The Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society, and is coming to San Diego’s Morley Field on Saturday, Aug. 27. The relay starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and concludes Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

On the day of the relay, teams of friends, families and co-workers take turns walking around the track. The goal is to have someone on the track for the entire 24 hours. Teams also are invited to camp out overnight, creating a tent city in the middle of the track.

Relay for Life takes place in more than 4,000 communities across the country and is an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the battle, educate the community on early detection and prevention of cancer, and recruit new volunteers for the American Cancer Society’s programs and services.

Funds raised by Relay for Life enable the American Cancer Society to continue providing local services such as Reach to Recovery, a peer-to-peer support program for women with breast cancer; and I Can Cope, a series of classes to educate those touched by cancer. Money raised also supports cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Cancer survivors are invited to participate in the Survivors Lap, part of the opening ceremony. This walk celebrates their life, recognizes their battle, and provides testimony to the fact that so many people today survive cancer.

The Luminaria Ceremony takes place at sundown. Luminaria bags, bearing the names of people who have battled cancer, are filled with sand and a candle and line the track, lighting the way for the walkers throughout the night.

Participation is $10 per person, but the fee can be waived. Each team member is encouraged to raise money in the weeks leading up to the event.

To join the Front Runners & Walkers San Diego team, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to the registration page. Go to the “Sign Up Here” link on the left and look for Front Runners & Walkers under the “Join a Team” menu list. For additional information, call (619) 446-7447 or (858) 794-0039.