"I tried to achieve it at the Erindale event a few years ago and did 20 hours, so this year, I wanted to improve on that," Mr Goodrich said.

He was one of thousands of people taking part in the annual event, raising money for the Cancer Council.

Dozens of teams from across Canberra converged on the Australian Institute of Sport, challenged with at least one person walking the track at any one time over the day.

Mr Goodrich said he's been preparing for several weeks in order to build up the stamina needed to walk the full 24 hours.

"I've been walking around the mountains to prepare," he said.

"The event has its highs and lows, but it's been going well."

The relay had a special meaning for many people who knew someone who had been diagnosed with cancer.

"We had someone in our family with breast cancer and a friend of ours also had childhood cancer," Mr Goodrich said.

The feeling was also shared by Monte Radburn, who was taking part with a team of cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy.

"One of my friends in high school passed away from cancer, and so the event takes on extra significance," he said.

"I still keep in touch with the family, and they're really thankful of the support during rhe Relay for Life."

The ADFA cadet was one of 80 from the academy taking part, divided into four teams, with participants walking in two-hour shifts, some even wearing full army packs while participating.

Mr Radburn said the physical training as part of ADFA went a long way in preparing for the long walking stints.

"It definitely helps because we have training several times a week," he said.