Winds reaching 40km/h and intermittent heavy rain were a challenge, with the fundraising tally $70,000 less than last year, but relay chairman Peter Whitmarsh said the resilience and camaraderie of the participants was clearer than ever.

"We've raised $290,000, which isn't as much as in the past, and that's fine - it isn't a number to be scoffed at, that amount of money from the community at any stage of the game is amazing," he said.

"We had 115 teams and nearly 1900 people.

"We did get blasted by the weather; we had a lot of heavy rainfall come through and a lot of trouble with wind which destroyed a number of marquees.

"I think it [the drop in fundraising] was a range of things, but the forecast did have a significant impact."

Mr Whitmarsh said people were walking in the rain in the middle of the night and going to the next level to help their fellow participants.

"A marquee would go flying and people would come from everywhere to make sure everyone was OK and help," he said.

"It was a wonderful thing to see and what the event is about - the community coming together.

With this year's event, the Border Relay for Life cracked the overall fundraising mark of $4.5 million.

Trinity Anglican College, Scots School and Waldo's Cans for Cancer were recognised for long-running efforts.

"[Waldo's] peaked nearly $80,000 over the last six years, and this year they raised another $20,000," Mr Whitmarsh said.

"From a relatively small regional community that is a phenomenal effort."

Mr Whitmarsh opened the event on Saturday morning and thanked those who have been fundraising throughout the year.

"Our focus is a cancer-free future and let's hope community events such as this will achieve that aim," he said.

"Whilst cancer doesn't give ground, nor should we."

The first lap of Alexandra Park was completed by survivors of cancer and their carers and families.

Included in that group was Emma Rea from Wodonga, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 and was taking part in her third relay.

"This is about the community and bringing awareness; it's a happy but then a very emotional experience too," she said.

"I spend a lot of the day crying on and off, but the majority of it is happy."

Ms Rea walked with her children and her close friend Brianna Livermore, who survived melanoma and has supported many of her loved ones through their own journeys.

"We started this to support my mother-in-law, and there's just been a domino effect of everyone being involved," Mrs Livermore said.

"I was a carer for my grandmother, who has passed away, Em had cervical cancer and I had stage-three skin cancer.

"It's been tough, but this has been a good year - this is a celebration."

After the carers and survivors lap, other teams joined in for the 24-hour relay.

The "Lollipops and Rainbows" Relay for Life team were unmissable, but there was a deeper meaning behind the colour and laughter.

Baranduda's Rachel Saunders created the group after finishing chemotherapy for breast cancer in January, 2018.

"My thinking behind the name was, it meant we got to dress up in colours and have some fun," she said.

"The serious side to it is that life isn't always rainbows and lollipops, but it is made better with family and friends to support you."

Ms Saunders was only 40 when she was diagnosed in 2017 and had no family history of breast cancer. "Finding out was purely a case of my kids elbowing me in the breast and feeling something," she said.

"I went in to the doctor on the Tuesday and it was confirmed by the Friday.

"That would be my message - if you think something is wrong, get it checked."

2019 hero of Border Relay For Life Ciara Ryan, 7, cut the ribbon to kick off the event ahead of her mum Melinda Wilson addressing the crowd during the evening.

Mr Whitmarsh said the address during the Hope ceremony was moving.

"We had four or five nominations for the hero, and they were all deserving, but this little girl's story was a real stand-out," he said.