The first set of runners began the 2017 Knoxville Cancer Relay at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Runners started running as a free will donation Lucas Beebe concert presented by Iowa State Savings Bank began. The runners took off in either one mile, three mile, or five mile loops with a new group of runners leaving at the top of every hour for 24 straight hours. Before the runners hit the track a kick-off party was held which featured the KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio playing music and making announcements as well as the Hy-Vee Thursday night meal. The 2017 Cancer Relay will continue through Friday with the last runners finishing before the start of the Knoxville High School football game at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the kick-off event and relay will go toward 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 $1,500 for Coaches vs Cancer.