It was a small sacrifice for the hundreds of people who walked the iconic Relay for Life marathon this weekend as they remembered loved ones who lost their lives to cancer.

Hundreds of people walked the Relay for Life this weekend. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The Relay for Life returned to Tauranga following a four year hiatus from the city with Tauranga's first relay held in March, 2005.

Tauranga City Councillor and paralympian Tony Christiansen, who was chosen to be a patron for the event, launched the relay in November last year by completing a lap of the track on Tauranga's waterfront.

This weekend, around 36 teams - a total of around 400 people teamed up, walked the 22 hour relay marathon held on The Strand this weekend to show their support for the Cancer Society.

Teams of ten took part in 30 minute walks around the waterfront, with one hour intervals.

People of all ages participated in the relay including babies who came with their families, high school teams and businesses.

Some stayed in camping sites which were set up on The Strand for people when they weren't on the track.

All funds go towards the Cancer Society to provide supportive care for cancer patients, their careers, family and friends in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region.

The funds also assist cancer research and provide the public with information on ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart and healthy lifestyle.