Mother’s Day is fast approaching and while some families have a tradition of breakfast in bed or a favourite restaurant for dinner, plenty of Aussies have been making the Mother’s Day Classic fun run a part of theirs. Founded in 1998, this charity event has raised more than $44 million for research into breast cancer over the past 25 years.
What makes the Mother's Day Classic so successful?
It’s a challenge to make a charity event successful, because it can be hard to compete with the vast array of fitness events, and there are so many worthy causes out there vying for attention and funding. To maintain the level of success it has, for as long as it has, makes the Mother’s Day Classic somewhat of a unicorn in the fundraising world.
This event has become synonymous with Mother’s Day celebrations for tens of thousands of Australian families. With walk and run options, across 5km or 10km courses, participants of all ages, and fitness levels can participate in the event. It’s been made far more accessible too, with multiple locations stretching across both regional and metro areas of all states and territories.
Starting Mother’s Day off with a meaningful event, that gets the exercise-induced endorphins flowing as well as social connection, in a super friendly, and encouraging environment. A stand out feature of the Mother’s Day Classic fun run is the overwhelming sense of community and positive energy, which no doubt keeps participants coming back year after year. Money raised through the event goes to National Breast Cancer Foundation, and this year the Mother’s Day Classic is also going to be raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
With such as large percentage of the community touched by these cancers in some way, it’s easy to feel a personal connection to the cause. Another reason this event is so popular is the good vibes and fun atmosphere on the day. It’s not unusual to see fancy dress costumes, sporting teams and community groups banded together to take part.
How can you get involved with the Mother's Day Classic?
Of course, the most common way to participate in this phenomenal event is to register. Whether you want to set yourself a challenge and run 10km, or prefer to walk the 5km route with a team, there’s an option to suit most people. There’s also heaps of volunteer opportunities, so if you’re keen to be part of the action, but not sure about registering as a participant, contact an MDC event near you and enquire about volunteer roles that are needed on the day. With over 70 locations across Australia set to host a Mother’s Day Classic event, there’s a good chance you can find one near you.
When we, or someone we love, is diagnosed with cancer, it’s easy to feel powerless. Being a part of something like this can offer a real sense of support and hope, when you see the community that’s in your camp, and rallying behind you.
When is the 2024 Mother's Day Classic?
The Mother’s Day Classic takes place on Mother’s Day each year. In 2024, that falls on Sunday 12th May and there are registered events set to take place at 70 venues across Australia. If you’ve never taken part in a fun run before, it’s a great one to start off with, but be warned – these fun runs can be addictive!
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