"The relay is a way we can all get together and celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers; remember loved ones lost to cancer; and fight back against a disease that affects one in three New Zealanders."
The relay kicks off with the opening ceremony at 11am which involves cancer survivors and caregivers leading the first lap of the event.
From then the relay begins and team members can either jog or run for 30 minute intervals.
The day finishes with a candlelit ceremony at 11pm.
A woman, who wanted to be known as Mary, couldn't thank the Cancer Society enough.
Thinking she was going through menopause, Mary ignored her symptoms until a sudden medical event. A specialist then confirmed endometrial cancer.
She was then sent to Wellington for further tests but because she didn't meet the national transport criteria received no financial support.
"This was when I made contact with the Cancer Society. They arranged accommodation at Margaret Stewart and gave me petrol vouchers to help with the travel costs."
Mary was unable to work and began to struggle to cope with chemotherapy.
Again the local cancer society stepped up and provided her with a supportive care person.
"The massages at the Cancer Society were great, so was meeting other women at the support group and they also referred me to Strengthening physiotherapy for cancer patients."
Mary returned to Wellington for surgery and the society again helped with the cost of accommodation and travel.
"If they hadn't have been there I would have been sent home in a bus, at least a five hour journey."
Mary said the Cancer Society were there for everything.
"When I knew they were selling knitted Daffodils for Daffodil Day I started knitting a whole load of them, when they asked for help with the Daffodil Day stall I was there, and I have now been at several fundraising events helping out."
"When I asked for help they never said 'no' so how could I then say 'no' when they need a little bit of help."
To support people like Mary enter a team at www.relayforlife.org.nz or contact the Cancer Society at the Hawke's Bay office, 207 Nelson St South, Hastings.