Categories:
Footy legend Corey Oates is calling on Queenslanders to turn the state pink for the 2026 Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray.
And the former Broncos and Origin star is starting with himself – stripping down to his running shoes and shorts for a body artist to paint this year’s fun run jersey across his torso.
Corey’s impressive body art turned heads at Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel South Bank this week, but his attention is focused on getting 23,000 participants signed up for the 5km Brisbane fun run on Sunday 8 March.
Registrations open today (Thursday 8 January) and fun-runners can get 50 per cent off sign-up fees until Monday 12 January.
Funds raised through the Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run go towards improving care for breast cancer patients at Mater, as well as enabling research into better diagnosis, treatment and recovery programs.
One in every four Queenslanders diagnosed with breast cancer is treated at a Mater hospital.
“I can’t run like I used to, but I’ve definitely got skin in this game!” Corey joked.
“The fun run is a fantastic cause that supports and celebrates everyone who is impacted by breast cancer.
“When you talk to Mater’s cancer researchers, nurses and doctors, it really hits home what the fun run is about – saving lives and helping people through the hardest time in their lives.
“It doesn’t matter how fit you are or how fast you can go – this event is for everyone who cares about fighting breast cancer and delivering better outcomes for patients.”
This year’s Brisbane fun run will start close to Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, in Vulture Street, South Brisbane, and end in the City Botanic Gardens.
Townsville and Springfield will also host their own fun runs on 8 March and dozens of other Queensland communities and groups are expected to organise their own ‘5K Your Way’ events to support the cause, with up to 30,000 people participating statewide.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said last year’s Mater Chicks in Pink International Women’s Day Fun Run, which was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, raised $1.8 million for breast cancer care and research.
“This year we’re hoping to raise more than $2 million to help Mater Chicks in Pink support women with breast cancer,” Mr Thomas said.
“If you can’t join our runs in Brisbane, Townsville or Springfield, you can still complete a 5km walk, jog or run at a location of your choice.
“This is Queensland’s day to make a genuine difference to the lives of people affected by breast cancer – join us and be part of it.”
