Close to 80,000 people took part last year’s City 2 Surf, the biggest race of its kind in the world.

This year, Today Show host Sylvia Jeffreys and wife of late radio legend Stan Zemanek – Marcella Zemanek – are both taking part to raise funds for important causes.

11 years after losing her husband Stan to brain cancer, 71-year-old Marcella is running the City 2 Surf to raise funds for the Charlie Teo Foundation.

“Probably this will be my last year to do it, because I am getting old,” she tells Ben Fordham.

“I just want to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer, that’s my mission.”

Last year, Marcella aimed to raise $800 but smashed that figure out of the ballpark, collecting a whopping $33,000.

She’s hoping this year will be better than ever.

To support Marcella’s vision, click here.

As an ambassador to Youngcare, Sylvia is looking to raise $10,000 to help change the lives of 700,000 Australian families in critical need of support.

“Their aim is to keep young Australians who have high care needs out of aged-care,” Sylvia tells Ben.

Sylvia will be battling the course with TV personality and performer David Campbell and Simon Pryce, the Red Wiggle.

“I’ve been training really hard just to try to keep up with them!”

To donate to Sylvia’s fund, click here.

Click PLAY below to hear from Sylvia and Marcella