While libraries and coffee shops across campus were filled with University students cramming for exams this past weekend, more than 2,000 students took a study break to raise money for cancer research.

Against a backdrop of live music performances, on-site fundraisers and appearances by members of the Michigan football and men’s basketball teams, MRelay — the University’s annual Relay For Life event — was held Saturday through Sunday at Ferry Field outdoor track. Relay For Life is a national 24-hour fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, and MRelay is the second largest collegiate event in the country.

Though the MRelay team doesn’t stop counting monetary contributions until August, this weekend’s event raised $310,388.71 for cancer research. By August, MRelay’s goal is to raise $372,000, $2,000 more than the 2012 event took in.

Despite the cold temperatures and new location, more than 130 student organizations formed teams to participate activities, which included Relay Idol, flag football, a scavenger hunt and the Mr. Relay male pageant.

The teams of students camped out around the field from 10 a.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday. Reflecting on the theme “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back,” there was an opening celebratory ceremony to empower participants, a night-time Luminaria Ceremony to remember those who lost their battles with cancer and a Fight Back ceremony to inspire students to take action.

Kinesiology junior Sara Knysh, a member of MRelay’s executive team, said she was inspired to join the effort to cure cancer because several people in her family have been affected by the disease.

“It’s pretty personal for me; it means a lot to my family,” Knysh said. “It just means a lot to be able to help everyone else out.”

Knysh said planning the event was a rewarding process, especially for a cause so easy to rally around.

“It’s something where when you’re dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars … you know the difference that you’re making,” she said. “Putting on a 24-hour event is like nothing else, it’s one-of-a-kind.”

In addition to Knysh, there are about 70 other students on the planning committee, including 20 directors who have been planning the event for more than a year. Knysh said plans for next year’s event are already under way.

MRelay partnered with Kaplan Test Prep to fund the event. Local businesses, including Domino’s, Pizza Hut and Chipotle, also donated lunch to the participants.

LSA sophomore Michael Miller, Relay for Life chair for the University’s chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, wrote in an e-mail that he had never realized the importance of the cause before this year, previously believing it was only a way to raise money and awareness about cancer. He said his favorite part of the event was the Luminaria Ceremony.

“I literally was able to see the community of the University come together and remember the reason we were all there,” Miller said. “It was definitely a moment I will remember forever.”

LSA sophomores Kristin Soreide and Erin Farley, members of University Students Acting Against Cancer, said they far exceeded their personal fundraising goal of $2,500 for the event.

“My dad passed away when I was in second grade … so I like to fight and be here for Relay for Life to help other people not lose their parents,” Soreide said. “It’s a fun way to raise money.”

“Everybody in some way or form is affected by cancer,” Farley added. “It’s a great cause.”