It was an emotional experience for the runners who participated in the first annual Knoxville Cancer Relay earlier this month.

10 runners started on opposite ends of Highway 92 and ran the length of Iowa, a total of 275 miles, to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Judd Nelson of Celebrate Community Church who was one of the runners that started in Council Bluffs said the run into Ken Locke Stadium was inspirational. He said he was tired as they made their approach, but once he hit the ramp of the stadium and saw the crowd standing and cheering for them, it helped give him the lift he needed. Nelson said it’s hard not get emotional when you receive a reception like that.

More on the experiences of the runners during the Knoxville Cancer Relay can be heard on Let’s Talk Knoxville.

Donations are still being accepted for the Knoxville Cancer Relay team. The funds raised will be presented during the Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game against Chariton on January 24th.

There are several ways to donate to his event:

Mail to: American Cancer Society
Coaches vs Cancer-Knoxville Cancer Relay
8364 Hickman Rd, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50325
Make checks payable to American Cancer Society with Knoxville Cancer Relay in the memo section.

Online: www.relayforlife.org/marioncountyia
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knoxville-Cancer-Relay/788339754532877
Twitter – @cancerrelay