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Early risers take part in classic Mothers Day event

23 May 2007

Members of the TeamMONASH™ squad before starting the event.

Hundreds of TeamMONASH™ members recently braved an early Mothers Day start to run (or walk) for a good cause.

An impressive 623 TeamMONASH™ participants entered the 2007 Melbourne Mothers Day Classic.

The Classic is an annual 4km or 8km run or walk, this year conducted at the Tan, the track around Melbourne's Botanic Gardens, and is the biggest community fundraiser event for breast cancer research in Australia.

This year, TeamMONASH™ raised approximately $17,000 towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation and were awarded a certificate on the day for entering the largest community based team.

Participants were able to dedicate their run or walk to a friend or family member. Placards were worn in memory or support of their loved ones battle with breast cancer.

One participant, a student at Monash, said she felt mixed emotions on the day. "I'm a bit sad today actually," she said.

"My mum died from breast cancer five years ago. It's not until something like this affects you that you realise you can't just sit back and do nothing, but to be running today with friends and family just makes it that little bit more special."

A sleepy Monash University student Bal Mansor asked herself, "What was I thinking?" when she first arrived, but quickly got into the spirit.

And as she and other participants arrived at the TeamMONASH™ marquee there was a plethora of goodies available for them including a massage for weary muscles, a wholesome snack and drink and of course flowers for all mothers.

Ms Mansor said everyone in the TeamMONASH™ marquee was helpful and friendly.

"TeamMONASH™ took good care of us," she said.

TeamMONASH™ consists of people from the broader Monash community, including students, staff, alumni, friends, and family who represent the University. Members participate in many events similar to the Mothers Day Classic, and it is a fantastic opportunity for all to improve their fitness, while meeting new people in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

TeamMONASH™ also had more than 60 volunteers who contributed to the enthusiasm on the day and helped to organise and run the event.

One of those volunteers was Louella D'Costa, a staff member at Monash. Louella has a family member that is being treated for breast cancer overseas, and she says being so far away makes it difficult, but "this is the best thing I can do for her," she said.

"Even as a volunteer it is great to be part of such a big event."

The day was well organised and ran smoothly. The many volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning, and of course those that were involved in organising and planning the event for months, must be congratulated on such a successful day.

TeamMONASH™ had an original target of entering 300 people for the Mothers Day Classic, so receiving the award for the largest community team really validates the hard work put in by all organisers and volunteers.

Photos from the 2007 Mothers Day Classic can be viewed by visiting the Monash Sport website.