The Mother’s Day Classic saw about 320 runners and walkers taking to the track at the Tamworth Sports Dome to raise about $8000 for the National Breast Cancer Institute.

The local event was part of a nationwide initiative to boost funding for breast cancer research, with mothers firmly in our minds on the day.

Tamworth event organiser Peter Annis-Brown of Rural Fit said the turn-out was as good as the first, and biggest, classic they ran four years ago.

“It was absolutely fantastic and the weather was unseasonably warm,” he said.

“We are absolutely stoked with those numbers. Serendipity took registrations on the day and they said this year was the most generous the community had been with donations, raising $400 that goes back into the local community.”

He estimated the event raised about $8000.

Mr Annis-Brown said it was a highlight to see the sea of pink as runners and walkers embraced the spirit of the event.

“It was a great morning to get out there with their families – there were lots of people with strollers and mothers and daughters and a group of Kanga Mums, who wear their babies in harnesses,  were taking part,” he said.

“It was also great to see local business people and organisations getting behind the National Breast Cancer Institute, because, sooner or later, it will happen, that there will be a cure found for breast cancer, as well as other cancers.

The event organiser said, with Rural Fit, it was the business’s chance to be a part of the event and give something back to the community.

“We want to keep it so they can enjoy a walk and a quick run, and then they can go and still enjoy a wonderful day for Mother’s Day,” Mr Annis-Brown said.

“It’s not designed to take up heaps of time and we’re thankful and pleased the community supports it.” 

A special moment was breast cancer survivor Kylie Stranley leading the minute’s silence, which was a moving start to the run and walk.

“We want to see more people moving because it’s helping with their health and wellbeing,” Mr Annis-Brown said.