It’s more than a race: Why Chloe walks the Mother’s Day Classic every year

Words by Chloe

Chloe (right) with her mum and sister at the Mother’s Day Classic. Image supplied

Chloe’s whole world changed when her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She shares why she takes part in the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) every year to support breast cancer research. 

Register for the Mother’s Day Classic now

Picture this: You’re on your leisurely run when you see a small nine-year-old child, huffing and puffing, completely red in the face and barely able to keep up with her sister. Let’s just say I was a complete mess. But even if I had to drag myself over that Mother’s Day Classic finish line, every year I’d get up and still do it. Half because my mum forced me to, the other half because I realised how important it was. With that in mind, once my parents accepted my strong disdain for running, we decided to switch to the walking option. Thank God.  

Recently, my mum, my sister and I took part in the Sydney Mother’s Day Classic 10km walk, raising over $5,000 for breast cancer research for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). 

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing, music playing, people with themed costumes, and practically everyone wearing pink! Walking up to the starting line, I felt incredible excitement. There was a slight hum in the air, families holding hands, deep breaths circulating. Everywhere I looked, I saw stories written on the back of shirts, honouring the lives of sisters, mothers and grandmothers. Some walk in remembrance, others in celebration and many in hope, fighting for the same common vision: Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Seeing the community come together was truly inspiring and I am so grateful I got to contribute to such an important event. 

When I was younger, my grandma Rosemarie was diagnosed with Stage 3 (III) breast cancer – she is the reason we take part in the Mother’s Day Classic. The moment we heard the news, everything stopped. I was still a child, so of course I didn’t realise the gravity of what happened. In my mind, she was eternal; death wasn’t even an option.  

Since my grandma’s experience with breast cancer, taking part in the Mother’s Day Classic has become a family tradition. Even during COVID, we finished it, walking in loops around our neighborhood, passing the same trees, postal boxes and bus stops for what felt like hundreds of times!  

When we were younger, we’d visit my grandma or call her up afterward. I think it allowed me to manage the stress and anxieties around her condition. Now, it’s become a close point of connection for my family, allowing us to spend the walk reminiscing about old memories, stories and photos.  

Image supplied

The Mother’s Day Classic isn’t just another fun run. It’s a powerful event that brings together thousands of people, raising funds for NBCF and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). In 2025, it managed to raise $3.5 million dollars, with $2.13 million directed towards breast cancer research. Isn’t that just absolutely incredible?  

Every registration supports world-class breast cancer research aimed at precision prevention, early detection and treatment. Whether participants choose to run, walk (my favourite option) or simply donate, every dollar makes a difference.  

So, if you’ve been contemplating whether to get involved, take this as your sign to register for the Mother’s Day Classic. Because the Mother’s Day Classic is a powerful reminder that meaningful change is often followed by small actions, and that when the community gathers, progress follows.

Register for the Mother’s Day Classic now