The event was moved in just 48 hours from the Nowra Showground to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre when Shoalhaven Council said the ground was too wet for the event.

“We were lucky enough to have such a fabulous committee who worked through the night to get everything organised,” Shoalhaven/Nowra Relay For Life chair Kimberley McMahon-Coleman said.

Everything ran smoothly with 125 teams and more than 1300 participants raised more than $174,000 for the Cancer Council.

Keeping to the relay’s traditions, the program of events had an opening ceremony, a candlelight ceremony of hope and a closing ceremony before the relay concluded at 6.30pm.

“Insurance issues meant we couldn’t camp overnight,” said Ms McMahon-Coleman.

“The event still had a carnival atmosphere and everyone was supportive.”

Numbers were down only slightly due to the change of venue.

“We normally get 300 registrations on the day, but this time we got 150,” she said.

On the other hand, plenty of people who had heard the relay had moved to the entertainment centre dropped by to check it out.

“We’re hoping they will come along next year and register.”

This year’s relay, the 11th, was the first not to be held outdoors.

“The entertainment centre will always be our preferred plan B, but we prefer to hold it at the showground,” said Ms McMahon-Coleman.