THE Sale Botanic Gardens was a sea of pink on Sunday, with the Sale Mother’s Day Classic attracting hundreds of people raising money for breast cancer research.
Participants could race against Gippsland MHR Darren Chester in the eight kilometre walk or run, or join in the four kilometre walk.
Organiser Janelle Wilkes said that despite the weather, even more people arrived to register on the day.
“People have come, and they’re dressing up, they look fantastic,” she said.
“We’re hoping to raise $10,000 this year that’ll bring our grand total to $40,000 over the last three years.”
Ms Wilkes said she appreciated the support from the community, especially local businesses who donated raffle prizes and food.
“People come from everywhere, I love it.”
Amongst the runners were Stratford’s Hamish MacGregor, aged nine, who had a chat to Darren Chester while on the course, and kept up with him for three kilometres until the very end, before rocketing away with 500 metres to go.
Mr Chester said he was astonished.
Others were running for more serious reasons.
Twelve months ago, Ann Gibbs was undergoing chemotherapy, but on Sunday morning she crossed the finish line with her daughter Mackenzie, which she said was a special moment.
The Footprints Foundation hit the track in force, with a dozen runners supporting the local charity.
Footprints aims to help breast cancer sufferers by assisting their families around the home.
To find out more, visit Footprints Foundation Sale on Facebook, or visit www.footprintsfoundation.org.au.
Mark Andrews was first home in the eight kilometre race, with Katie Stringer the first female.
Gippsland Times journalist Alex Ford finished the eight kilometre course in 33.04.
