Thousands of people across Brisbane are continuing to hit the pavement to raise awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research and support services.
The annual and iconic RACQ International Women’s Day Fun Run attracts thousands of walkers and runners each year in the Brisbane CBD, but it was cancelled due to the devastating floods.
However, the weather hasn’t dampened the spirits of many participants who are opting to complete the 5km fun run in their local neighbourhoods – where safe to do so - to ensure greater awareness of the impacts of breast cancer on women and families.
This year’s Fun Run participants have until 13 March to complete their 5km course and more time to fundraise. So far, almost $1.7million has been raised, surpassing the 2021 target.
More than 30 staff and associates from Blue Commercial real estate (pictured) turned up in Fortitude Valley to walk 5km to show their support for the cause and to honour their former colleague Terry Rosewarne who died a day before last year’s Fun Run while training for the event.
Blue Commercial is this year’s top corporate fundraiser, generating over $50 000 from its Queensland office.
The company’s Head of Operations Sharon O’Sullivan said the Fun Run was a favourite event in the firm’s calendar.
“Many of our team members from interstate can’t make it due to the floods, but I know they are here in spirit, and we will all continue to fundraise,” she said.
At Brisbane’s bayside, groups of Fun Runners set off for their 5km course along the foreshore at Sandgate early Sunday morning (6 March).
All Hallows’ School Year 12 student Annie Murdoch is this year’s highest individual fundraiser and led a team on Brisbane’s Bayside in honour of her mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer about eight years ago.
“I watched my mum battle the disease when I was in Year 3,” she said.
“That experience stays with you.
“At the time, I was so young and didn’t have an awareness of what was really going on. Now I realise how difficult that was for her, and to keep the family running at the same time.”
Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said this year’s Fun Run in Brisbane was set to be the biggest in the event’s 31-year history with more than 20 000 people registered to take part.
“We share the disappointment of many people who look forward to this annual event, but safety is our main concern at the moment and our hearts go out to all those people who have been impacted by the flooding,” he said.
“I’m delighted that so my participants have still taken up the challenge to raise awareness of breast cancer by opting to run or walk using the ‘Your Way’ option which enables people to map a safe 5km in their own neighbourhood or area.
“Coming together as a group of friends or family – or doing it solo –is a great way to demonstrate your support for the one in eight Queensland women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” he said.
For more information on the Fun RunYour Way visit: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/event/iwdfr-2022/