Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. It is a unique, challenging, and fun way that allows individuals from all walks of life to join together to fight cancer by raising money and awareness.

Participants form teams of 8-15 people, taking turns walking or running on the track for 18 hours. Teams are organized by friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and civic groups. Each team is asked to raise a minimum of $100 per team member.

The Relay for Life provides 18 hours of live family entertainment -- contests, karaoke, children's games, and more! Teams bring tents, food, grills, coolers and supplies needed to enjoy the "party with a purpose!"

History
Relay For Life began in Tacoma, Washington in 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt ran and walked solo around a track for 24 hours, traveling 81 miles. He raised $27,000 for the fight against cancer. Dr. Klatt’s vision of creating a relay-style team event materialized the next year when 19 teams participated. What started as a local dream has swept across the country to more than 2,800 communities netting over $169 million nationwide.

In 2001, Relay For Life took place in 117 communities throughout Ohio and raised $8 million for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient support programs.