Shoe leather for a cure will be traded by Port Orchard cancer survivors and those who support them tonight as the Relay for Life returns to the South Kitsap High School track.

It was reported by the local event organizers on Tuesday afternoon, that about 73 teams and around 1,000 individuals would be participating in the event.

Sheila Cline, team development chair for the event said, “Last year, we had around 60 teams and 1,100 individuals. This year, with so many more teams already committed, and knowing we always get a lot of people who decide to do this at the last minute, we’re expecting a much better turnout, assuming the weather cooperates.”

Port Orchard Mayor Lary Coppola, State Rep. Jan Angel and State Sen. Derek Kilmer will give remarks as the opening ceremonies is scheduled to kick off at 6 p. m.

At 6:15 the Survivor Lap will follow and schedule for the Luminaria Lighting is for 10 p. m. On Saturday at 2 p. m. the final lap will be walked.

This year’s donations are ahead of last year’s, Cline said.

She added, “We took in $30,000 just last night, to put us close to $100,000 already.”