Mother’s Day Classic a hit in Dampier

Families and friends decked themselves out in pink and hit the pavement on Sunday morning for the annual Mother’s Day Classic fun run in Dampier.

About 350 people turned out for the run, which is held Australia-wide to raise funds for breast cancer research, held in ideal conditions at Hampton Oval.

It was organised by the Dampier Community Association.

Organiser Sharyn Creighton said the group was pleased with the strong turnout.

“I think cancer touches everyone in some way — there are very few people who haven’t been touched by it,” she said.

“I had an aunty who was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago but managed to be diagnosed early and survive, and that is why I think this event is really important — because being a woman, (breast cancer) is important to all of us.”

Participants completed the event in one of three different course options — a 6km run, 4km run or walk and 2km run or walk.

The early start was made more inviting with food and coffee vans, face-painting, a bouncy castle, live music from local performers Duo and a warm-up by Miranda Perkins.

Stacey Hambley, a Dampier mum and chairwoman of cancer support group Reach Us Pilbara, also spoke about her personal experience with cancer before the participants set off.

“We all know someone who’s been affected by cancer which is why events such as this are so important,” she said.

“The funds that they raise for research are imperative but even more so, there’s the general heightened awareness within the community that they bring.”

After the run Dampier Fire and Rescue service volunteers provided a foam pit to keep the kids entertained.

All funds raised from the event will go towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Other Mother’s Day Classic events were held in Port Hedland and Newman.