More than 2,300 participants will culminate months’ worth of fundraising efforts in the name of cancer research today in the University’s eighth annual Relay for Life.

The University was first in the nation to host the event in 2000 but will face stiff competition to reclaim its spot as the top nation-wide fundraiser this year.

“Participation has exceeded our goals this year,” Jamie Traynor, a senior from Atlanta, said. “We’re crossing our fingers that [today] we’ll bring in a lot of funds.”

Funds raised by 99 teams total more than $140,000 so far, setting the University $135,000 short of its goal.

The event will feature a cache of local celebrities, including Katharyn Richt, Vince Dooley, his wife, Barbara Dooley and Athens’ state representative Doug McKillip (D-Ga.)

Richt and Barbara, both breast cancer survivors, will speak via video message at the event.

McKillip, a University alumnus, will speak in person at about 7 p.m., Traynor said.

“It’s a wonderful community service,” McKillip said in a telephone interview Thursday. He was invited to participate when a group of 20 University students lobbied in Atlanta to raise tobacco taxes earlier this year.

“Anytime UGA calls and asks me to make an appearance … I’m going to try to be there,” he said. “I’m so proud of the students and the community to get together and make a difference.”

McKillip said family friends who survived cancer inspired his participation as well. “It makes it even more special for me to know that I can do my part and fight for the cure,” he said.

On the issue of raising state tobacco taxes, he said he agreed and the state should “put that money into continued research for a cure.”

“I don’t want someone to ever have to go through what I went through,” said Hanna Keith, a junior from Jesup, who battled and beat Ewing’s sarcoma after her diagnosis in 1998.

“That’s why it’s so important for me,” she said. “I see that and I feel like it’s my chance to give back for what the American Cancer Society did for me.”

Participants will kick off the event at 7 p.m. at the Specs Track on Lumpkin Street and end at 7 a.m. Saturday.

A luminary display, during which those lost to cancer are honored with a silent lap around the track and candle-lit bags, will take place at 9 p.m.

“It’s really a beautiful part of the night,” Traynor said. “We’ll have a slide show with pictures of students, loved ones and friends affected by cancer.”

“For one night, we’re going to stay up all night,” she said. “Cancer doesn’t sleep.”