The purple-clad crowd began their 24-hour marathon today in support of Wagga's Relay For Life.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Global Hero of Hope and cancer survivor Alan Pottie said it was a special day and encouraged people to use the time as a way to bond with their community.
"As you are meeting people, you can use the opening line of 'why do you relay'," he said.
"It is a great icebreaker, and remember a stranger is just a friend you have not met yet."
Mr Pottie said the three pillars of Relay for Life are celebrate, remember and fight back.
"Everyone here will fit into one of those categories, if not all," he said.
"One in two people are affected by cancer by the time they are 85."
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said it is up to the purple warriors to take on the relay.
"Well done to each and every one of you and congratulations for turning up today," he said.
"Life is about turning up, life is about meeting challenges head-on and life is about being there. You are amazing people."