Mrs Clarke was surprised when 40 people from around her area answered the call to participate in the fun run and walk.

A strong Terang contingent will again be represented this year, with about 60 residents expected to register for the May 8 event.

The Mother’s Day Classic is Australia’s largest breast cancer fund-raiser. It attracts more than 130,000 participants from across the country and raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The event is held along the Warrnambool foreshore and includes a 3km walk, a 3km run or a 7km run. 

Mrs Clarke said the best part of the day for her, was showing support to people at the event who were fighting breast cancer.

“If we can give them an hour of happiness or peace, that’s what we’ve achieved. It’s about making someone’s life easier on that day,” Mrs Clarke said.

“Several years ago a close family member was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I personally know how important it is to keep actively promoting and creating awareness about this disease,” she said.

Mrs Clarke will run in the 7km event. She keeps fit in her job as a fitness instructor, playing netball for Kolora Noorat and the occasional Sunday run.  

Warrnambool committee member Katie Monigatti said it was great to see people of all ages “having a go”, including the pride of an 80-year-old woman who completed the 3km walk.

Mrs Monigatti said seeing the satisfaction on runners and walkers faces, knowing they were active for a great cause, was a highlight.

She said last year’s event attracted 600 runners and walkers, while the year before more than 950 people participated in sunny conditions.

The Warrnambool Mother’s Day Classic has raised in excess of $40,000, which contributes to the overall total of $27.5 million raised nationally.

Mrs Monigatti encouraged participants to register online by May 4 and said entries would also be taken on the day. 

Go to mothersdayclassic.com.au/register for more information.