Little rest as Relay for Life hits $115k

ALL NIGHTER: Relay for Life team members continue through the night, including the "best dressed team" Back to the Eighties (right).

The total for the Cancer Society Wairarapa's Relay for Life has climbed to $115,000.

The biennial fundraiser was held on the weekend at Clareville Showgrounds, with 650 walkers across 50 teams taking part.

Two years ago, the relay was at Queen Elizabeth Park, but Wairarapa centre manager Jeanine Gribbin said the extra space at the showgrounds gave the event a "village-like" feel.

"When it was in the park, people couldn't see their teams while they were walking - but being on that big green gave it more of an open, village-like feel."

While the Tararua College team were the "clear winners" on the day, with over 500 laps recorded - the teams more advanced in years were not to be outdone.

"The Masterton Holdsworth Lions team stayed up all night - and they're not young. For seniors, they were rocking it."

Mayors John Booth and Adrienne Staples also took part, as did NZ First List MP Ron Mark, who said it had "never felt better to be sleep deprived".

Carterton Mayor Mr Booth had pledged to stay the whole time, but went home after midnight with a back injury.

He was back on the track at 5am, after getting some treatment from wife Julie.

"It was wonderful - there was so much community spirit in the air," he said.