In a showing of respect to the late Southern Highland president of this event, Harriet Nixon, students and participants walked a lap of Bong Bong Racecourse.

The Civic 2 Surf is a run from Canberra to Sydney (Bondi) and held over the August 16 and 17 weekend to smash the stigma surrounding mental health. The midpoint of the run is at Bong Bong.

Harriet's mother Fiona Nixon spoke and thanked everybody for coming out.

"I'm so impressed with everybody here and their sense of community," Ms Nixon said.

"You are some of the most wonderful group of young men and women. I can't thank you all enough foo your love, support and friendship."

Through the annual run from Canberra to Sydney raising funds for Batyr, the group hopes to continue to empower and encourage all young people to reach out and be heard.

This is the eighth year of C2S and the committee hopes to continue strengthening its relationships with the Southern Highlands community, as it has had an ongoing and significant role in the cause.

If you wish to consider donating to the cause the link is: https://civic2surf2019.raisely.com