The service starts at 11am and hundreds of mourners are expected to turn out to say goodbye to one of the region's true legends.

McCann, 41, died at her Coledale home on Sunday, surrounded by her family after a fight with cancer.

The Olympian and Commonwealth Games dual gold medallist had her husband, Greg, and three children - Benton, 11, Josie, 5, and Cooper, 15 months - by her side.

Athletics Australia have organised a tribute to McCann during the iconic Zatopek:10 race meet in Melbourne tonight and will call for a minute's silence in her memory.

In 1999, McCann won the 10,000m event at the race meeting, named after Czech Emil Zatopek, who won four Olympic gold medals and is regarded as one of international sport's greatest competitors.

Athletes and officials at the Zatopek:10 will also wear pink armbands in honour of McCann and one of her favourite charities, Breast Cancer Network Australia.

The McCann family have requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to the charity www.bcna.org.au, phone 1800 500 258) or the McGrath Foundation (www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au, phone 8962 6100.