THE largest Relay for Life event in the country will set off from Birallee Park on Saturday.
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The Border Relay for Life assumed the mantle of largest relay from Sutherland Shire Relay for Life in 2016.
Border Relay for Life chairman Carl Friedlieb welcomed the change in ranking.
“Sutherland Shire has a huge region to draw from and Albury-Wodonga draws from a population of 110,000,” he said.
“It’s something we’re very proud of.”
Mr Friedlieb said a total of 2121 participants had already registered for the Border Relay for Life on Saturday and Sunday.
He said there were 131 teams registered as of Friday.
“We’re really pleased to get the number of participants we do every year,” he said.
“Albury-Wodonga has one of the highest youth participation rates in the country – 18 schools are registered for the event.”
Mr Friedlieb said in 2016 organisers had focused on “why” they continued to draw strong numbers to Relay for Life.
“The ‘why’ can only be epitomised by stories like #TeamJacka,” he said.
Border real estate agent and cancer survivor Sharon Jacka was named Relay Hero 2016 in Albury this week after being nominated by her daughter Andrea Lever.
Mrs Jacka’s son Karl was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer early in 2016.
Mr Friedlieb said the Survivor and Carer’s Lap was always a highlight of the weekend after the official opening at 9am Saturday.
He said a new feature this year was the Miss Genesis Challenge – women’s obstacle course at 5.30pm.
“The Hope ceremony at 8pm is another highlight with a bagpiper from The Scots School Albury, Isobel Byrt,” he said.
“300-400 people will be walking right through the night.”
The Northern Folk performs at 8.45pm.
Border Relay for Life opens at 9am Saturday and runs until 9.30am Sunday.
Adult and youth registrations are $20 on the day.
Relay for Life raises funds for Cancer Council's research, prevention and support services.
Border Relay for Life had raised $288,000 to Friday with a target of $375,000.
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