
Fundraising Event Held at California Lutheran University Kicks Off with a Non-Competitive 5.0K
Fun Run and Features Competitive Car Show for the First Time
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society will introduce the 2026 Relay For Life of Conejo Valley on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the California Lutheran University Memorial Field in Thousand Oaks. This year, the American Cancer Society is also featuring a Car Show to raise funds and add to the fun.
The Relay For Life of Conejo Valley will be kicking things off with a non-competitive 5.0K fun run, followed by a walk in which teams register to have a representative on the track for the full 12-hour event. The teams can also host fundraising games at their booths, including silent auctions to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
More than just a walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
The first-ever Relay For Life of Conejo Valley Car Show runs from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Whether you have a classic cruiser, muscle car, modern showpiece, truck, or custom build, this is a great chance to show it off while supporting a cause that touches nearly every family. Space is limited so register early.
Every vehicle entry receives one raffle ticket for a chance to win a brand-new JBL Charge 6 Bluetooth Speaker. Additional raffle tickets will be available for a $5 donation during the event, giving everyone more opportunities to win.
Participants will also have the chance to compete for awards. Judging categories and prize details will be announced at the event. Best of all, all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, helping fund groundbreaking cancer research, patient support services, and advocacy efforts that save lives.
Relay For Life is all about celebrating cancer survivors, remembering loved ones lost, and fighting back against cancer by raising funds for American Cancer Society research and patient support programs.
The fun run will be followed by the opening ceremony and survivor and caregiver laps at 9:30 am. At 7 pm, there will be a luminaria ceremony where illuminated luminaria bags each honor a name, a cancer journey, a loved one lost, or a survivor fighting today. A silent lap during the ceremony allows participants to reflect and honor the profound and tangible way cancer has affected our community. The event concludes at 8 pm with the closing festivities to celebrate the total funds raised to fight cancer.
Throughout the day, teams will host carnival-style fundraising games and activities for all ages, local bands will play a variety of music, and food will be available for a donation to the American Cancer Society.
"The Car Show will add a new twist to this amazing day for all ages as we celebrate a new year of Conejo Valley's Relay For Life," said Abby Smith, Senior Manager, Events at American Cancer Society. "We welcome you whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference. The event is a great way to contribute toward fighting this most insidious disease that affects so many families."
PennyMac is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Relay For Life of Conejo Valley. Additional sponsors include the following:
- County of Ventura
- The Pizza Cookery
- St. Paschal Baylon Men's Club of Thousand Oaks
- Ventura County Credit Union
- Athens Services
- Gold Coast Health Plan
- Walmart
- Los Robles Hospital
- Marketing Maven
Please sign up and/or donate today at www.RelayForLife.org/ConejoValleyCA. Attending Relay For Life is free. A registration donation of $28.05 is required to participate in the 5.0k fun run. To display a vehicle in the Car Show, please register at ticketsignup.io/carshow.
Download our 2026 Relay For Life of Conejo Valley Event Flyer here.
*Route map coming soon. Non-competitive = no formal times will be provided.
About The American Cancer Society Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is more than just a walk. It's an opportunity to be part of a global community of passionate supporters who want to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
The Relay For Life movement started because of one person. In May 1985, Dr. Gordon "Gordy" Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, USA, raising money to help the American Cancer Society with the nation's biggest health concern: cancer.
Friends, family, and patients watched and supported him as he walked and ran more than 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer.
Dr. Gordy's vision grew throughout the United States becoming the American Cancer Society's premier fundraising event.
Today, the Relay For Life movement now unites communities in all 50 states and 37 partnering countries around the globe in one shared mission: to find cures and support patients and their families through their cancer journey.
Media Contact:
Shayne Wells
Marketing Maven
[email protected]
(310) 955-7061
SOURCE The American Cancer Society Relay For Life
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