Dress up in pink, show up and stand up against breast cancer when the annual Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, Australia’s biggest fun run and walk for breast cancer research, returns in May.
The Mother’s Day Classic is a beloved, long-standing tradition for Australian families and registrations are now open. To celebrate the 26th Mother’s Day Classic, kids aged 12 and under can register for FREE in February*.
Over 1.5 million people have participated in the Mother’s Day Classic over the past 25 years and this year supporters can walk, run or jog for the cause on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, at up to 70 event locations across Australia. If you’re unable to join the tens of thousands of runners, joggers and walkers on the day you can still participate at your own time and place with MDC Anywhere.
Zara Lawless, Mother’s Day Classic CEO, said today: “Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia. 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.
“The Mother’s Day Classic has grown quite literally from a walk in the park to an iconic event on the national calendar. Since it began in 1998 the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has donated $41.45 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to fund life-saving breast cancer research.”
Over 50,000 people across the nation took part in the 2022 Mother’s Day Classic and more than 1,000 volunteers donated their time to bring the event to life and raise money for research.
Organisers expect the 2023 event to be even bigger and better and are encouraging people to register early and take advantage of the special February promotion for children.
“Registrations are now open and for the remainder of February, for the first time, we are providing free registrations for up to two children aged 12 and under with every paying adult or concession registration. When coupled with our early registration discount in February, this represents a saving of up to 50 per cent for families of four,” Ms Lawless 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 at event locations all over Australia. Beginners looking to get into running can explore our shorter running options, and we also have longer distances including an 8km and new 12km option in Melbourne for seasoned runners and a 5km and 10km run in Sydney and Western Sydney. Plus, this year we are introducing timing services for runners at all our Major event sites.”
In Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Western Sydney (Parramatta Park), Darwin, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, Geelong and Perth, the Major MDC events return bigger and better. Here you can walk or run and enjoy the lively atmosphere on the day, including the event village, entertainment, music and food stalls throughout the morning, as well as activities for kids both on-course and in the event village.
In 2023, new timing services will be available at the Major and metro locations for all running events.
Participants who register before March 22 in any of the Major MDC cities will receive personalised race bibs to wear on the day, a timing chip (for runners only), a commemorative medallion at the finish line, and access to an online fundraising dashboard and fitness tracker.
If you prefer staying local there is an option to walk or run at one of the many Local events that will be held across Australia on Mother’s Day. These events will have strong community support and, depending on location, will include music and entertainment, food and market stalls, fundraising opportunities, and the option to walk or run with pets at select locations.
Participants staying local will receive a commemorative medallion at the finish line and have access to downloadable race bibs and tribute cards, as well as access to the online fundraising dashboard and fitness tracker.
If you can’t join in on Mother’s Day or prefer the flexibility to complete your chosen distance anywhere and anytime you can sign up for MDC Anywhere. You will receive a personalised race bib and medallion in the mail so you can create your very own unique MDC experience and have access to the MDC online fundraising dashboard and fitness tracker.
By signing up for the Mother’s Day Classic you are joining a passionate, pink, and purpose-driven community united in the fight against breast cancer.
Ms Lawless said: “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,” Ms Lawless said.
Start your Mother’s Day with purpose by suiting up, showing up, and standing up against breast cancer. Registrations are now open and for the month of February up to two children (12 and under) can take part for free with every paying adult or concession registration at mothersdayclassic.com.au.
*Up to two FREE Child registrations (12 and under) with every paying Adult or Concession registration in one transaction in February
VIP pricing for 2 adults and 2 children with kids 12 and under free is $95.40. Pricing outside of the promotional period at a Major event for 2 adults and 2 children is $212.
Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research to improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer. The Mother’s Day Classic Foundation supports the NBCF’s goal of zero deaths from breast cancer. There is still so much work that needs to be done to ensure that women can live free of breast cancer in the future.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia and sadly, 9 Australians die from it every single day.
Together we can improve the lives of the 57 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each day – now and in the future.
In the 25-year history of the Mother’s Day Classic, $41.45 million has been donated to fund game-changing breast cancer research.
Text by: Mother’s Day Classic
