The 24 hour Knoxville Cancer Relay began Thursday night as more than 75 people gathered to see the first group of runners off.

Mayor Brian Hatch welcomed the crowd after the conclusion of a cook-out meal sponsored by the Knoxville Hy-Vee and Northcote Meats. Hatch highlighted the enthusiasm for giving in Knoxville the event demonstrates. A cancer survivor walk around the Ken Locke Stadium track proceeded the 7:00 p.m. kickoff, which saw runners follow Knoxville Police and fire vehicles in their first five mile loop around Knoxville. The run will be completed at 7:00 p.m. Friday as the the runners of the last Cancer Relay loop finish just in time for the beginning of the Knoxville Panthers game against Bondurant-Farrar. The KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio will be at the stadium throughout the event making announcements and playing music.