FARMINGTON -- A line of hungry, sweaty, happy cyclists wheeled into the University of Maine at Farmington's parking lot, waving to cheering fans on the sidewalks.

The 1,817 trekkers from Maine, 28 states and Canada are part of the 24th annual Trek Across Maine, the American Lung Association of Maine's fundraising and awareness campaign. Participants raised at least $500 each to enter the event, which started Friday morning at the Sunday River Resort in Bethel.

Volunteers Gloria Labbe of Augusta and Maureen Hedges of Winterport have personal reasons for taking their time this weekend for the event. Labbe had attended her brother's memorial service earlier this week.

"We had seven children in my family," Labbe, 75, said. "Five have died from lung disease, so now only two of us are left."

Hedges lost her parents to lung disease, and both women agreed that smoking contributed greatly to their families' health problems. Many cyclists and volunteers have similar stories of loved ones who have succumbed to cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung illnesses, organizer Lee Scott said.

The fundraising event raises money for the organization's research and public awareness campaign.

"We expect to raise more than $1 million," Scott said. "This year, we set a record with more than 600 volunteers who help make this such a success."

Kellie Michaud of Fort Kent held her wriggly 14-month-old son Quinn as they sat with cyclists who rested in the shade and ate their lunches. The toddler leaned forward eagerly as each bicycle passed him.

Trekkers were to sleep at the Farmington campus dormitories on Friday and at Colby College in Waterville on Saturday. On Sunday, they will ride to Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast.

Each of the three legs of the trip average 60 miles, so riders can pace themselves and have plenty of time to rest.

For information about the American Lung Association of Maine or the 24th annual Trek Across Maine: www.lungme.org or call 1-(800) 499-LUNG.