On Feb. 25, Hinsdale South hosted the annual 24-hour relay where students from Central and South were divided into teams of eight to 12 and scattered around the field house. The team that completed the most laps around the track won, and the entrance fees paid were donated to charities. South won this year’s competition. 

Teams have at least one member on the track at all times while other team members hang out and participate in team building activities. This year, there were more team activities than in previous years, such as several different Kahoots, a limbo contest and a hula hoop relay.

“My team mostly colored and played card games in our down time. I think the relay went well, and I definitely had a lot of fun,” said Alyson Chatterjee, senior and president.

This year, the turnout was significantly lower than in previous years, but that is a direct result of the event being held in February instead of May. Because school is starting earlier and May was getting too busy with AP testing, February seemed like the right time to hold it, according to the club’s leaders.

“We had wanted to do the event in September because it’s warmer out and more fun with actual tents, but the turf was never available because of football,” Alyson Chatterjee said.

Despite the timing and indoor setting, many still made themselves comfortable. Teams mostly napped, colored, played board games and even set up a television.  There was also a DJ, karaoke and a massive screen in the middle of the field house where students could send photos to a number to display them.

“I definitely had fun because it’s cool to have pizza delivered at 1 a.m. and go for a run in the middle of the night, but there definitely was a lack of teams at this year’s relay,” said Julia Chatterjee, junior.

Despite a lower attendance, students enjoyed the array of activities. 

“One of my favorite highlights was when my friend dragged me to do karaoke, and we sang ‘Breaking Free’ from High School Musical,” said Brooke Secola, senior and president.

Although it may have been fun and energetic at times, many difficulties were encountered throughout the 24 hours, such as staying up and constantly walking around the track. Many teams didn’t even have a member walking around the track, but it wasn’t as competitive because most students joined for the fun of it.

“I am hoping that next year, the turnout will be greater because we are thinking of doing a dance marathon instead, and I think more students will be interested because a lot of colleges do dance marathons. Regardless, this year was still a great time spent with fun people,” Alyson Chatterjee said.

Even though not as many teams participated as in the past, students still enjoyed partaking the activities and raising money for charities.