As the event grew, it took on a variety of objectives. Raising funds to support charities is important to the directors of the races, and this year, Operation Kids will distribute donations to the Best Buddies program, which pairs developmentally delayed persons with friends and mentors.

The races also have numerous behind-the-scenes stories of inspiration to go along with the perspiration.

TEAM TUMOR

While training to compete in a Half Ironman race a year, Dov Siporin was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Months of radiation, chemotherapy and rehab from surgery awaited Siporin and the triathlon — which would require extensive training on a bike and in the water — was out of the question. But running, though still difficult, was something he could do.

And so he joined a team, trained and just seven weeks following surgery on his cancer, he ran the Wasatch Back.

This year, Siporin will again hit the trails between Logan and Park City.

During continued treatment for yet another cancer diagnosis — this time in the liver — Siporin met other cancer patients at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and formed Team Tumor.

The team of cancer survivors and patients — three team members are in the midst of chemotherapy treatments — will run in an effort to raise funds to fight the disease.

TEAM LIVE wELLE

An unimaginable tragedy is the motivation behind some team's existence. For Team Live wElle, the tragedy came when Kristen Hullinger accidentally backed her vehicle over her 15-month-old daughter almost three years ago.

"Words simply cannot express the pain, sorrow, and guilt I feel even today," Hullinger said. "I don't understand why this had to happen, but I have faith that someday I will. I have tried to go on with my life the best that I can. I want to make her proud. Be strong for her, for my husband and for our children."

The devastation of that loss, though painful and heartbreaking, did not prevent a forward vision.

Hullinger's neighbors, friends and family reached out and, a few days after the death, surprised her with hundreds of pink and white balloons to release into the air as a memorial and show of support during such a trying personal ordeal.

"An overwhelming feeling of love washed over me and I felt peace," she said. "Our family stayed outside for hours and eventually released the balloons heavenward."

In 2007, the Hullinger family established a scholarship fund to remember their daughter. And this year, Team Live wElle — with Kristen running portions of the race — will participate in the Ragnar Relay raising funds for the scholarship.