''The level of support and participation we see from rural areas such as Ararat is very strong. They really exhibit such community strength and everyone wants to get on board. The energy behind it is outstanding. We have a lot more trouble trying to get the same levels of support in metro areas,'' Mr Keogh said.

Organiser Giselle Allgood said last year Ararat raised $4 per capita, whereas metro areas raised only 50 cents per capita.

''So while we have less people, the effort and generosity of people in Ararat is far greater,'' said Ms Allgood.

''We haven't had a business say no when asked for a donation.''

All funds go the Cancer Council Victoria. They are divided across three areas: research, support services, and education and prevention.

Victoria was the first Australian state to adopt Relay for Life, which was established by American colorectal surgeon Gordy Klatt in 1985. Since then, Relay for Life has become the biggest fundraiser in the world, with events run in 22 different countries.

''It's such a big event, and it's so important because the fundraising enables research which we can put into a world database. All the research we do in Victoria and Australia will be sent overseas,'' Mr Keogh said.

This is Victoria's eleventh year of participation. Forty Victorian towns and cities are expected to raise $3.5 million this year, which will add to a total of $24 million already donated to the Victorian Cancer Council.

In Ararat, the relay will be celebrated in three stages, with a ceremony to mark the beginning of each stage. The first stage, the opening ceremony, will begin at 6pm with a welcome and then the first lap will be reserved for carers and survivors.

The Rotary Club will be cooking a barbecue and Cr Allgood urges people to come and buy a snack, even if they don't wish to participate.

''We want to get as many people involved as possible. Even if you don't walk, just come down and buy a sausage or a hamburger, buy a t-shirt. Show your support, because carers and survivors want to know there are people there for them,'' Cr Allgood said.

Local bands are donating their time to entertain the crowds, with a performance from Lake Bolac band End of March among others.

The second stage of the event will begin with a Remember Ceremony at 9pm. Giselle Allgood says this part of the event is especially important to honour and remember loved ones. Families and friends will write messages on candle bags which they will place around the oval.

Participants will return to their camps for reflection time, while a piper will play amidst the glow of the candles.

Cr Allgood said Relay for Life is crucially important to let cancer carers and sufferers know there is support available.

''Relay for Life is one of the only events where participants know that the person standing on either side of them has been affected by cancer in some way. The support network is so important,'' Mr Keogh said.

The final stage of the event is called Fight Back, and will begin with a ceremony at 8.30am the next morning.

There will be a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, and participants will be invited to join in the fight.

There will be belly dancing led by Chris Fiscalini, and a demonstration by Ararat West Skipping Team. Participants get a healthy breakfast provided, while the Rotary Club will be barbecuing a fry-up for those who want it.

The closing ceremony will be held at 11.45am, where everyone can walk the last lap flying the `Fight Back' banner.

''The emphasis is on healthy living, on creating a lifestyle that will help us fight cancer,'' said Giselle Allgood.

''The event is strictly non-smoking and alcohol is discouraged.''

The Relay for Life participants will band together tonight for a cause greater than money; they will do it for their community.

''People think country areas are dying, but they're not; they're thriving,'' said Cr Allgood.

''And the overwhelming support from all the teams, individuals and businesses for this event just proves that.''