Jerry Clark thought he’d walk for the first hour of the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in 1997. Twelve hours later, he was still going.

And he’s still going now, having single-handedly raised more than $120,000 for cancer research.

Clark’s team members showed up late to relieve him that first year, so he just kept walking.

He’s made the overnight trek a solo project ever since. Last June, he collected $21,280 from sponsors and walked 220 laps — 55 miles — around Cretzmeyer Track in 13 hours.

“You have the feeling you’re ready to die,” Clark said of completing the walk. “I’m the only person that does the whole thing.”

Clark travels Iowa City every spring to collect from sponsors for the June event.

Clark has plenty of reasons to raise money for cancer research. His father and brother both died of colon cancer at age 48. He was diagnosed at the same age, but has conquered the disease. Last year’s relay was a memorable one, however. Jerry’s doctor came down from the stands to tell him he   tested negative for prostate cancer.

Other cancer survivors traditionally take a ceremonial walk around the track at the event.

“Last year we had a little boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was a baby, and now he’s 3 years old,” Clark said. “That’s the kind of people you do this for.”

— Jon Klinkowitz

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