"It's a fundraiser for the Cancer Society but, when you get there, you see it's so much more. It's about support for those with cancer. It all comes down to that support."
Music played throughout the evening, starting with live acts, and continuing with recorded songs to keep spirits high.
"There's always entertainment, we do that because we need to create the energy.
"Live music goes until midnight, then we switch to quieter taped songs so people can sleep."
Some groups dressed up to add to the fun, with participant Coralie White describing the weekend as the biggest she had attended.
"I was there at the beginning for the survivors' lap. We helped with an afternoon tea for them. I did 3-4pm and then came back at 4am. It's just great, there were a lot of people here."
Her group, donning pink and purple tulle wreaths, were brought together by Ann Minell and consisted of women who had been touched by cancer.
In her day-to-day work, Ms White fitted those who had gone through the breast cancer journey with bras after surgery.
"It's the first step to making them feel normal again," she said.
As the sun rose yesterday, supporters were met with beautiful blue skies, an optional 6am Zumba class and breakfast cooked by the Lions, before purple "pledge" balloons were sent into the air.
"It was wonderful this time, because the sky was so clear. Each balloon contained a pledge of how people are going to help fight cancer, whether it be eating healthier or losing weight. It's very personal. We actually ran out of balloons and let 1000 into the sky."
At 9am a weary crowd gathered around the stage for a heartfelt thank you, prayer, songs and farewell.
The annual event would not be possible without sponsors who donated their time, produce or money to keep costs down and raise funds, Ms Kirk said.
"It's amazing and so uplifting to know the Hawke's Bay people are behind this. Breakfast is always supplied by The Mad Butcher and Greenmeadows New World, they just ask what we need. Heavens Bakery puts on an afternoon tea for the survivors. That means the money raised goes to what it's raised for - people with cancer."
Editorial, p10
More pictures, p14-15