Did you know that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and that, sadly, 8 Australians die from it every single day?

Did you also know that 55 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day?

They are some sobering statistics.

That’s why it’s so important that those of us who can, that together we work to improve the lives of those affected by this horrible disease – now and into the future.

And one way to do that is by participating in one of the best events on the events calendar – the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC), which, in its 23-year-history, has raised almost $38 million to fund game-changing breast cancer research.

My mumma and I

The MDC used to be one of my favourite things to do with my mumma on Mother’s Day.

Yep. Why let her sleep in on Mother’s Day! Ha. 

Our first MDC was back in 2002.

I was at uni and just getting back into running – getting a taste for fun runs and road running (I was a sprinter in high-school, so this was my first foray into road running).

We got up at ridiculous o’clock and drove down to the city to participate in the event – my first 5km fun run. I remember finishing the run with my mumma cheering on the sidelines (the first of many running and triathlon events she has come to watch since). We then took part in the walk, surrounded by an ocean of incredibly brave, fierce women and their families – survivors; friends; husbands with children who had lost their wife/mumma.  

Writing this years later – it still gives me goosebumps.

It was an incredible experience and since then mumma and I have participated in the MDC most years.

Fast-forward to 2021 and while I’m now living in a different state and no longer taking part in the annual event with my mumma (she now gets that sleep in on Mother’s Day!) – and despite the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything over the last 12 months, the MDC is still going ahead in spite of the challenges.

MDC with a twist

According to a statement from Women in Super (WIS) – the event founders – this year (the 24th Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic), the fun run/walk for breast cancer research is back and will “go ahead in 2021, no matter what”.

To enable Covid-Safe participation, and because of the ever-changing landscape due to continuing pandemic, in 2021, the event introduces a new initiative: Mother’s Day Classic Local, which will give participants the flexibility to choose their own distance and local location all in the name of getting active for breast cancer research.

“The Mother’s Day Classic Local provides more flexibility for the event than ever before, with a strong focus on uniting local communities right across Australia,” says Mother’s Day Classic CEO, Zara Lewis.

“You can choose to run, walk or jog in your own local area with family, friends, work colleagues, school friends, gym buddies or others in your community, and do it on a day and time that suits.

“The Mother’s Day Classic Local 2021 provides the opportunity to be part of an inspirational community, supporting those touched by breast cancer and raising vital funds for breast cancer research.”

Ms Lewis adds that due to the ever-changing environment, the organisers aren’t able to host a “traditional-style, mass-participation event”, “but we are planning to set up local locations across the country in metro, urban and regional areas where MDC supporters can don their pink attire, connect with the MDC community, and do the event together on Mother’s Day”.

This makes me so happy – I’m so glad that such an important, awareness-raising event is back for 2021.

The Covid-19 pandemic may have caused a lot of events to be cancelled/postponed in 2020, but in 2021 we are back!

So, if you’re thinking about participating in this event I’d highly encourage it. If nothing else, you will leave with a full heart, inspired but some of the bravest women among us.

For more information about the event (including the limited-edition race pack that participants will receive on registering), visit: mothersdayclassic.com.au.