Need to Know: Solon Relay for Life Fast Approaching

The 2011 Solon Relay For Life is fast approaching, and Solon Patch is your go-to place for information about this great annual event.

If you don't know, Relay For Life is an American Cancer Society event where people camp out at a local school and park and to celebrate those who have battled cancer and raise money to fight the disease.

Teams made up of your neighbors and co-workers take turns walking laps around a track during the entire event. Teams are supposed to have at least one member on the track at all the time during the overnight event.

Since the event began in 1985 and spread across the country, Relay has raised more than $4 billion.

Here are Five Things you need to know about Solon's 2011 Relay:

1. The relay begins at 3 p.m. June 10 and lasts through 9 a.m. the next day. The event takes place at at the stadium.

2. You need to register soon if you want a Relay T-Shirt. Participants hoping to sport their shirt on the day of the event should register by May 13 by visiting Solon's Relay for Life website. When you register you can start a new team, join an existing team or sign up as an individual walker. It's $10 to register.

You can still register after May 13 and anyone is welcome to come to the Relay to enjoy the event.

3. A 5k Race is set for 7:30 a.m. June 11. The race begins and ends at the Solon High School stadium, and it's $20 to register. You can register the day of the race beginning at 6 a.m. or register in advance online. The first 75 registrants will get a T-shirt.

Contact Bruce Rutsky at 216-702-1121 or brutsky@ps-law.com with questions about the 5k.

4. Relay for Life has a number of inspirational events planned during the event. The survivor ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. June 10 and the luminaria ceremony – where hundreds of candles are lit in bags, each one bearing the name of someone who has fought cancer – is set to begin at dusk. Cancer survivors are also invited to a complimentary dinner at after the survivor ceremony (you need to register for the event as a survivor to attend.)

5. Questions? Contact SharonDail Ramirez at 440-241-7449.  You can also visit the Relay website and on Facebook to learn more. And stay tuned to Solon Patch for a blog by one of the event's organizers.