What is Relay for Life?

Relay for Life is an overnight team event to raise funds for cancer research. It's hours of fun, with the challenge of completing a relay style walk/run. Everyone is welcome. This is an event for people of all ages and levels of fitness, it is open to everyone in the community. You can gather a team of friends, family or workmates.

At the Relay, teams of 10 or more participants take turns to keep their baton moving overnight, while a festive atmosphere is created with entertainment, camping out and spot prizes. Highlights include the Cancer Survivors' Walk (first lap) and the Candlelight Ceremony at dusk.

History

One man. One track. One goal. In 1985 an American Cancer Society volunteer, Dr Gordy Klatt, put on his jogging gear and headed for the local oval after a good friend of his succumbed to cancer. Twenty-four hours and 81 miles later, Dr Klatt had raised US$27,000 in sponsored donations for the American Cancer Society.

Since then Relay for Life has developed into the world's largest fundraising event and from its humble beginnings is now held in over 3,000 locations in the USA. From July 2000 to June 2001 alone, Relay for Life raised over US$212 million for the American Cancer Society's research and prevention programs.