In memory of her father, 13-year-old Emma Knox paddled a total of six miles in Marion harbor to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Knox, of Mattapoisett, recently lost her father to cancer.

“It’s something I really wanted to do,” Knox said.

On June 29, she participated in a new kayak and canoe race sponsored by a local Relay for Life team. Gary Stopka organized the race and forwarded money collected to Relay for Life, which generates funds for cancer programs and research.

In March 2012, Stopka’s friend passed away due to cancer prompting Stopka to join his company’s team, The Stack Pack.

Stack Pack members also participated at the 8^th annual Relay for Life of Tri-Town held June 14 and 15. Members are employees of the waste facility site SEMASS.

Before the race, Stopka said there was a lot of interest and many people called for more information. The race went on despite light rain that likely kept the number of racers low, Stopka said.

Weather also changed the racecourse. A round trip to Bird Island totaling 7.5 miles instead became a 6-mile course that looped around Marion’s inner harbor twice.

Racers donated $25 per boat and left from the docks in front of Marion’s harbormaster office.

Stopka thanked Marion Harbormaster Michael Cormier for allowing the team to stage the race at the end of Island Wharf Road.

Stopka said he plans to hold kayak race again next year.