More than 1,700 students at The University of Toledo will split into teams and put their best feet forward this weekend to celebrate cancer survivors and raise money for cancer research.

Team members will take turns walking or running the track for 12 straight hours at the Student Recreation Center during the UT Relay for Life from 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

“We want students to have a fun time and at the same time understand how cancer affects everyone,” said UT student Toby Bolte, director of this year’s Relay for Life on campus. “We want to show our appreciation for the survivors and caregivers. Most importantly, we want to honor all those we have lost to cancer.”

Relay for Life started at UT in 2001. This year’s goal is to raise $60,000.

“Our event has continued to grow throughout the years,” said UT student Kylee Peppers, external director for the event organizing committee. “If we were to meet our goal of 2,000 participants, it would help us further our mission and surpass our fundraising goal by that much more.”

So far, more than 54 teams of more than 1,700 people have raised approximately $38,000.

“We’ve been working on reaching our goal throughout the semester by holding events – bake sales, restaurant fundraisers, a 5-K – and by encouraging individuals to get donations from family and friends,” said UT student Katie Smith, administrative director of UT Relay for Life. “We also have sold luminaries that people can decorate in honor or memory of someone who has battled cancer.”

The theme of this year’s event is “Remembering the Past, Fighting the Present and Curing the Future: Relay Through the Ages.”

It will begin with a celebration of survivors. A ceremony at the halfway point will honor loved ones. Participants will have the chance to share why they relay.

“We hope to keep Relay participants busy all night long with a wide variety of games, activities, entertainment and food options,” said UT student Mitch Hering, internal director of the event.

To sign up for the event, visit relayforlife.org/UT.