Runners gear up for 2022 Canberra Times Marathon Festival

With more than 6000 people registered across five events and almost $100,000 raised for various charities the day is set to kick off with a bang.

Events for this year's festival include the 42.2km marathon, a 21.2km half marathon, a 10km fun run, a 5.4km run, and a 2km kids' event.

Sole Motive chief executive Lisa Holmes said that while many runners were aiming to break personal bests and make first place, raising money for charity was a key element of the day.

"This run is also about raising money for causes close to people's hearts," she said.

She said "perfect conditions" were forecast for Sunday with a top of 23 degrees, partly cloudy and a low chance of rain.

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The festival attracts people from across the country, with many sharing heartfelt stories of why they will run on the day.

Suzanne Stratton will compete in the 10km fun run, almost two years after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. A hip replacement, chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries were not enough to stem her verve for life.

Ms Stratton put her strength down to stubbornness and a determination to continue her passion for running.

Other runners include Kathleen Wallington, who participates in a fun run every single weekend.

She has completed the Canberra Marathon 10km run at least 11 times, and ran the City to Surf 25 times.

The only problem is, she doesn't like running.

The 55-year-old confessed that when standing at the starting line, she often thinks: "Oh my god, what have I done?"

"I don't enjoy running but after the run I get to explore," she said.

Ms Wallington loves everything else about the experience - the fresh air, scenery, and travelling across Australia - but most importantly, she loves nature.

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