We all know that Mother’s Day isn’t until May 9, but we thought you’d appreciate a heads-up on what’s happening with the Mother’s Day Classic in 2021. After all, breast cancer waits for no one, and those who are touched by it are just as committed to walking or running towards a cure for the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
The 24th annual Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic will go ahead no matter what because of a new initiative that gives participants the flexibility to choose their own distance and location. This time round you can run, walk or jog in your own area rather than participating in one designated spot, and you can also choose how far you go. Whatever you decide to do, it can be at a time that suits you.
Mother’s Day Classic CEO Zara Lawless explains: “In light of the ever-changing environment across the country, we can’t host traditional-style mass participation events. But we are planning to set up local locations across the country in metro, urban and regional areas where Mother’s Day Classic supporters can don their pink attire, connect with the MDC community, and do the event together on Mother’s Day in their own local area. It’s vital we go ahead. I remember a young girl who had lost her mum to breast cancer telling me that she didn’t know what would happen if she couldn’t participate in the Mother’s Day Classic. It is so much more than a fun run. It is a celebration of survival. It’s also about honouring those we’ve lost. The Mother’s Day Classic Local is putting back certainty in people’s hands; giving them something to hold on to.”
So this is how it works. Participants will receive a limited-edition race pack valued at more than $30 when they register online at www.mothersdayclassic.com.au. Registration opened on World Cancer Day on February 4. There’s a special race pack for the kids and you can even register your pet, who receives a bandanna. Once signed up you’ll be able to access the MDC portal, which features fitness tips and workouts, cooking and nutrition advice, health and wellness tips and a variety of activities for the kids. All entrants can track their training kilometres and fundraising efforts with all proceeds going to breast cancer research.
Zara concludes: “Our social media event came alive last year because people from all over the country participated and it still felt like an event even though it was online. This year we aim to unite local communities right across Australia. In April we’ll announce local locations around the country where you can join others on Sunday, May 9, in a COVID-safe manner.” You can choose your own location too. Think the Port Phillip foreshore, or a Mornington Peninsula walking trail, or the local oval.
So hop to it. Go online and register today. In the 23-year history of the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, almost $38 million has been donated to fund game-changing breast cancer research. Brilliant.
LIZ ROGERS
