Walking Stars - Half-marathon walk at night raises $300,000 for cancer charities

More than 2500 people from across the country painted the town yellow. Photo / Supplied

More than 2500 people from across the country painted the town yellow in a charity walk through the streets of Auckland last night.

Walking Stars, a night-time half-marathon passing many of Auckland's inner city icons, attracted teams and individuals from across New Zealand and helped raise $300,000 for cancer charities.

Walkers - include teams made up of families, friends and work colleagues - wore tutus, neon lights, fluoro glasses and even fairy wings and were cheered on by bar-hoppers.

Lisa Hill of Doubtless Bay Darlings. Photo / Supplied

The event attracted people walking on behalf of a loved one, or for themselves after beating cancer.

"As well as the amazing energy and sense of celebration among the walkers, there was also a real poignancy as everyone set off around the [Auckland] Domain," said organiser Mel Lloyd.

"And Auckland really embraced them, people were coming out of restaurants to clap as they walked past, people passing by joined volunteers to help cheer them on. This is our third year and each year it just gets better and better."

Walkers wore bibs on their backs, with a dedication for the person they were walking for.

Starting at sunset in the Domain, the 21km course passed some of the city's dynamic nightlife on Karangahape Road, Ponsonby Rd, Westhaven, Victoria Park, Wynyard Quarter, the Auckland Viaduct and through Parnell.

"We had large work teams through to friends, couples and individuals," Ms Lloyd said.

"We're really proud that every dollar they raised will go to the Cancer Society and Look Good Feel Better, two amazing charities doing incredible work providing support to patients and funding much-needed research for treatments and cures."