The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Relay For Life team will host the "Comic Run: Heroes Against Cancer" 5K and one-mile fun run March 22 to raise funds for its participation in the 2025 Relay For Life of Hall County. Relay For Life helps raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The fun run starts at 8 a.m. at UNG's Gainesville Campus, followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m.  

Participants can register online for the race, and registration is $35 per person for the 5K and $15 for the one-mile fun run.

Runners should dress as their favorite superhero or book, TV, movie, or comic book character.   

The UNG Staff Council leads the university's Relay For Life team, which has a goal of raising $10,000 this year for the Relay For Life of Hall County event, scheduled from 6-10 p.m. April 25 in downtown Flowery Branch, Georgia.

Laura Russell, coordinator for Military-Connected and Adult Learner Programs, serves as team lead for UNG's Relay For Life group. She had cervical cancer at age 21, and her mother died in June 2021 two weeks after a colon cancer diagnosis.

"I have participated in Relay For Life events for more than 10 years. I do it because I want to help find a cure. A cure that will save the lives of my family and friends," Russell said. "I want my children — and their children — to have a fighting chance if they are ever diagnosed with this vicious disease. I want you and your family and friends to have a fighting chance."

Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with the 5K can email Russell at laura.russell@ung.edu.

According to the American Cancer Society website, "Relay For Life is more than a walk — it’s a chance to come together in your local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life. Be a part of the global community of passionate supporters working to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone."