As rain belted the track at Club Taree, a dedicated group of cancer survivors, carers and supporters pitched tents and donned ponchos ahead of a weekend of remembrance and fun.

Despite less groups than previous years, event chairperson Julie Blanch said the event had an 'intimate feeling'.

"It was a feel good event," she said.

The relay paid special attention to everyone involved in cancer treatment.

"This year we also wanted to focus on the carers, family, friends, doctors, nurses, oncology, just everyone involved," Julie said.

Before the event kicked off, many shared their own experiences with fellow relay competitors.

Tracey King spoke about her breast cancer battle, alongside her husband Bruce. Their daughter Hayley also took the microphone to give her own perspective.

"One of the ways Hayley coped was turning to her friends," Julie explained.

Adelaide Gurr was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was three. Her mother Kirran Morris-Gurr spoke to the crowd about the tribulations and coping methods as well as her husband's bone cancer battle.

"It was gut-wrenching, I was truly gobsmacked by what she told us," Julie said.

"It was a really amazing story."

Adelaide was tasked with cutting the ribbon to officially open the event. Her presence was proof that cancer can impact anyone.

"I was so happy to see a young person- it shows that cancer doesn't just affect older people," Julie said.

One of the more solemn parts of the weekend was the candlelight ceremony and silent walk.

The ceremony remembered all those lost to cancer and the stories behind each person.

"It was one of remembrance," Julie said.

A lighter side was the 'Miss Relay', where five men dressed up as women and walked around to collect donations.

"They raised about $300 and looked very stunning," Julie said.

The midnight undies run had eight people dress down to their jocks and race around the track in a box car.

"The girls were giggling and laughing the whole way around the track," Julie said.

An estimated $30,000 has been raised so far, with more still be tallied. Falling short of their original target of $50,000 is a non-issue.

"I'm proud of what we raised and so is the committee," Julie said.

She thanked Club Taree for hosting and helping with catering needs.

This was Julie's fourth year on the organising committee.

"I can't see myself leaving anytime soon," she said.

The committee welcomed Glenys Stonham and Jane MacKenzie in 2019.

"We work well as a team, we're like a family," Julie said.

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