From 6 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday, students walked to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Through emails and fundraisers, the UA Relay For Life teams collectively raised $49,889.77 for the American Cancer Society. Executive director Laura Lantrip said that about twice as many people attended Relay For Life this year than last year.

“We were very surprised to have such a great turnout, but we had such a good turnout at team captain meetings, and the team captains said their teams were excited,” Lantrip said. “All these people care so much to give up a Friday night to celebrate life. It’s remarkable.”

New College team captain, Emily Coffman, said although she had a smaller team this year, she was pleased with the $700 they raised.

“It’s a good cause,” Coffman said. “I’m happy see a good turnout, especially since college kids can be lazy.”

The Athletic Training Students Association won the event, raising $6,517. Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, which raised $4,150, and Delta Zeta sorority, which raised $4,045, came in second and third place.

“It seems like everyone is getting into it and having a good time; the competition’s intense,” Lantrip said.

With themed laps and games like capture the flag, the night was full of fun events for participants to pass the time between dusk and dawn.

Sidney Anne McGough of the Athletic Training Students Association team participated in whipped cream twister, shoving her hands in feet in pans of dyed whipped cream and trying to stay balanced in crazy contortions.

“It was really fun. It was messy and slippery, and there were a lot of people in a small space,” McGough said.

Lantrip said she attributes the success of the event to the dedication of the Relay committee.

“We’re very pleased that they cared so much about it, and made it a priority even when they have school and other engagements,” Lantrip said.