Boot camp Melbourne

Walk or run

There are no rules about how fast your baton should move around the track, just keep it moving!

Most teams elect to walk, with each team member choosing how often, for how long and at what pace. It is common to walk in 30 to 60-minute shifts. Many find it more enjoyable to walk in pairs.

Some teams, particularly athletic clubs, enjoy the challenge of running the event and competing for the Highest Laps awards. Running teams are advised to prepare carefully, and consider the fitness of every team member, the scheduling of running and rest, and appropriate food, drinks and shade.

Lap counting

Although Relay For Life is not a race, many teams record their laps to compete for the prize of the most laps completed for a team or individual. Progress lap scores are announced or posted at the event to create interest during the 24 hours.

Ceremonies

Opening ceremony
With all tents pitched, batons at the ready and runners and walkers standing by, the Opening Ceremony sets the tone for the event. As the Relay For Life Oath is read, the faces of the participants tell a story: a personal story of challenge, strength and hope that will drive them through the hours and laps that lie ahead. As the countdown finishes, the Relay begins with the first lap: the Survivors'  Walk.

Survivors' walk

The guests of honour
The first lap honours cancer survivors, who take to the track proudly wearing red sashes, joined by their carers in green sashes. Participants line the track to applaud the courage of those in red and the strength and support provided by those in green.

All cancer survivors are welcome, whether or not they are part of a team. Participants include those who are now cancer-free, and those who are undergoing treatment.

Cancer survivors and their carers are the guests of honour. The Cancer Council encourages all who have taken part in the walk to come to the survivors and carers function held immediately after the first lap.

Candlelight ceremony

A time to remember

This is the defining element of Relay For Life. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and to show support for those living with cancer. The candle tribute bags line the track inscribed with personal messages of love and support, and as they burn throughout the night, they guide and inspire tired bodies to keep on going.

Closing ceremony

The final lap at each Relay For Life captures the sense of camaraderie of the participants by enabling all team members to walk together and reflect on their achievement. Presentations are made to special contributors to the fundraising tally and on the track, with the knowledge that it is the spirit of an entire community that has the power to make a difference.

Entertainment

Many performers generously donate their services to Relay For Life, including bands, dance groups, acrobats, celebrity guests and more. Individual committees work hard to compile an exciting mix of entertainment to keep up motivation levels into the night.

Camp out

Team campsite
All or part of the team may choose to camp overnight, and/or use their allocated camping space as a meeting place. Ideally at least six people from a team stay for the night shift, with fresh team members arriving first thing in the morning. Venue facilities vary, however every venue will have toilet facilities. Campsites are generally not powered. It is advisable to bring warm sleeping bags, rugs, deck chairs and torches.

Have a team theme
Teams are encouraged to develop a team theme, team baton, team banner and to decorate their campsite. We recommend appointing a 'Theme Master' for each team. This team member is  in charge of choosing a theme, ensuring all team members are in costume and theming the campsite.

Go for prizes

At most Relays awards are given for:
Highest team fundraiser
Highest individual fundraiser
In 2005 our highest national recorded team fundraiser was a team at Moonee Valley in Victoria which raised over $53,000. The highest individual fundraiser, from Geelong in Victoria, raised $13,000 in 2003. An amazing effort!

Individual Relays also give away spot prizes including:

Best dressed team
Best decorated team tent site
Most laps by an individual
Most laps by a team

Register a team