It was a cool evening that promised to get only colder as the night went on. There was a wind with an edge that blew in the fading sunlight. Despite the chill, there were hundreds of people milling around at the Sweet Home High School track and field, and over two hundred participants in the Amherst Dusk to Dawn Relay Challenge.

The relay ran from 7 at night until 7 in the morning. "It's a community event to encourage kids to take good and healthy risks in life," said Mary-Diana Pouli, senior program coordinator of the Amherst Youth Board. Much of the relay was sponsored by community individuals, businesses, and organizations. Participants paid $30 to run in the relay, with proceeds going to youth programs in the town of Amherst.

The relay continued during the whole twelve hours, with each participant running or walking a mile. However, there were other events going on at the same time, such as a health fair, karaoke, tug of war, and a scavenger hunt. Wholesome entertainment was the theme of the twelve hours, and the atmosphere was fun and relaxed.

There were fifteen teams of ten or more participants, and most teams had a mix of kids and adults. The teams, with names like "Rockin Bod Squad" and "Minty Hippos," displayed a sense of camaraderie and solidarity. Each team had a designated area to pitch tents and set up chairs where the runners could preside when they aren't running-or walking-the requisite mile. Some participants chose to continue beyond their mile to walk with a friend. "It's a friendship thing," participant Holly Smith explained.

Some participants were veterans of the relay. Holly said it was her fifth year walking at the Relay Challenge. She searched for the words to describe the experience. "It's a great, unifying, community..." she trailed off. "It's just fun," she concluded.

For others, the eighth annual Dusk to Dawn Relay Challenge was their first. The Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo was one such novice group. The members of the Boys and Girls Club formed a team of ten. Most of the team decided prior to the race that they would walk their miles, but some members vowed they would run.

The relay was a relaxed event for many, and a friendly competition for others. People strolled down the track, often in groups. They talked and paused to pose for pictures. In the distance, a boy called out a challenge to a friend, "Come on, do you want to lose to my sister?" In the background, music played to appeal to young and old alike, and a constant low chatter provided a quiet buzz of excitement. The twelve hours were long, but were good clean fun.