What Is Relay

Cancer Council’s Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It is an opportunity to get together with your community and celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

Relay For Life is a unique event where teams of 10 to 15 friends, families or colleagues challenge themselves to take turns to keep a baton moving in a relay style walk or run overnight.  There are no age limitations or fitness requirements – Relay For Life is suitable for everyone and anyone can join in the fun!  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.  Relay is a fundraising event where team members are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 each.

Whether you are a cancer survivor, a carer, supporting friends or loved ones, or simply wanting to make a difference, Relay For Life empowers everyone who participates.

Register to participate in your local Relay For Life now.

Who will you Relay for?

Celebrate at the Opening Ceremony

Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The first lap 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.  With motivation levels high, all are eager to hit the track as Relay For Life begins with all participants walking the second lap together.  Following the second lap, a special reception is held for survivors, carers and special guests.

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.

Remember at the candlelight ceremony

A time to remember, a time for hope.

As dusk settles, candle tributes are placed along the inside of the track for the start of 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.

Fight back! At the closing ceremony

After the Relay concludes and teams have celebrated successfully completing the overnight challenge, 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.