Think pink this Mother’s Day

GET running or walking for breast cancer research when the Mother’s Day Classic returns on Sunday, 14 May.

The local five or 10-kilometre fun runs, which fundraise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, are hosted by Fernwood Ballarat and will be held at Victoria Park.

“We encourage everyone to wear as much pink as they can, and dress up,” said Fernwood Ballarat owner Lee Squire.

The 10-kilometre and five-kilometre runs will start at 9am, with the five-kilometre walk setting off at 10am.

Registrations and check-in will open at 8am, with welcomes and basic aerobic warm-ups led after 8.40am.

“To make it easier for people on the day, we encourage them to register online prior, and they can enter a team of their choice, or join the Fernwood team,” Ms Squire said.

“Everyone who participates will get a medallion. We will have a kids’ zone sponsored by the RACV, coffee and food vendors, and everyone is welcome to bring their dogs on a lead.”

Mother’s Day Classic CEO Zara Lawless said breast cancer is the most common cancer identified in Australian women, and nine people die from the disease daily.

“We would love to see as many Australians as possible start their Mother’s Day with purpose by suiting up, showing up, standing up against breast cancer, and joining us for the 26th anniversary of the Mother’s Day Classic,” she said.

“We welcome women, men, children, families, friends and work mates, anyone who wants to start or continue a Mother’s Day tradition by getting active for breast cancer research.

“Participants of all ages can enjoy a leisurely Mother’s Day walk… Beginners looking to get into running can explore our shorter running options.

“We understand that Mother’s Day can be a challenging day for many, which is why the Mother’s Day Classic has always been so important for our community.

“We gather and honour those that have been touched by breast cancer, those that have lost loved ones and those that are standing strong through treatment. We’ll walk, run, laugh, cry and cheer each other on, and cross that finish line stronger together.”

Since 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has donated $41.45 million to fund breast cancer research with an aim to eventually achieve zero deaths caused by the disease.

Fernwood Ballarat staff are seeking more volunteers to help them run the event. Head to mothersdayclassic.com.au/vic-ballarat to register.