Because cancer never sleeps, the seventh annual Relay For Life of the University of Oregon will be held overnight from Saturday, May 17, to Sunday, May 18.

Taking place on Turf Field #3 behind the Student Recreation Center, the event begins at 5 p.m. on May 17 with an opening ceremony and survivor lap and concludes at 8 a.m. on May 18 with sunrise yoga.

The relay, run by the ASUO’s Colleges Against Cancer, aims to bring UO community members together to support those whose lives have been impacted directly or indirectly by cancer, and to fundraise for the Eugene chapter of the American Cancer Society.

“Relay is important because it gives everyone on campus the opportunity to interact with the community and support each other and a great cause,” said Caitlin Gibson, Relay of UO chair.

This year’s Relay For Life has raised more than $20,000 from pre-event fundraising and has almost 500 people pre-registered. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the event.

Teams and individuals are encouraged to take turns walking or running. On-site tents will be available for each team at the relay and food will also be provided. A variety of events will provide entertainment throughout the event, including a silent auction, games, ceremonies, and performances by the UO Jam Squad, KAire, the UO a capella group On The Rocks, and the UO comedy group Absolut Improv

The theme of this year’s Relay For Life of the University of Oregon is sports, with numerous sports activities available for participants including soccer, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball, Frisbee, and hip-hop, Zumba and jazz dance lessons.

“We are excited because a number of professional sports teams have signed items for our silent auction at Relay, and we’ll have different sports going on throughout the event for all the participants,” said Gibson.

The silent auction will include a UO football signed by the 2013-14 UO football players, a Boston Bruins jersey signed by the 2013-14 Boston Bruins hockey players, a soccer ball signed by the 2014 Lane United FC semi-professional soccer team, and Portland Timbers items signed by midfielder Darlington Nagbe and mascot Timber Joey. Minimum bids start at $50.

For more information and a schedule of events, please visit the Relay For Life of the University of Oregon website.

– by Sarah MacKenzie, Public Affairs Communications Intern