Relay For Life of Gwinnett Returns with Celebration, Remembrance, and Purpose

The walking path at Suwanee Town Center will be filled with more than just footsteps this spring—it will be filled with purpose. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Relay For Life of Gwinnett returns, bringing together survivors, caregivers, families, friends, and neighbors for a powerful night of community, remembrance, and fundraising in the fight against cancer.

Running from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., this year’s event is more than a walk—it’s a full-scale experience. From bounce houses to tribute gardens, marching bands to glow laps, there is something meaningful and memorable packed into every moment.

A Relay With Heart

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life has a deep history in Gwinnett, and this year, the event continues its legacy at Suwanee Town Center. The day begins with check-in and opening ceremonies, including a “Parade of Teams” lap and live music from local student bands.

At the core of Relay is the mission to honor those touched by cancer. That’s reflected in the Survivor Celebration, a featured event from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., where cancer survivors and one caregiver can enjoy dinner, inspiring speakers, goodie bags, and a Survivor Pinning Ceremony. The evening also includes multiple recognition laps, such as the Caregiver Lap, My Why Lap, and Glow Lap, creating moments of shared emotion and support.

Luminarias and Tribute Garden

As daylight fades, the Luminaria Ceremony begins at 9:00 p.m., one of Relay’s most emotional traditions. Personalized luminaria bags line the track, honoring those we’ve lost and those still fighting. Participants take a quiet, candlelit lap to reflect.

Nearby, the Tribute Garden displays custom signs dedicated to loved ones for a $100 donation. These can be taken home after the event.

Family-Friendly Fun

Relay isn’t just about remembrance—it’s a full evening of celebration.

• The Gold Zone for childhood cancer awareness includes bounce houses and obstacle courses (open 3:30–8:55 p.m.) for a $10 donation.
• The Entertainment Tent features live performances by local school bands, choruses, and solo artists.
• Activities Tent programming includes team spirit challenges like backwards laps, beach ball laps, and scavenger hunts.

There’s even a VIP Lounge for top fundraisers with snacks, cooling fans, and comfy seating.

Event Schedule Highlights

• 3:30 p.m. – Prayer Lap, Check-In, Survivor Area, Gold Zone open
• 4:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremony and Survivor Celebration start
• 6:10 p.m. – Ringing of the Bell and Survivor Lap led by drum line
• 7:10 p.m. – Community Partner & Kids Empowerment Laps
• 8:30 p.m. – Caregiver Lap & “Wrap a Caregiver in Love”
• 9:00 p.m. – Luminaria Ceremony
• 9:30 p.m. – Glow Lap
• 9:55 p.m. – Closing Ceremony & Fundraising Reveal

The full schedule is divided by zones and tents, making it easy to plan your experience in advance.

What to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Overflow parking is available at Shadowbrook Baptist Church and Town Center on Main.
• What to Bring: Tents (with weights, not stakes), comfortable shoes, sunscreen. Alcohol, tobacco, and open flames are not allowed.
• Food: Local vendors like Pico’s Hotdogs, Rita’s Italian Ice, and Sugar Shane’s will be on site, with some donating a portion of proceeds back to the cause.

How to Join

Register online at RelayForLife.org/GwinnettGA to walk, volunteer, or donate. Cancer survivors should register early to receive a free survivor t-shirt, mailed to their home. Teams can compete for awards like “Spirit of Giving” and “Last Tent Standing,” with $500 going to the team with the strongest overnight presence.

This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a night where people show up for each other, for their loved ones, and for a future with more survivors. Come for a lap, stay for the love.