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.
3 comments
Fantastic event
Posted on 24-03-2013 14:34 | By Shannanagen
The event was fantastic and the organisers did an amazing job. It was an honour to have past and present cancer fighters joining in. I just have to say though, teams weren't just of 10 or more. We had 3 full time members with 3 extras doing hour stints. Our longest runner ran for 4 hours straight and another for 3 and they ran more than once. Everyone did an amazing job whether running or walking and the support from the sideline was amazing. The light ceremony was held last night. We are already looking forward to next years event.
100km
Posted on 24-03-2013 14:39 | By Shannanagen
I should also mention - there was another participant who ran/walked 100km in support of someone he knew. I'm not entirely sure but I think he did it all in one go! Amazing effort!
100km
Posted on 25-03-2013 10:21 | By mikescottt
It was me that ran the 100k ... I ran for 40 mins each hour (resting/eating/drinking for the other 20) ... Just want to say THANK YOU for the amazing support that I got, not just from my team, but also from everyone else on the track. I got so many words of encouragement and support. My favourite was from a little old lady who said "haven't you finished it yet?" when I had about 30k to go! ... she kept an eye on me though and we counted down the k's. It was an unbelievable, fantastic, torturous roller coaster of a ride! :) Well done to the organisers. It was a fantastic event. Same again next year?
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