The Knoxville Cancer Relay team is looking to pass a major milestone when it takes to the streets Sept. 18-19. 

The runners will celebrate its 12th year by surpassing the $300,000 fund-raising mark. The relay team welcomes Knoxville residents to join its cancer-fighting efforts by running and walking, as well as making donations and buying tribute signs.

The team got a head start on its 2025 efforts by leading two local running events – the Turkey Trot and the Freedom 5K. The races raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, adding to the $280,804 the team has generated in its first 11 years.

“We’re proud of our big numbers, but it’s also just great to see local runners showing up on Thanksgiving and July 4th to support our cause in a healthy way,” said KCR team leader Steve Linsley. “We’re hoping a lot of those same folks run with us during the relay. We need all the help we can get in our fight against cancer!”

The 2025 relay kicks off at 7:00 pm on September 18th at Randy Wilson track, with food trucks at 5:00 pm to serve KCR runners and supporters as well as Panther fans attending the homecoming pep rally. Runners and walkers can join KCR team members at the top of every hour on a five-mile course around Knoxville, while three- and one-mile routes also are available.

The last hourly leg leaves at 5:00 pm on September 19th, and the KCR team will take its final trot around 7:00 pm to carry in the game ball of the Panthers’ homecoming contest against Fairfield.

Community members can support KCR by going to this link or by setting up personal fundraising pages, donating to the team or individual runners, and sponsoring honor mile signs.