HUNDREDS of runners of all ages and abilities have lined up this morning for the annual Bendigo Bank Fun Run.

This year’s event – the ninth since its inception – features a 5km walk as well as 5km, 10km, 15km, and 21.1km runs.

Bendigo Health Foundation events co-ordinator Kiri Earl said about 2800 people took part in this year’s fun run.

“We still get a lot of people saying they have never done it before,” she said.

“Each year we are getting different participants and crowds.”

Ms Earl said the 5km event was still the most popular.

“We are seeing a lot of families run together,” she said.

“I think what else contributes is that we change who we fundraise for each year.”

Proceeds from the event, which is held each year between the Bendigo and Melbourne cups, will go towards supporting rehabilitation services at Bendigo Health.

Runners tackling the new half-marathon course were the first to leave the Pall Mall starting line at 7am.

“It a beautiful (course). Having people (start and finish) in same area really creates a great atmosphere,” Ms Earl said.

“The weather has been beautiful. At 4am this morning it was mild and as long as it’s not windy it's pretty good.”