Relay For Life draws over 1,500

Relay For Life participants stand under the HOPE sign. Photo/Supplied.

Seventy-six teams gathered from the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato for the 13th annual Relay For Life in Hamilton, on Saturday.

Businesses, service organisations, schools and community groups joined cancer survivors and 400 supporting spectators in the event.

The cancer survivors were honoured during the opening lap.

Fundraising manager for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society Catriona Findlay said she was amazed and inspired at the 2016 Relay For Life.

"This is a truly unique event that unites people to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back by raising money for the Cancer Society.

"The spirit shown throughout the event was phenomenal," she said.

The relay lasted 12 hours, and consisted of two entertainment stages, exercise classes, themed laps, and a volleyball tournament.

Miss Findlay said she the total amount raised in the event would be over $120,000.