The ‘Sea of Pink’ that swept through Brisbane and dozens of regional Queensland communities today has raised an incredible $1.78 million to fight breast cancer.

A record-breaking 23,000 runners, joggers and walkers completed this year’s International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray in Brisbane CBD to raise money for breast cancer research, services and equipment.

They were joined by another 3,500 people in ‘virtual’ funs runs in communities including Bowen, Bundaberg, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Gympie, Kingaroy, Longreach, Mackay, Moranbah, Rockhampton, Redlands, Springfield and the Sunshine Coast.

More than 750 people joined Townsville’s own International Women’s Day Fun Run at Cluden Park racecourse.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said this year’s International Women’s Day Fun Run was the biggest in the 33-year history of the event.

“Queenslanders have supported this year’s fun run like never before – and we cannot thank them enough,” he said.

“Our supporters created a pink street party that stretched from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens – and beyond.

“It’s been a day of laughter and great memories – and a few tears too.

“Most importantly, the fun run has raised $1.78m to help fight breast cancer at Mater, by funding life-saving medical research, state-of-the-art equipment and more personalised services for patients.”  

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced a $15,000 donation from the Queensland Government to the event at the start line in Vulture Street.

One in every four Queensland women with breast cancer are treated at Mater hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

Donations to the International Women’s Day Fun Run can still be made at  www.womensdayfunrun.com.au.