Cancer Survivors Take the First Lap as Yakima’s Relay for Life Hits Its Stride [VIDEO, PHOTOS]

With hundreds cheering and applauding, Yakima's Relay for Life celebration got underway Saturday at Franklin Park with local cancer survivors taking the first lap.

The annual fundraising event began under bright blue skies and temperatures in the 70s -- perfect conditions for the 24-hour walk around the Franklin track that concludes at noon Sunday.

The gathering includes food, numerous booths, music and luminaria to honor loved ones lost to cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports 44 teams with 603 members signed up for this year's relay. So far they've raised $78,897.52 to fight cancer.

Here's how it looked from the starting line Saturday: