With the temperature nudging 30 degrees - blessedly far from the 40-plus furnace that greeted the 2012 relay - the event opened with a lap walked by cancer survivors and carers.

Early estimates suggested around 200 participants for the event which will run through until mid morning Sunday.

Organisers said the team had already raised more than $16,000 and the figure is set to balloon over the course of the relay.

Look for a full report in this week's Guardian and we hope you enjoy the photo gallery from the event.