Mother’s Day is a little more meaningful when you start it surrounded by hundreds of locals, all walking for the same reason.
That’s why we’re glad to see the Mother’s Day Classic – an annual walk and fun run supporting breast and ovarian cancer research – returning to the Central Coast on Sunday, May 10.
Locals are invited to take part in events at The Entrance and Woy Woy, joining thousands of Australians stepping out for the cause.
Whether you walk, run or simply show up in support, this is about honouring loved ones, supporting those currently facing cancer, and contributing to life-changing research.
Walk with purpose: Mother’s Day Classic
Now in its 29th year, the Mother’s Day Classic has grown from a small community event into one of Australia’s most recognised fundraising events. Since 1998, more than 1.8 million Aussies have taken part, raising over $50.8 million for breast and ovarian cancer research.
And it’s still growing. In 2026, up to 100,000 participants are expected to take part across more than 90 locations nationwide.
On the Central Coast, events at The Entrance and Woy Woy bring that national movement into a deeply local space.
A Central Coast fun run that saves lives
The number are impressive, but it’s the personal stories and, of course, the atmosphere, that makes the Mother’s Day Classic so special.
You’ll see families walking together, groups dressed in matching outfits, kids with signs, and plenty of quiet moments too – people walking in memory of someone, or alongside someone who’s still in the thick of it. There’s a quiet but powerful shared understanding in the air.
The reality is, most of us don’t have to look far to find a reason. Almost all of us know someone impacted by breast or ovarian cancer.
Every day in Australia, 61 people are diagnosed with one of these cancers, and 12 lose their lives. While significant progress has been made – particularly in breast cancer survival rates – there is still so much work to be done.
Which is why, in 2024, the event expanded to include ovarian cancer research, recognising the urgent need for greater investment and awareness in a disease where the five-year survival rate remains at just 49% and treatment options have seen little improvement over the last three decades.
Fundraising for breast and ovarian cancer
The money raised goes directly into research that’s already making a difference.
Funding supports organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, helping to improve treatments, increase survival rates and, ultimately, save lives.
And the impact of that investment is clear. Breast cancer survival rates, for example, have improved from 84% to 93% since the event first began, thanks in part to research funding like this.
There’s still a long way to go, but progress is happening. The Mother’s Day Classic could be your chance to do something that matters.
Get involved in the Mother’s Day Classic 2026
Registrations are open now for local events at both The Entrance and Woy Woy – two beautiful waterfront spots to start Mother’s Day on the Central Coast this year.
Register for Woy Woy, which includes 2km and 5km walk or run options.
Register for The Entrance, with a 5km course you can choose to walk or run.
You can take part as a participant, sign up as a volunteer, donate, or simply get behind the cause in whatever way works for you.
So if Mother’s Day usually involves a slow start and a long lunch, this is an easy add-on that gives the day a bit more weight (without taking anything away from the good parts).
Sign up, show up, and help create a future where fewer families are impacted by breast and ovarian cancer.
