Runners will hit the track at Ken Locke Stadium in Knoxville today for the 2017 Knoxville Cancer Relay.

Today’s activities begin with the kick-off party featuring the KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio playing music and making announcements as well as the Hy-Vee Thursday night meal for $5. The Knoxville Middle School Cross Country Team will be the first runners of the relay and will begin running at 7 p.m. Knoxville Mayor Brian Hatch tells KNIA/KRLS News It just makes him so proud to hear the crowd cheer when runners run onto the track knowing the community comes together for events like this to show support for Coaches vs Cancer.As the relay begins Iowa State Savings Bank will present a free will donation Lucas Beebe concert that will be held until 9 p.m. Proceeds from the kick-off event and relay will all go towards the annual best-in-the-nation Coaches vs Cancer event which will be held January 20th. Motor Inn of Knoxville is also donating $10 for every oil change in the month of October with a goal to raise $1500 for Coaches vs Cancer. The relay will run 24 straight hours and conclude at the beginning of the Knoxville High School football game tomorrow at 7 p.m.