The 24th annual national fun run and walk for breast cancer, Women In Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC), is back in 2021 with a new initiative.
Held annually in May, this year the MDC is introducing the Mother’s Day Classic Local, which will give participants the flexibility to choose their own distance and local location in the name of getting active for breast cancer research.
Zara Lawless, MDC CEO, said that MDC Local provides more flexibility for the event than ever, with a strong focus on uniting local communities right across Australia.
“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 MDC 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,” Ms Lawless said.
“These local locations, while smaller in size and more informal in nature, will be big on community spirit.”
To make the event even more special, those participating this year will receive a limited-edition race pack valued at more than $30 when they register. The pack includes a commemorative medal, personalised race bib and a start/finish line ribbon to run through. There will also be a special race pack for kids, and for the first time in MDC history, pets can be registered.
Peter Jamieson and David Zakharoff are participating with the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC), an organisation that has supported MDC for 14 years.
“This will be our 14th year supporting the Mother’s Day Classic and we’re really looking forward to getting out there with a few more people this year then there were last year,” Mr Jamieson said.
“This will be my third individual Mother’s Day Classic. I got involved because I liked the idea of supporting something local; I’m new to Canberra and I was just struck by the amount of support Canberrans have shown and the stories of the survivors.”
Mr Zakharoff has also been participating in the MDC for several years, after being hit by the emotion of what the event is about.
“My first engagement was through work where we had put a team together to come along. It wasn’t until I arrived on that first morning that I really understood the purpose of the event and what it meant to so many people that we were participating. From that first event I have just been hooked and keen to be a part of it ever since,” he said.
In April, there will be a major announcement pinpointing the locations around the country where participants can join in for MDC Local, while others can choose to participate on Mother’s Day in a COVID-safe manner. Both Mr Zakharoff and Mr Jamieson believe it’s the energy and sense of community that makes the day so special for everyone.
“It’s just amazing how many people get down to the lake, the amount of folks that run when they’re not normally running and walking, so people trying to do something that they don’t normally do,” Mr Jamieson said.
“I particularly like the folks that come out with their mums. My mum’s in Melbourne so I can’t do that but I just love that idea that it’s something that kids do with their parents and their partners. It’s just a beautiful day.”
CSC has been an active participant in MDC for several years, with their team walking, running and dancing their way around the course. They usually run a tent and sponsor the inter-departmental team trophy for the team who raises the most money.
“We’ve got quite a few folks that are part of the organising committee so there’s a lot of activities that we participate in and we put on a trophy … it’s the biggest trophy I’ve ever seen,” Mr Jamieson said.
“Each year seems to be adding a new little thing in and it’s getting better and better,” Mr Zakharoff smiled.
Signing up guarantees participants exclusive access to the MDC portal which features a variety of online content, including fitness tips and workouts, cooking and nutrition advice, health and wellness tips as well as an array of activities for kids. The portal also allows entrants to track their training kilometres and fundraising efforts.
The team from CSC has one important message for those who are interested in MDC local, Mr Zakharoff said.
“Get involved. For those who are thinking about it or haven’t done one yet, absolutely make that commitment to get down there on the morning and like anyone who’s done it, you’ll be hooked,” he said.
“If you look at the statistics for breast cancer, if it’s not in your immediate family, everyone knows someone who has been affected by it. Everyone has got a story and that certainly comes through on the morning. It’s a stunning event.”
Register online for the MDC Local at mothersdayclassic.com.au
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