These Venezuelans run to greet their favoured presidential candidate.

Governor Henrique Capriles is challenging longstanding incumbant President Hugo Chavez in a tight race.

The 58-year-old president is running for another six-year term despite multiple surgeries in his much pulicised battle with cancer.

Both camps are trying to win over yhe young vote - and for Chavez that means rebranding his image.

Youth group "Chavez es Otro Beta" is spraying the streets with graffiti showing the president dunking baskets and riding motorcycles.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) MEMBER OF 'CHAVEZ IS A BETA' DARYELIS GONZALEZ SAYING:

"It is a way for us young people to feel that we identify with him and not like other networks say, that we try to sell him or rejuvenate him."

But others say they're ready for a new face that can better represent them.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) YOUNG PERSON WHO SUPPORTS CAPRILES, LEILA FONZO, SAYING:

"Henrique Capriles is young, he has new ideas, he is something new, he is something refreshing for our country."

Concerts and other events are being staged to revitalise interest in politics and get voters to the polls on October 7.