The American Cancer Society presents an opportunity to support cancer patients and raise funds for cancer research at the inaugural “Relay Across the Valley” run/walk event on Sept. 26.

People come together as team members for an American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” event and usually walk a set course in segments often around a football stadium field. Due to the coronavirus pandemic this year and the need to observe social distancing, participants are asked to observe a one-to-six person maximum in a “pod of participation.” Masks must be worn at all times.

For the “Relay Across the Valley,” an individual or a team set their own course to cover all or part of a 27-mile route from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. There is no rule that an individual or a team member has to run or walk a set number of miles. Participants choose which segment, or the entire course, to run/walk.

The event’s opening ceremony will be held at Extended Stay America, parking lot, 2200 Empire Ave., Burbank.

Relays usually hold a “Luminaria Ceremony” to honor family and friends who have died from cancer. The ceremony for this year’s event will be a drive-through from 7:30-9 p.m. at LA Valley College, parking lot G, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen.

The Relay Across the Valley is dedicated to Danella Putna, a cancer patient who was a ‘relay’ volunteer for 17 years and an event leader for the Burbank Relay for Life. She died this year on May 28.

This year’s event has merged together the events held in past years by Relay for Life of the Valley, Burbank Relay for Life and El Camino Real Charter High School Relay for Life.

The minimum donation goal for each participant is $25. To donate without participating in the event and for more details on the run/walk here: relayacrossthevalley.com

Register for the event here: relayacrossthevalley.com/participant-checklist and here: bit.ly/3kCMCQ7

Route map: relayacrossthevalley.com/map

Information about cancer from the American Cancer Society: Helpline, 800-227-2345. www.cancer.org