A whirlwind 24 hours starts today with the Relay for Life, a leading cause in the battle against cancer.

Teams will hold a continuous relay around the North Field of the National Sports Centre in support of cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

Backed by lead sponsor Ironshore, the fourth annual relay comes shortly before the new radiation therapy centre opens — helped by the more than $500,000 that the event has raised thus far for the facility.

Known for its camaraderie, the event comes with a fairground atmosphere, with tents and games as well as other fundraisers.