While Albury mayor Hank van de Ven will fire the starting gun, his Wodonga counterpart Annie Speedie has been busy preparing for the February 21 event.

Even though he won’t be limbering up, Cr van de Ven said he was in prime condition if plans changed.

“I don’t really need to go into training because I walk eight to 10 kilometres every time I play golf,” he said. 

"I'll be there to help everyone get started by firing the gun and providing moral support for all those undertaking the walk or run.” 

After competing in the inaugural event last year, Cr Speedie told The Border Mail she had been hitting the gym every morning in preparation for the event. 

“I am up at 5.30am and at the gym by quarter to six but I am normally a bike rider,” she said. 

Cr Speedie encouraged everyone young and old to get along to the event.

“I did it last year and it was just such a great morning, it's just one of those  things that has this wonderful feel about it,” she said. 

“What a terrific idea to link the two cities that are co-joined anyway in so many respects, we have such a unique opportunity.

“I encourage everyone to get on (the website) and register.

“It’s only $5 for your kids and $30 for an adult for the 7.5km walk and $35 for 10km.” 

City2City committee chairwoman Michelle Hudson said the mayoral involvement, from both sides of the Border, resonated with the event’s main aim. 

“Because this is an event that is really about uniting the two cities it’s wonderful to have both community leaders at the start of the race and kicking us off,” she said. 

“At the end of the day this is 100 per cent a community event that is raising funds that stays local and that’s what we are really proud of.”

All money raised by the event will go to Albury Wodonga Health’s North East Border Mental Health Service. 

The 2015 event raised $100,000 for Albury Wodonga Health’s cardiac service.  

Already 2400 participants registered for the event.

For more information, visit: city2cityawh.org.au.