There may have been showers, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm for teams getting ready yesterday for Oamaru's first Relay for Life Cancer Society fundraiser.
A tent city sprouted on the back fields of Centennial Park, some even bringing the comforts of home, to see some of the 54 teams through the 24 hours of the inaugural event in Oamaru.
About 950 people are expected to take part in the relay, starting from noon today and finishing at noon tomorrow.
Tents ranged from small family camp-outs to big marquees, along with a few caravans.
One team of 22 members, Gym Bunnies, was putting up its tent for a "big sleep over", Karen Clement said. It included a barbecue "for midnight snacks".
The relay starts with a lap of honour for families of cancer victims and cancer survivors. One of the most spectacular events will be the candlelight ceremony at 9.15pm tonight.
