Relay For Life is an incredible overnight event that is an opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to get together with the community and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

It is a unique event where teams of 10 to 15 challenge themselves to take turns to keep a baton moving in a relay style walk or run overnight. Each event is unique and you can stay for the whole event, camp overnight, or just visit and enjoy the free entertainment, prizes and ceremonies that make Relay For Life so inspirational.

Each person on the team pays a registration fee which includes a polo shirt and breakfast at the event. Participants are supported in their fundraising efforts in the lead up to the event.

There are no age limitations or fitness requirements – Relay For Life is suitable for everyone and anyone can join in the fun! Register to participate in your local Relay For Life now.

Relay for Life is about celebrating those who have battled against cancer. The first lap of Relay honours cancer survivors and carers who take to the track proudly wearing coloured sashes. All participants gather around the track to applaud the courage and strength shown by those completing the lap.

All cancer survivors and carers are welcome to take part in the walk whether they are part of a team or not. Survivors are those who are now cancer-free or those who are currently undergoing treatment. Carers include those walking with the person they cared for and those walking in honour of a loved one lost.

As survivors and carers complete the opening lap, all Relay For Life participants are to join together for the second lap. Following the second lap, a special reception is held for survivors, carers and special guests.

“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma 4 years ago and underwent chemotherapy & radiation to eradicate it. The Cancer Council was instrumental in assisting me & my family with understanding, the cancer and the treatment. My team (eye of the tiger) and I participated in the inaugural Melbourne City relay at Alexander Gardens on the 5th & 6th of December 2009.

My co-captain and I were given the great opportunity to close the relay with relay for life oath. It was truly memorable.” Maisi Ahuja, Team Captain

The candlelight ceremony is a time to remember and a time for hope.

As dusk settles, candle tributes are lit for the Candlelight Ceremony. For a small donation, you can light a candle to honour and support someone living with cancer or in memory of a loved one lost. Bags inscribed with messages of love, remembrance and hope give a warm glow to inspire Relay participants as they walk through the night.

After the Relay concludes and teams have celebrated successfully completed the overnight challenge they take part in the special closing ceremony that celebrates the achievements of the Relay, including prizes for individuals and teams and provides everyone with an opportunity to keep on fighting.

During this ceremony, you make a pledge to continue the fight against cancer in your own special way. Perhaps it’s as simple as getting a mammogram, recommending your neighbour or father get a health check, committing to losing weight, or telling your neighbour to call Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 to get more information on their cancer diagnosis. Such simple steps can and do save lives.