Following the deadly Upper Murray fires in December-January, organisers of Albury-Wodonga's biggest fun run opted to allocate 20 per cent of takings to help those in burnt-out areas.

That resulted in a cheque for $18,500 being presented to Border Trust for its bushfire relief fund after Sunday's City2City.

Trust deputy chair Grace Churches said that now meant more than $100,000 had been amassed for fire recovery assistance.

Meanwhile, $75,000 was provided to regular beneficiary Albury Wodonga Health which in turn will be spent on the Nolan House mental health treatment hub.

The money has been earmarked for the beautification of the outside courtyard at Nolan House.

There were 3902 entrants in this year's City2City, down from 4300 in 2019.

Weather uncertainty and commitments with bushfire repairs were cited as reasons for the fall.

The winner of the men's 15-kilometre run is in training for this year's Olympics.

Liam Adams blitzed his rivals in the inaugural event, finishing in 45.31 minutes, well ahead of Albury entrant Ashley Hoffmann on 49.43.

The Melbourne runner only decided to enter a week-and-a-half go after seeing City2City advertised during a visit to Falls Creek for altitude training.

"Because I'm training up for a marathon the 15 kilometres was ideal, it was a perfect race to do," Adams said.

Having finished 31st in the 2016 Olympic marathon in Rio, Adams is aiming for the same event in this year's Games and will attempt to qualify when he runs a marathon in Japan next month.

Adams looked to cyclists to help show him the route.

"It was lovely and nice and scenic along the river," he said.

"It's a great community event that raised a lot of money and it was excellent to be a part of."

Adams' girlfriend Charlotte Wilson, who has won Run for the Kids in Melbourne, triumphed in the women's 15-kilometre race with a time of 54.59 minutes.

City2City co-founder Jen Hayes was rapt that an Olympic standard athlete had been attracted to the occasion.

"It means that we've got an event that's earned itself a reputation for those that want a podium finish," she said.

"To attract Olympic athletes to our city speaks volumes both to our city and the event."

Organisers had added the 15-kilometre division to 10-kilometre and 7.5-kilometre runs in a bid to attract more runners from beyond the Border.

A reigning Cumberoona Run champion Patrick Stow won the 10-kilometre men's contest in 32.03 minutes, while Albury teenager Laura Gillard was the top female in that section with a winning time of 41.38 minutes.

Wodonga Parkrun winner Cameron Dixon was the male victor in the 7.5-kilometre category, crossing the line after 25.26 minutes.

Baranduda entrant Kerissa Heritage was the champion woman in the same section, recording a time of 35.08 minutes.