Since 1998 the Mother's Day Classic fun run and walk has become a bit of a tradition.
Posited as a great way to celebrate Mother's Day and raise funds for breast cancer research, this was started by one – volunteer Louise Davidson (National Co-ordinator of the Mother's Day Classic), who runs in memory of the mother she lost to breast cancer.
Louise was surprised when the first event attracted 1800 participants in Melbourne and 1200 in Sydney. She believes that being a family outing rather than a competition helped attract people. This is now a national event with 86 towns and cities throughout Australia participating.
This year it is expected that more than 140,000 women, men and children will run or walk in the 17th Mother's Day Classic and that more than $25 million will be raised for National Breast Cancer Foundation research.
This is family-friendly event involving individuals, groups and organisation teams. It offers walks as well as runs (4km and 8km categories).
Facts about Breast CancerBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. It is projected that by 2020, 17,120 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Australia. Earlier detection is helping survival rates improve but on average seven women die from breast cancer every day.
Over the past 16 years, research has improved a women's experience of breast cancer but supporters say there is still a lot to do and a cure to be found.
Louise says: "Everyone has been affected directly or indirectly by breast cancer and the Mother's Day Classic allows them to do something positive by participating, volunteering, fund raising or just turning up to cheer."
Healthy Choices to Reduce Cancer Risk
Cancer risks depend on a range of factors including: family history, age and genetic factors. There are many lifestyle choices that can lead to a healthier life and reduced the risk of breast cancer.
Weight: Needs to be kept down. Women who put on a large amount of weight in adulthood, especially after menopause, are at a higher risk.
Exercise: Regular exercise (even a 20 minute walk every day) has significant benefits against many cancers.
Fruits and vegetables: The recommendation is to eat 5 portions of vegetables per daily and two daily portions of fruit as part of a balanced diet.
Cigarettes: By cutting out smoking, risks (cancer, heart disease and stroke) are drastically reduced.
Alcohol: Regulate alcohol consumption. The risk of getting breast cancer rises for women who drink more than two glasses of alcohol per day.
For an alternative Mother's Day celebration and to support a great cause, consider entering the Mother's Day Breast Cancer Classic fun run on 11 May 2014. To register, donate or volunteer
click[/LINK] here for prices, start times, prizes and transportation details.
