General News
3 May, 2024
Walk or run for cancer research
EVERY Mother’s Day for more than 20 years, a growing number of Australians have walked or ran to honour those touched by breast cancer and raise money for research – and this year will be no exception.
Australia’s biggest breast cancer research fundraiser, the Mother’s Day Classic will once again be held at various locations across the country to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Warrnambool event involves a three kilometre walk and a seven kilometre run.
The course takes participants along Pertobe Road to the breakwater, then back along the promenade, past the surf club before turning around to return to the start/finish line (three kilometres).
What started in 1998 as a way to honour those affected by breast cancer and to support research into the disease has grown into Australia’s largest breast cancer fundraiser – involving more than 130,000 participants around the nation and raising vital research funds.
Increasingly, the colourful event has become a way for groups or families and friends to participate in a healthy, fun activity to kick off their Mother’s Day.
According to many former participants, the event is no average fun run.
It is a powerful day for families and friends to support breast cancer survivors and those who have lost loved ones to the disease.
The Mother’s Day Classic is not about breaking speed records.
The focus is on participation, whether you walk, run or volunteer.
Many people have fun dressing up; you’ll see everything from pink pirates to teams in tutus.
“My daughter and I have been entering the Mother’s Day Classic for the past four or five years and it truly is a wonderful event,” Mandy said.
“As a nurse, a mother and a daughter I have seen many people go through cancer treatment and in particular for breast cancer so this is a cause very dear to my heart.
“If we can do even just a little thing to raise awareness and a few dollars in the process then that’s terrific.
“And I also get to kick start my Mother’s Day morning with my daughter out in the fresh air – and we always enjoy a cuppa and a bite to eat afterwards so what isn’t there to like about that? It’s a win-win all round.”
The Warrnambool event will be held on Sunday May 12.
Participants can pre-register online or on the day from 8am.
The seven kilometre run and three kilometre walk will start at 9am.
