Geelong’s Relay for Life to return

RELAY for Life will return to Geelong in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging Geelong locals to join the Relay For Life movement at this year’s event, to be held at St Albans Reserve in Thomson on October 8.

The fundraising event empowers communities to come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against cancer.

During Relay for Life, teams complete laps around a track or oval to signify that every day, we’re making strides towards a cancer-free future.

There has been a Surf Coast Relay for Life in previous years, which has been held at Spring Creek Reserve in Torquay or Banyul-Warri Fields in Torquay North , but a Cancer Council Victoria spokesperson said this would not be the case in 2022 as the Geelong event would be “for the entire region”.

An average of 1,602 people are diagnosed with cancer in Greater Geelong each year, making Relay For Life fundraising for Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer research, prevention, information, and support services vitally important.

More than 134,000 participants on average take part in Relay For Life events nationally, raising about $14 million each year.

There several ways you can be part of Relay For Life, including becoming a team leader or joining a team, becoming a member of your local Relay For Life committee or volunteering at your local Relay For Life event.

Cancer Council Victoria community giving manager Renee Gani said Relay For Life events were a chance for whole communities to unite for a common cause.

“Relay For Life is such a beloved, unique event and allows people to make a difference in the communities.

“After the challenges our community has faced during the past two years, we’re thrilled that Relay For Life is back in 2022 and can’t wait to see Geelong locals come together once again for such a special day.”

Relay For Life began in the USA in May 1985 when colorectal surgeon Dr Gordy Klatt wanted to raise awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity.

He spent 24 hours circulating a track in Tacoma, Washington, and raised more than $27,000 USD (equivalent to about $72,000 USD or $100,000 AUD today).

Since then, Relay For Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world and is celebrated by more than four million people in more than 20 countries, including in Australia since 1999.

To learn more and register your Relay For Life team, head to relayforlife.org.au