This year's tally is already over $45,000 with late pledges still rolling in.

''It's absolutely fantastic, the amount keeps creeping up and up,'' Relay for Life president and Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Gwenda Allgood, said.

This year's figure brings the total amount of money raised over four Relay for Life events to a staggering $212,681.79.

''What really strikes me is that we're not the only ones raising money in the town,'' Cr Allgood said.

''With all the other things going on, when you see the amount of local people getting behind this cause, I'm blown away.''

Twenty-six teams took part in this year's event, with some very impressive efforts in the fundraising stakes.

The Gems topped the list, contributing an impressive $8202.93.

Peter Krenz's team raised $6174.81 and the AME Angels $5340, but all teams should be congratulated for their efforts.

Aside from the fundraising, Cr Allgood said she was impressed with the number of walkers who took part.

''We had 374 registered participants this year, and over the past five years we have had 2380 people walk for us,'' she said.

''What really amazed me is that there were over 30 people walking all night long, at least one person per team. It is an incredible effort to walk for that amount of time.''

Councillor Allgood said this year's Relay For Life event was exceptionally meaningful.

''This year would have to be the most emotional. With so many young people finding out they have this terrible disease, it just gives you the urge to work that bit harder to find a cure,'' she said.

''We know that people all around the world are suffering but when you realise how many people locally are going through it, it really does trigger an emotional journey for everyone.''

Relay For Life committee member Giselle Allgood said the candlelight ceremony was a beautiful tribute to honour and remember loved ones.