Ready to go the distance?

The 2012 Relay for Life of Cuyahoga Falls is still months away, but organizers like Terri Reinhold are already recruiting teams, sponsors, volunteers and committee members.

Last year, the event brought in over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society, and Reinhold hopes to raise the bar and eclipse the six-figure contribution.

Organizers are looking for teams of 10 to 15 people to participate in the relay, with each member raising $100 a piece for the cause.

In 2011, over 500 people signed up and came out.

Those who join will enjoy a “carnival-like atmosphere” that lasts for 24 straight hours starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, she said. It will be held on the track and field of Bolich Middle School and folks will be able to camp out and take part in several activities.

Why the 24-hour period?

According to the Relay for Life's website, the time span is meant to symbolize the arc of those touched by cancer.

“There’s the initial shock of the diagnosis,” she said. “The sun sinks into darkness, despair sets in, but hope remains. The sun rises again to a new day and a new outlook.”

During the relay, survivors will be honored, a candlelight vigil will be held for those who have passed and participants will have their fill of fun and exercise.

Team members can walk, jog and even skip, if they prefer, on the middle school track, said Reinhold. The only rule is at least one member from each team must be on the track throughout the event.

For more information, refer to the Facebook page or call 1-800-227-2345.