Anyone flying over the Australian Institute of Sport on Saturday and early Sunday could be forgiven for thinking the running track had been flooded by a purple-yellow whirlpool.
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Between 1400 and 1600 cancer survivors, carers and supporters strapped on their most comfortable shoes, purple hats and shirts for the 24-hour fundraiser.
Numbers were well below those at last year's event, which organisers attributed to the clashes with other weekend functions and the close proximity to both Easter and the school holidays.
Despite the lower turnout, participants are expected to raise more than $300,000 for the Cancer Council.
The charity's ACT branch fundraising events manager, Lisa Meares, said the community continued to show strong support for the event.
"We've got some brand new teams and we've still had a lot of people come out," she said.
"This is probably the last weekend of good weather we'll get before we get to winter. It being so unseasonably warm at the moment has been great."
Paul Woodhams, whose seven-year-old son Jack died of a brain tumour in January, was the guest speaker at the candlelight ceremony on Saturday night.
Mr Woodhams, his wife Karyn and five-year-old son Ben led the survivors and carers lap that kicked off the 24 hours of walking and jogging.
"It was very emotional for us, but Ben got to cut the ribbon and we had all of our supporters with us," Mrs Woodhams said.
"We've got about 25 members on our team today."
Ms Meares said the opening ceremony and first lap gave both survivors and carers recognition for their struggles.
"It's their opportunity to be recognised for the battle they've gone through," she said.
"It's great for them to have their face in the limelight for just a little bit."
School groups were strongly represented once again in the relay, with students going the distance throughout the night.
"It's so inspiring to see it, because these young people are our future and they'll be the ones to pass the message on," Ms Meares said.
The relay finishes at 10am on Sunday due to the end of daylight saving time.
The second annual South Canberra Relay for Life will be held later this year.
