to cover race expenses, Fox said.