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Decade

“It’s important to get people moving and be active – and we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.”

She said the event was a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“Embracing a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy and I’m hoping that this event can show people that it can be done and that it can be fun too,” she said.

“It can be hard to be focused on health and fitness in a small community, particularly when we don’t have the same state-of-theart facilities that are available in metropolitan areas,” Ms Randell said.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said the fun run had been a much-loved event for more than 30 years and had been expanded to allow Queenslanders to participate wherever they live in the state.

Last year’s fun run was cancelled due to the 2022 Brisbane floods, but fund-raisers and virtual runners still managed to raise an incredible $1.75 million.

Participation in the previous 2021 fun run was capped at 13,500 and has now been increased in response to public demand.

“The response from the community this year has been overwhelming,” Mr Thomas said.

“We’re delighted that 20,000 Queenslanders will be joining the sea of pink in Brisbane this year and that so far another 3100 will be running in their own virtual events.

“If you live in other parts of Queensland, you can still be part of this fantastic celebration. Register with us and walk or run in your own community – every dollar you raise will help women fighting breast cancer.”

This year, Mr Thomas said the event organisers aim to raise more than $1.75m to provide personalised support services and state-of-the-art equipment to better diag- nose and treat patients, as well as investing in life-saving breast cancer research at Mater.

“Please join us and show women with breast cancer that we’re right beside them during their most difficult time,” he said. To learn more, visit: fundraise.mater.org. au/event/funrun-2023/virtual-how-itworks

WHAT: Virtual International Women’s Day Fun Run

WHERE: Anywhere in your neighbourhood (that’s safe!)

WHEN: March 6 to 12