Supporters of the American Cancer Society took off running Sunday for the sixth-annual Relay for Life fundraiser at the Lied Recreation Center.

People of all ages and groups joined the event to raise money for cancer research, patient service and educational programs, which inform different age groups about cancer prevention techniques and screenings.

Many services are available to cancer patients through the American Cancer Society, including lending patients equipment without charge and providing patients transportation to treatments.

Joe Colletti, co-chair of the event, said Relay for Life is part of a national program for the American Cancer Society. He said over 50 Relays for Life are held in Iowa, and most run outdoors for 24 hours.

The Ames relay, an eight-hour event, is one of four in Iowa held inside. The eight-hour day is divided into 16 half-hour blocks, in which team members run or walk.

This year, approximately 70 teams of 12 to 20 people signed up for Relay for Life.

“It’s a team-oriented event. People try to come together and get as much money as they can for the society,” Colletti said.

Aside from the main relay, participants had access to entertainment and information booths.

“We try to keep it as fun as possible,” Colletti said. “We have groups like the Karate Club, the ISU drumline and also educational areas,” he said.

Also on the day’s schedule were appearances from Cy, Orchesis, Mud Hen the Clown and Mr. Id. Activities included free massages, a silent auction, three-hole miniature golf and face painting. Door prizes were given away every half-hour.

Some participants set up luminaries on the track and donned stickers in memory of loved ones who have died of cancer.

“There is a story on each [luminary],” said Relay for Life co-chair Ron Skrdla.

This year’s relay was in memory of Peggy Neppel Darrah, who ran for Iowa State in the 1970s. Her name appeared on all of the shirts and brochures for the event.

“She exemplifies the fight against cancer,” Skrdla said. “She fought until the end.”

Colletti said about 25 volunteers organized the event, and 25 more joined throughout the day.

“There’s great assistance from the regional American Cancer Society, but it’s really a community event,” he said. “There’s tremendous community interest and support.”

About 60 percent of the participants were affiliated with ISU.

“It’s a really good way to show your support for the cancer society,” said Kara Zeimet, freshman in pre-business. “It’s a good way for people to get out here, and anybody can walk or run.”

Farmhouse Fraternity had two teams in the relay, largely in support of a house member who had cancer.

“It’s become a tradition in our house,” said Matt Weber, junior in industrial engineering. “Two years ago one of our brothers was diagnosed with cancer. He’s recovered now, but it’s become a tradition since then.”

“It makes you feel good to go out and do something for [people with cancer],” said Dawn Holdsworth, sophomore in biology.

The Relay for Life ended with a victory lap for cancer survivors, followed by a short program and a brief awards ceremony.