Torch Relay
The kick-off. Volunteer Torch Relayers carry the Relay Torch from checkpoint to checkpoint, 1 to 5 km apart, all the way to the host city. Friends and family are welcome to run alongside.
Our history
Every lap tells a story.
Since 1985, Relay For Life has brought communities together to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and fight back against cancer. This is how that story came to Malaysia, and where it is going.
Celebrate. Remember. Fight back.
Where it began
One surgeon, one track, 24 hours
Relay For Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon from Tacoma, Washington, wanted to raise more for his local American Cancer Society office. He spent 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium, University of Puget Sound, while friends, family and patients donated to walk or run alongside him.
A year later he and his supporters held the first team-based Relay. It grew into a worldwide movement that funds cancer research, patient services, prevention and advocacy.
1985First 24-hour relay
US$27,000Raised by Dr. Klatt alone
19 teamsAt the first team Relay, 1986
20+Countries hold Relay today
Relay For Life in Malaysia
Brought home by NCSM
The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) brings Relay For Life to communities across the country. Every Relay includes a survivors' lap, recognition for caregivers and the Luminaria ceremony, giving people touched by cancer a place to support one another.
The funds raised go to cancer research, treatment and support services, and the events build a community that keeps showing up, year after year.
Timeline
Relay For Life Malaysia, year by year
Our signature events
Three ways to Relay
R-Day
Relay Day is the flagship morning: a fun run, survivor challenges, family treasure hunts, relay races, booths and carnival games. Free for cancer survivors and caregivers.
Luminaria
A night of remembrance. Personalised Luminaria lamps are lit after dark to honour those lost to cancer, those who fought it and those still fighting. Free and open to everyone.
We gather. We grieve. We hope. We celebrate.
The Light of Luminaria
The Relay Torch
The "Journey of Hope" Torch
Crafted in 2023 by Mr Liu Cheng Hua, Head of Fine Arts at the Malaysian Institute of Art, the Journey of Hope is the only torch of its kind in Malaysia. He made it pro bono, moved by his sister's battle with cancer.
It is hand gas-welded from recycled aluminium sheets. In place of a flame, a lamp shines red for the fighting spirit against cancer and white for hope of a world without cancer. Its four pillars stand for NCSM, cancer patients, cancer survivors and every Malaysian touched by the disease.
The name echoes NCSM's motto: Giving Hope. Celebrating Life.
Gallery
Moments from the Relay
In the news