Ashland University hosted its second annual Relay for Life for the fight against cancer in the Recreational Center April 2.

This year a new theme was introduced to the event. The theme “Gettin’ Around For A Cure” involved teams decorating their campsites to fit the country that they had chosen for Relay.

Some of the countries that were chosen were the USA, England, Italy, Japan, and South Africa. The inclusion of other countries created a multicultural theme which symbolized not only fighting cancer in our own back yard, but fighting cancer among other nations.

Junior Hallie Mast enjoyed the second annual Relay for Life held at AU.

“I feel like Relay for life is a great way for individual organizations, campus and the community to work collaboratively for a really great cause,” Mast said. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and our goal is to work so that no one has to feel those effects again.”

This year’s Relay for Life had a good mix between students, faculty and the community. It started April 2 at 9 a.m. and continued until April 3 at 3 a.m.

Many other events were being held at the same time as Relay. The events ranged from athletic tournaments to judged competitions.

There were several tournaments, such as a Dodgeball and a World Cup Soccer tournament. The competitions that people participated in were a talent competition, free-style dancing and a Miss Relay Pageant.

Mast thought the events and competitions were a good addition to Relay for Life.

“The events worked really well because they pulled in people from different organizations and got everyone involved,” Mast said. “There was something for everybody to generate excitement and enthusiasm for Relay.”

AU’s inaugural Relay for Life occurred in Kates Gymnasium where there seemed to be a lack of space. Participants appreciated this year’s Relay being in the Rec. Center.

Kyle Watson, a sophomore, is one of those people.

“Moving the Relay from Kates to the Rec. [Center] was a great idea because it allowed for bigger campsites as well as plenty of space for people to walk from country to country, or campsite to campsite,” Watson continued. “The elevated track helped with space for everyone to enjoy their time at many of the different campsites while they were at the Relay.”

This year, over 22 teams participated. They all accepted donations and contributed the money to the American Cancer Society.

AU’s Relay for Life event raised over $13,000 this year and is still receiving donations online. Together, AU’s two annual Relays have raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society.

For more information about the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life, visit www.relayfor life.org.