Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus turned a hazy shade of purple on Saturday evening as runners wearing purple polo shirts began their Relay for Life.

Hosted by the Griffith University’s Student Guild and Cancer Council Queensland, more than 30 teams of runners made up of 10-15 people took turns to keep a baton moving in a relay style walk or run for 18 hours through the night from 3pm Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning at 9am.

The competitors each paid a registration fee of $20 which included a purple Relay for Life polo shirt and breakfast with their new found friends.

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Event organiser, Steve Harris from the Griffith University Student Guild, said they were very encouraged by the number of people who took part in the event.

“We are so proud of the efforts of all of those that participated in the event,” said Steve.

“I believe it was a wonderful experience for all that will continue to grow at Griffith University in the future.”

“We had 32 teams registered at the event and as of right now we have officially raised $32,018 with funds continued to be banked over the next two weeks.”

“We would like to offer special thanks to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ian O’Connor for his role as Relay Patron, plus Dr. Robyn Cameron representing Griffith faculty and cancer survivors, the Cancer Council Queensland and the Griffith University Gold Coast Relay for Life planning committee, which consisted mainly of Griffith students.”

The overnight event was held at the Gold Coast campus for the first time this year and competitors and supporters were invited spend the night or just visit and enjoy the free entertainment, prizes and ceremonies that make Relay For Life such an inspirational event.

It brought together family, friends and colleagues of all ages with the community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise money to fight back against a disease that takes too much.

All funds raised by the relay teams and through donations made during the event will all be invested into Cancer Council Queensland’s vital cancer research.