Tigard/Tualatin Relay for Life 5k
The Relay for Life 5k Run is an additional event at the Tigard Tualatin Relay for Life this year. You do not have to be signed up as part of a relay team in order to participate. The 5k run benefits the American Cancer Society the same way that the relay does.
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship
and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During
the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns
walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the
track at all times. The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer
never sleeps. Through the survivors' lap and the luminaria ceremony, we honor the
people who have faced cancer first hand, and we remember those who have been lost
to this disease. Relay for Life is the biggest single fundraiser in the world,
bringing in over 2 BILLION dollars since 1985. Our event in Tualatin alone has
raised over $15,000 last year, and we hope to get up to over $30,000 this year.
History Of Relay For Life:
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance
the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally
raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed; running marathons.
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.
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