It ended at 9am Sunday as it started 24 hours earlier: a lap headed by cancer survivors, carers, and supported by volunteers and 100s of participants on the Alexandra Park track.
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The 2017 Border Relay for Life co-chairman Peter Whitmarsh praised the commitment of everyone involved the major Cancer Council fundraising event during Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Despite official registrations and team numbers down on last year, the financial target of $375,000 was again easily passed.
By Sunday’s official closing the overall total had hit $400,000 and was expected to rise as final donations come in.
“Each year fundraising figures do vary and we've got into the habit of setting ourselves some rather large challenges there,” he said.
“The final team numbers for this year was slightly down on last year but still an very impressive 123 teams … the final participant numbers, we recognise that as 2500, so that’s pretty good with the other activities that are in the area this weekend.”
NSW Cancer Council coordinator Emma McAuley acknowledged the commitment from Border volunteers and participants.
She said the Border event was rightly recognised as one of the great cross-border unifying events.
“We all know what a unique and special event Border Relay for Life is,” she told the crowd at the closing ceremony. “It goes far beyond being just a fundraising event.
“It is an event that connects the Border and the surrounding community members that face the same battle, have lost loved ones and genuinely think cancer sucks.
“The community spirit that drives this event each year is remarkable and something each of you should feel very proud to be a part of.”
Mr Whitmarsh said he and co-chair Kate Wilkinson had “big shoes to fill” taking over from Mr Friedlieb but was amazed by the spirit and generosity shown by the Border community.
“This community is the greatest, it really is,” he said.
“The way Albury and Wodonga come together is just perfect, and they do it year in, year old.”
Money raised goes to the Cancer Council and used for research.
It will also be used to buy a second patient transport vehicle for the Border, “so you’re seeing that back in the community straight away” Mr Whitmarsh said.
