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The Steamboat Springs Relay for Life has surpassed all fundraising goals set for the event, held the night of Aug. 9. The community event raised a total of $205,700, with more money expected to arrive before the Aug. 31 deadline.

The American Cancer Society set a goal of $150,000 for Steamboat this year, while the local organizers were hoping for $200,000. Last year's Relay brought in $192,000.

With an economic slowdown, event co-chair Marvin Lindsey said the success of this year's event was even more satisfying.

"With the economy and everything being the way it was, we were surprised that we reached (the goals), but this is a pretty amazing community," he said.

Now in its third year, the Relay drew 55 teams and more than 600 registrants for this year's all-night walk.

The team of Focus Adventures, captained by Karen Schulman, won several awards for its efforts including most funds raised by a team with more than $25,000 collected; the top individual fundraiser, Dick Simonet; and top online fundraiser, Chenza Lazof.

One high school team, Teens for Life, captained by Brittany Long, completed the most laps. Together, the team members covered more than 300 miles during the night.

There was some rain early in the evening, but co-chair Linda Jackson said the sprinkles didn't deter the teams from staying out all night.

"Relayers are tough," she said. "Even though we warned people to get off the track for the lightning, they just kept going."

More than 100 local businesses also contributed to the event, with 31 "sponsors" donating enough to be listed as gold, silver or bronze.

Money raised for the event goes to the American Cancer Society, where it is used to fund cancer research. Lindsey said that the money does not stay in Steamboat Springs, because there are no large research foundations here, but a large percentage stays on the Front Range.

"Colorado gets a big share of the research dollars," he said. "It benefits all of us indirectly when we are unfortunate enough to have cancer."

Jackson, who will be in charge of next year's event with a new co-chair as Lindsey transfers to another committee, said this year has set the bar for future events.

"Next year, we'll be real happy to do what we did this year," she said. "You don't want to mess with success."

The next Relay will be held Aug. 7 and 8, 2009.