Register
Register and join an event in your local community.
About Relay For Life
Relay For Life is a fun and moving experience that raises vital funds for Cancer Council WA’s research, prevention and support services. Our incredible community have been Relaying since 1985.
How it works
Spread the word
Invite friends to join you and raise funds to support those impacted by cancer.
Ready, Set...Go
Unite with your community and take strides against cancer.
History of Relay For Life
Relay For Life began in the USA in May 1985 when colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to raise awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity. He spent a gruelling twenty-four hours circulating a track in Tacoma, Washington, and raised over US$27,000, showing that one person really can make a difference.
Since then, Relay For Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world. Celebrated by more than 4 million people in over 20 countries, this inspirational overnight event empowers and unites local communities to make strides toward our ultimate vision – a cancer free future.
Relay For Life began in Australia in 1999 when the Victorian community of Murrumbeena raised over $75,000 for Cancer Council. Relays are now held in every Australian State and Territory, with more than 134,000 participants raising over $14 million each year. Every dollar raised goes towards funding Cancer Council’s vital research, prevention and support programs, many of which help people in your community every day.
Register as a Team Leader
Are you a natural leader? Do you have the passion to make a difference and help us get closer to a cancer free future? It doesn’t matter who you are — a community member, school or university student, mother, father, carer or survivor — we need you as a part of the Relay For Life movement.
Join a Team
There is no I in team, and no Relay For Life without people like you. Commit to playing your part in achieving a cancer free future by joining a team today.
Join a pre-existing team by searching for the Team Name or Team Leader’s Name. If you don’t have a team, you can still register by searching for your local event and clicking register.
If you’re registering bulk participants or require team invoicing (e.g. School Participants), please contact your local office by phoning 1300 65 65 85.
Participate as a Survivor and Carer
If you or anyone you love has ever heard the words “you have cancer”, you know that it can be life changing. No one should ever face cancer alone and getting involved in your local Relay For Life is a great way for Survivors and Carers to meet and share stories of friendship and hope.
To honour those who have either faced or cared for someone going through cancer, Survivors and Carers are invited as our Relay For Life Guests of Honour. You can choose to walk in the Survivor and Carer’s Lap of Honour or just come along for the celebrations. Our communities wouldn’t be the same without you, so thank you!
To register as a Survivor or Carer, search for your local event and click on the Survivors and Carers Lap button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Relay For Life Australia?
Relay For Life Australia is a community event where teams participate in a relay, raising vital funds for Cancer Council to support cancer patients, fund research, and provide prevention and education programs. It is a celebration of cancer survivors, remembrance of loved ones lost, and a fight to counter cancer.
Do you have to run in Relay For Life?
No, Relay For Life is not just about running. Participants can walk, jog, or run at their own pace during their turn on the track. The idea is to have at least one team member on the track at all times during the event. Relay For Life is suitable for people of all fitness levels.
Does Relay For Life go all night?
Yes, Relay For Life events often run for 18 to 24 hours, symbolising that cancer never sleeps and neither do the efforts to eliminate it. Participants are encouraged to keep their relay going throughout the night.
How long is the Relay For Life track?
The length of the Relay For Life track varies depending on the location where the event is held. There is no specific standard distance, as it can be adjusted to fit local venues such as school ovals, parks, or sports grounds across WA.
How many people do you need for a Relay For Life?
Relay For Life encourages team participation, but there’s no strict minimum or maximum number of people required to form a team. It’s about communities coming together, so teams can be as large or small as participants prefer.
How old do you have to be to do Relay For Life?
Relay For Life is open to people of all ages. However, participants under the age of 18 typically need a parent or guardian’s consent to join the event.