Lake Zurich Relay for Life Starts Saturday, at LZHS

The Lake Zurich/Wauconda American Cancer Society Relay For Life will be held this weekend at 

The event runs from Saturday, June 9, at 6 p.m., until Sunday, June 10, at 6 a.m.

While the main objective of Relay For Life is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, the event helps spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer and unite a community in the fight against cancer.

Interesting Facts:  

• · As of June 7, two days before the Relay, the totals are 293 participants registered. 35 teams. $90,921 raised.
• · Leading teams include “Team McNelly,” “Doin’ it for Dave” and “Cougars Cowgirls and Cowboys.”
• · Lake Zurich football team is providing onsite volunteer coverage.

History of Relay For Life

One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. 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.