Carmacks Wheelbarrel Association is preparing to host its second annual relay for the Cancer Society.

Last year's event brought in more than $5,000, which shattered wheelbarrow association president John Laughlin's goal of $1,000.

"I was blown away," he said about 2008's total.

As successful as the first relay was, Laughlin is confident that this year's event (scheduled for the end of August) can be even bigger, with more participation.

He hopes to match or exceed last year's total amount raised.

"I think as bad as the economy seems people are still willing to donate towards to the cause. It's a very good cause."

The relay incorporates the whole village of Carmacks, starting and ending at the recreation centre.

The only mandatory rest stop happens at a local park, which last year was 30 minutes in length.

The majority of the 2008 participants were from Carmacks, however this year Laughlin hopes more teams from across the territory enter.

Each team in the relay has three people (two adults and a youth aged five to 12).

The youth sits in the wheelbarrow, while the adults switch at halfway point.

"The trick is to get the lightest kid you can find," Laughlin joked. "You don't want to have the kid push you."

It's mandatory that everyone wears running shoes and helmets for the kids, Laughlin said.

The entire distance is approximately 12 km, which Laughlin said isn't a race.

"It's not about time," he said. "If it takes three hours to do it, it takes three hours."

This year, the wheelbarrel association is doing more advertising for the event, which is free to participate in.

The event falls on the same weekend as Carmacks' 40th anniversary, Laughlin said and will tie in with that celebration.

Pledge forms can be picked up at the Cancer Society in Whitehorse.

The wheelbarrow association is working on getting sponsors at the moment and already have Yukon Inn on board.

Laughlin said he plans to meet with Air North, Ford, Neison, Home Hardware and a few others.

The relay will happen regardless of how the meetings go, he said.