South Jersey Relay for Life All-Night Run Friday

Nearly $9,000 has been raised so far and not one foot has hit the track yet for this year's Relay for Life event at Haddon Heights High School on Friday.

During Relay For Life events, participants camp out overnight at a local school, park, or fairground, and take turns walking or running around a track or path, the American Cancer Society said. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay events take place overnight, lasting up to 24 hours.

The Haddon Heights event currently has 17 teams and 118 participants. It will last 13 hours, from 6 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday. The high school is located at 301 Second Ave., Haddon Heights.

Registration opens at 4 p.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a dinner for cancer survivors and a caregiver immediately following opening ceremonies, provided by the Barrington-Haddon Heights Lions Club.

"There will be music and entertainment as well as a variety of games, activities and competitions throughout the night. Since cancer never sleeps, for one night, we won’t either," said Marissa Grossman of the American Cancer Society.

One of the most touching moments during a Relay For Life event is the Luminaria Ceremony, scheduled to take place at 10:30 p.m., honoring the community’s cancer survivors and remembering those lost to the disease. Participants will circle a track that is surrounded with glowing luminaria that bears the name of someone who has battled cancer. Luminaria may be purchased for $10 by calling 856-616-1650 or by visiting www.relayforlife.org/haddonheightshsnj.

Also a part of Haddon Heights High School’s Relay For Life event is the Fight Back Ceremony, in which a community leader will inspire relay participants with his or her own commitment and will challenge them to take a personal pledge of action, such as, stop smoking, eat more healthily or exercise regularly.

If you plan to attend the event, please share you pictures for all of South Jersey to see by uploading them to this story by clicking here.