COMPETITORS at the upcoming Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run will not be short of encouragement, with 1st Yarrunga Scouts set to again man a number of support stations throughout next month's course.

Continuing a long–standing partnership with the local event, 1st Yarrunga Scouts assistant group leader, Melissa Duguid, said the local scouts enjoyed the opportunity to cheer on and support competitors, offering them a cold drink as they close in on the finish line.

"I think we've been involved almost from the beginning, it's been a really long time," she said.

"Part of the Scouts philosophy is to be part of the local community and to encourage kids to be part of our local community and see it grow and become stronger.

"We want our kids to be involved in the community, and Scouts Australia says 'play a constructive role in society' so we're trying to encourage our kids to do both."

Ms Duguid said Scouts members regularly took part in the marathon event itself, volunteering their time either before or after they had run to provide support to fellow community members.

She said the experience played an important role in informing time management for the children.

"It helps them with time management as well – it gives them a bit of a think about how they can manage their time to do a bit more within the community," she said.

"It's beneficial for us too – we're out and seen by the community.

"Our kids get a lot out of it, they see the people running and 95 per cent of them are friendly and at least say hello depending on how they're going on the day.

"Most people at least smile and I think those that are doing the actual marathon and fun run enjoy seeing our young people out there at least handing out water and getting it cleaned up so it's not a complete mess.

"The kids enjoy it, they like seeing people run past and I know in the past they have cheered them on – there's a whole heap of learning opportunities for our young people there."

The Scouts group is set to begin convening volunteers and establishing a roster in the coming weeks.

For more information and how to enter the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run, visit https://wangarattamarathon.com.au.