For eight hours, teams of participants compete to record as many laps around Hearn Plaza as possible. The relay teams are awarded for both total laps completed and donations raised. When the dust settles and champions are crowned, the proceeds are donated to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. 

The event bearing Piccolo’s name exists to honor cancer victims, survivors and their loved ones as we work to find a cure. Brian Piccolo was an All-American football player who attended Wake Forest in the 1960s, eventually becoming a running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Piccolo died of embryonal cell carcinoma at age 26 in 1970, and his story and relationship with teammate Gale Sayers inspired the Emmy Award-winning film "Brian’s Song."

In 2003, the inaugural ‘Hit the Bricks’ raised nearly $4,000 with 17 teams. Last year, Hit the Bricks registered more than 84 teams comprised of 914 participants, who ran a total of 20,296 laps and raised just over $60,100. This year, we’re proud to report that 109 teams and more than 1,200 participants ran or walked 23,014 laps and raised $70,395.14 as of press time — and donations are still coming.

Cancer is a serious subject, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun in raising money to fight it. Deacs participated in all sorts of special bonus laps, including the popular "no feet" lap, the "high heels" lap and the costume lap.

At the end of day, all the participants gather for the Silent Lap to honor those fighting cancer and remember those who have lost the fight.