National annual breast and ovarian-cancer fundraiser the Mother’s Day Classic is taking registrations for events, including at Stawell and Horsham on Sunday.

National Breast Cancer Foundation’s biggest donor – more than $47-million in 27 years – the classic last year raised $2.1-million for breast cancer research, and $1.2-million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation in its first year attached to the cause.

The classic, founded by Women in Super, calls on people to walk or run set courses, the main part of events that attract competitions, food and drink vendors, and other fundraisers.

Mother’s Day Classic chief executive Zara Lawless said she was proud the classic gave movement a meaningful mission.

“Whether you’re taking part for your sister, your mum, your best friend, yourself or simply to do something purposeful on Mother’s Day, every step you take helps to fund the critical research that saves lives,” she said.

“We’re proud that the Mother’s Day Classic has become much more than a walk or run – it’s a shared annual ritual of support and hope.”

Stawell’s four and seven-kilometre events leave from North Park at 9am, with a limited ability 400-metre event at 9.15am. 

Event organiser Jess Maffescioni said the event had become part of a Mother’s Day tradition for some.

“We have quite a few people who come every single year, it’s become part of their Mother’s Day tradition, because they’ve been touched by cancer, breast cancer usually, in some way,” she said.

“They come, have their morning exercise, whether it be a walk or a run, and then spend the rest of the day with their families.”

Mrs Maffescioni said up to 100 people participate each year, dressing up and running or walking the picturesque, ironbark-lined track.

“This is the fourth year we have run it since taking it on after COVID-19, and we’re hoping to see it get bigger and bigger,” she said.

“We have some best dressed competitions, for people and their pets, so it’s definitely about donning your pink and raising money for breast and ovarian cancer research.”

Mrs Maffescioni said the three courses encouraged people of all abilities to participate.

“We didn’t want anyone to feel like they couldn’t come and participate if they couldn’t walk four kilometres, so the limited ability 400-metre course allows people with walkers or anything to do a lap of the oval and still be involved with the atmosphere,” she said.

“We’ve got music, a coffee van and raffle, so everyone can come and be part of it. 

“Local businesses have generously donated a lot of lovely prizes, so that will be another way we can raise some funds.”

People can register online or on the day, with payment by cash or card, and find more information at www.facebook.com/StawellMothersDayClassic. 

Horsham’s classic follows the parkrun course from Sawyer Park, with two and five-kilometre events starting at 9am. People can find more information at www.facebook.com/MothersDayClassicHorsham. 

People can register to participate in the Mother’s Day Classic, which can also be run from home, at mothersdayclassic.com.au. 

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