Hundreds of Reston residents will walk miles and miles at the South Lakes High School track over 18 hours this weekend as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life returns.

Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society event that takes place annually in more than 6,000 communities. Individuals and teams walk around a track overnight to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember lost loved ones, and raise money towards fighting the disease.

Relay for Life Reston hopes to raise $200,000 this year. 

Reston’s events begin with opening ceremonies at 1 p.m., featuring SLHS Principal Kimberly Retzer; FCPS School board reps Pat Hynes and Ilryong Moon; Supervisor Cathy Hudgins; and Reston Founder Robert E. Simon).

There will also be a Survivors Lap as part of the opening ceremony. At 9 p.m., there will be a Luminaria Ceremony, where candlelit luminaria bags line the track in remembrance of those lost and in honor of those fighting cancer.

In between, there will be lots of activities and fun for participants and spectators, including a children’s tent, moonbounce, silent auction, live music and more. See the full list on the Reston Relay for Life website.

The event wraps up at 7 a.m. Sunday.

Photo: Reston Relay for Life 20122/Credit: Organicsauce via Flickr