April 11 and April 12 was the eleventh year for Relay for Life at Clarion University, with 31 teams attending and 539 participants total.

The event, which lasted 24 hours, opened by bringing everyone together and getting them energized.

Along with a variety of events planned, such as the Survivor Lap, the participating teams had camps set up for attendees to enjoy.

After the Survivor Lap, which allowed cancer survivors to take the first lap of the event, there was a Luminaria Ceremony, where those who lost their battle were remembered, those still fighting were encouraged, and those who fought were honored.

Then, the Fight Back Ceremony was held, where this year the participants talked about sun safety.

Finally, the Closing Ceremony was held; this is a time to remember and celebrate the fight that the participants have taken up.

According to Jessica Carbaugh, the Relay Specialist for Clarion and Jefferson Counties, this year’s event had the largest turn out so far.

“The turnout was amazing. It’s never had this many. It was a record year,” said Carbaugh. “I’m absolutely impressed by how much it has grown since I was a student and how almost every organization on campus has touched it in some way.”

Together the participants have raised over $30,000.00, and there is more to come.

According to Carbaugh, there will be other smaller fundraisers coming up that will push the funds raised beyond $30,000.00.

“It’s just great to see this,” said Carbaugh. “This is just Clarion University’s Relay. Clarion County has one in June.”