More than 4000 participants traded their weekend sleep-in to run, jog, dance and walk their way through 14km, 10km and 5km courses in this year's The Canberra Times Fun Run.

Competitors braved light rain and a brooding sky heavy with dark clouds before the sun peeked through as the runners - some jubilant, some spent - crossed the finish line to grab their medal.

Oxley teenager Joshua Torley spent much of the race in front and took line-honours in the 14-kilometre course with a time of 43 minutes and 15 seconds.

Merimbula runner Stephanie Auston took out top honours in the womens' race in 52 minutes and 31 seconds.

The race was more of a warm up for first-timer Ms Auston, who prefers longer distances and is gearing up for a 50-kilometre trail run in Victoria next weekend.

"This is my third race in three weeks - Sunshine Coast, Wollongong, then Torquay - so I'm a bit tired," she said.

"I think it was a pretty quick course."

Bruce's Reece Edwards was the fastest male in the 10-kilometre race, with a time of 28 minutes and 11 seconds, while Farrer's Leanne Pompeani crossed the line in 35 minutes and five seconds.

In the 5-kilometre race, Yosef Gemechu, of Florey, defended his 2016 title to finish the course in 15 minutes and 35 seconds.

Queanbeyan teenager Capella Maguire was the quickest female with a time of 19 minutes and two seconds.

Paralympian Richard Nicholson, of Melba, was sole competitor in the 5-kilometre Elite Wheelchair road race and finished in 14 minutes and 43 seconds.

The runners set off from start lines in Phillip and Parkes before finishing at Rond Terrace beside Lake Burley Griffin.

Running outfits included tutus, a rainbow unicorn suit, a tuxedo lycra onesie and a breezy ensemble from one male runner who ran virtually nude.

Also among this year's participants were Canberra-born Olympic sprinter and Heart Foundation ambassador Melissa Breen, and fellow ACT resident Fleur Flanery. Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Fenner MP Andrew Leigh were also among the runners.

Fairfax Events head of sport Sarah Young said: "We're really excited to see The Canberra Times Fun Run establish itself as one of Canberra's favourite events.

"To deliver our second event in Canberra this year, today's turnout, especially on Father's Day, demonstrates the power and support of the Canberra community.

"It was fantastic to see so many families, and in particular the dads, getting active on their special day."

Westpac regional general manager for the ACT Daniel Flowers said Westpac had continued its support of the event for the fourth year.

"It was fantastic to see people come together from all across the territory – congratulations to all of those who participated – whether they walked, ran, or cheered from the sidelines. Many of the race participants chose to support a charity and raise funds and awareness of those in need."

Participants and supporters have helped to raise more than $70,000 for more than 200 Australian charities. Fundraising will remain open for another four weeks.

Road closures and changed traffic conditions remained in place around the Parliamentary Triangle, Kings Avenue Bridge and Yamba Drive until about midday.

Full race details are available at www.canberratimesfunrun.com.au.