WALKERS raised more than $128,000 at the Horsham and Districts Relay For Life at the weekend. 

A total of 842 people participated in the relay with each participant helping raise money and cancer awareness by walking around the Dock Lake course. 

The event ran for 18 hours over Friday and Saturday. David Campie walked 56-kilometres in the two-day fundraising event. 

Horsham and Districts Relay For Life chairmanager Kingsley Dalgleish said each team had raised money through raffles and other activities. 

Teams selected sites around Dock Lake Reserve to set up camp for the overnight relay. 

“There were different themes every hour, such as footy colours, crazy hair and superheroes,” Mr Dalgleish said.  

The first theme on Friday night was a superhero theme. 

“Everyone who has helped someone with cancer or is fighting against cancer is a superhero,” Mr Dalgleish said.

He said there had been some concerns poor weather could affect the event, but the rain held off and walkers turned out in droves.

“We were a little concerned on Friday due to the showing of clouds but it held off for the event to run smoothly,” Mr Dalgleish said.

The 2016 relay was also the first time the event has been hosted at Dock Lake.

It was moved from Coughlin Park in Horsham, where building works are being completed.

Mr Dalgleish said the change of venue could have contributed to a drop in numbers.

“Taking the venue out of town we thought there could be some impact on participant numbers,” he said.

“We were down in numbers but up in spirit and atmosphere.

“This community always steps up through tough times like the bushfires or the drought and this is another great example of how well the community comes together.”

Mr Dalgleish said that the event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, the Dock Lake committee, the participants and everyone who played a part in raising awareness of cancer. 

“A huge thank you to everyone who was involved in making the 2016 Relay For Life run perfectly,” he said.