Margie's marathon

HER friends thought she was mad.

But Kingaroy's Margie Williams said "it helps to be a little crazy".

The 52-year-old wife and mother of two started walking the South Burnett Relay for Life at 3pm on Saturday.

And 18 hours - and more than 65km - later she stopped.

Mrs Williams walked laps with her Birds of a Feather team members, including Gwenda Allen (pictured).

Birds of a Feather has participated in all seven Relay for Life events at Kingaroy. The team has successfully raised funds each year, with a tally of more than $6000 this year.

Mrs Williams said this was the first time she participated in the relay and she was a little stiff on Sunday afternoon.

On the 176th, and final, lap Mrs Williams was joined by other walkers who cheered with the crowd as she crossed the finish line.

"It was very humbling and embarrassing," she said.

South Burnett Relay for Life president Rowena Dionysius said the event was in its seventh year and aimed to increase awareness of cancer and cancer research. She said the event was "awesome" and 30 teams competed.

The first lap was walked by cancer survivors, carers and those undergoing treatment, who wore purple sashes.

At 6pm a candlelight ceremony featured tribute bags lining the track, inscribed with personal messages of love and support to remember those lost to cancer and to show support for those living with cancer.

"We walked one lap in silence in support of the families, who lost their loved ones," Mrs Dionysius said.

She said organisers were confident they would reach their fundraising target of $85,000.

All funds raised will go to the Queensland Cancer Council.

For photographs from the event, go to pages 12 and 13. For more make sure you get Friday's South Burnett Times.