Teams made up of work colleagues, friends and family walked the track at the Equex Centre to raise money and awareness for a good cause.

A total of 130 teams comprised of over 2000 people participated in this year’s event.

The community set out to achieve a $165,000 target as they walked the new junior rugby fields at the Equex Centre.

Organisers have so far come up with a preliminary total of $121,000, but this is expected to change as participants still have two weeks to deposit their donations.

“This brings the total money raised to an amazing $1,009,000” Chair person of the volunteer organising committee, Rebekah Myers said.

114 cancer survivors and carers took part in the event, which was up from 70 last year.

Hats and sensible clothing were a must for the bright sunny weather that entrants faced.

One of the event’s highlights was the head shaving of identical twins, Skye and Andree Bellamy, who had raised $5000 by participating in the World’s Greatest Shave, and waited until the relay to shave their locks.

A candlelight ceremony and fight-back ceremony were held in the evening where participants were asked to make a pledge on how they would aim to reduce their cancer risk.

The first lap following the pledge was taken by all teenage girls who had been given the cervical cancer vaccine.

Wagga residents have proven themselves dedicated to the fight against cancer according to organisers.

“Last year we raised $157,000 but with the bigger oval and more space our goal for 2010 is definitely achievable.” Cancer Council community relations co-ordinator Prue Densley said.