Simultaneous functions in Albury and Wodonga on July 1 will highlight one of the region’s biggest fundraisers, the 2017 Border Relay For Life. People are encouraged to register early for the annual 24-hour walk in October that raises money for the Cancer Council.

Relay For Life committee co-chairperson Kate Wilkinson said 37 teams had already joined up.

“It’s huge to have that many before actually launching,” she said.

“It’s a great mark on how ready the community is to relay again this year.”

The 2016 event saw 2800 participants in 131 teams raise $418,000 towards the cause, with $2.1 million donated in the last five years.

Cancer Council Western NSW community relations co-ordinator Emma Ryall said everyone was proud of the Border relay and the efforts of organisers and the whole community.

“Being the biggest one in Australia in terms of fundraising and the biggest relay for participants in NSW, it’s something pretty special to have in our backyard,” she said.

The launch will also unveil the relay’s major raffle, offering prizes worth more than $33,000 including a 2017 Toyota Corolla provided by the Jacob Group and Commercial Club Albury.

Those visiting the launch sites will go into a draw to win free Border Relay For Life entry for a team of up to 10 members.

Ms Wilkinson hoped people would take the chance to ask questions and learn more about the relay –  to be held at East Albury’s Alexandra Park on October 21 –  registration and how donations were used.

“The event itself, Border Relay For Life, is now getting larger and larger,” she said.

“Each year the community just outdo themselves, really, so we try to make sure the launch represents that.”

The relay had moved beyond a single weekend, with some teams choosing to raise money throughout the year.

Ms Wilkinson said Relay For Life continued to be a significant community event.

“To stand side by side with a cancer survivor or their carer really shows that unique kind of support and commitment, supporting them through their journey,” she said.

“And every step that we take around the oval, we remind ourselves that we’re all in this together.”