The Survivors’ Victory Lap kicked off this year’s 25th annual Relay for Life cancer fundraiser at Masich Place Stadium in Prince George – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – It was an emotional scene at Masich Place Stadium this morning as the Survivors’ Victory Lap kicked off the 25^th annual Prince George Relay for Life.

Along with the survivors, over 1,100 people and 112 teams are registered to participate in the 24-hour event – the longest in Canada.

The theme of this year’s event is “Stomping Out Cancer” which is appropriate considering the Canadian Cancer Society estimates there were over 202,000 new cases of cancer in Canada in 2016 and over 78,000 Canadians succumbed to the disease.

Organizers are hoping to lead the country for the fourth year in a row in fundraising – last year’s event raised $556,000 and they’re hoping to hit $550,000 this year.

“I’m pretty confident we will,” said Relay spokesperson Aimee Cassie. “But really it’s a win no matter what we do. What’s most important is that we’re inspiring cancer fighters and survivors to keep going.”

This year’s Relay has already raised $420,000 – the highest total the event has ever been launched with – and over the 25 years has raised more than $7 million.

Cassie said all proceeds go towards cancer research and support services like the Kordyban Lodge.

The Royal Canadian Air Force did a flyby at precisely 10:27 a.m this morning

New this year will be a special ceremony starting at 5 p.m. tonight recognizing all the teams, sponsors and volunteers that have made the Relay such a success over the years.

After that at 10 p.m. will be the Luminary ceremony followed by fireworks, live music and the night walk.