More than 1000 local people have signed up to raise money for cancer research, making Rockhampton’s Relay For Life bigger than many larger cities.

This year’s event will be held at CQU Rockhampton on the weekend of May 14 and 15.

Rockhampton’s volunteer Relay For Life committee, said Central Queensland residents should take a bow after showing they had hearts as big as their region.

“This year will be the third year we have held a Relay For Life in Rockhampton, and already more than 100 teams have signed up to take part,” volunteer Chair Manager Aurilea Augustine said.

“Rockhampton will have more teams per head of population than Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.”.

Relay For Life involves teams of 10 to 15 people walking or running around a track for 18 hours to celebrate cancer survival and raise money for cancer research, cancer support services and prevention and early detection.

The event will start at 3pm with a Survivors’ Walk, dedicated to and honouring cancer survivors who lead the way in the first lap, proudly wearing red sashes.

One of the most moving aspects of the event comes after the sun goes down, when the perimeter of the track is illuminated with hundreds of candle tributes, each inscribed with personal messages and lit in honour and support of someone fighting cancer or in memory of loved ones.

As the participants walk or run throughout the night, the glowing candle tributes remind and inspire them that the fight against cancer is about real people in their community.

Organisers are still keen to hear from prospective teams, people interested in joining an existing team or people interested in taking part in the Survivors’ Walk. Details are available by calling 1300 65 65 85.