The Rotary Aussie Peace Walk is being held this weekend, to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand.
Governor-General David Hurley will sound the Rotary Peace Bell in Yarralumla's Nara Park on Friday at 4.30pm to officially start proceedings.
The peace walk comprises several events over two days, from 7km to the marathon distance of 42.2 km. Participants receive a medal if they complete at least one walk on each day.
Rotary Club of Hall president Chris Edwards is the event director and well-versed in big events. He has run every City to Surf - 49 in all - starting when he was just 11.
Participants are encouraged to represent a country, even don traditional dress and connect with others. It's a walk, not a run, with plenty of time to chat.
Mr Edwards said that euphoria of finishing a challenge - like the City to Surf or Peace Walk - generally got people talking and enjoying the shared experience.
"Our intention is to bring people together and break down barriers, We want people to take their time, meet people, have conversations, and make new connections," he said.
The walk is being held in aid of the Rotary centenary project Give Every Child a Future which will give life-saving vaccines to 100,000 children across the Pacific and ensure generations of children and women are protected against cervical cancer, rotavirus and pneumococcal disease.
Mr Hall said he was proud to be part of Rotary, celebrating its centenary and continuing its vision of promoting peace through supporting projects around the world.
"I think it's important everyone gives back to the community and that's what Rotary does," he said.
To enter this weekend's peace walks and to see the routes, go to aussiepeacewalk.com.au/
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