How can you make Mother’s Day even better? How about combining this family day with a major fundraising event to raise money for breast cancer research? Well they did! The second Sunday in May attracts thousands of participants to run or walk in the 4km or 8km The Mother’s Day Classic. I joined the 33,000 other Melbournians to pound the pavement, soak up some beautiful scenery around the Botanical Gardens, and raise money for this worthy cause.
Ali jogging in to the finish line
This was my 2nd year participating in the 8km run in Melbourne, and I plan to continue this tradition year on year. This particular event holds a special significance for me as my grandmother, Alice passed away from breast cancer when she was only 40 years old. She never got to see her own daughters grow up, or meet her grandchildren. If running in this charity event helps raise more funds to give women more time with their loved ones, and hopefully one day find a cure for this disease, then I can’t think of a more worthy cause!
Walking past the aerobic warm up crowds to the start area, I had a few moments of nerves as I remembered that two laps around the Tan involves running up that massive hill at Anderson Street… twice. Ouch! I managed to find myself running behind a man with a baby-stroller for most of the 8km, after discovering how useful he was for clearing a path through the thousands of feet…. Yep, you gotta do whatever it takes!
If running the 8km is too far or too challenging, there is also a 4km walking event. There are worse ways to spend a Sunday morning than taking beautiful stroll around the Botanical Gardens and along the Yarra River.
We have been promoting this event to our guests, and hope to see more of them taking this challenge next year. It’s a great way to raise money for a worthy cause, and also keep yourself healthy at the same time. If you stay at our South Yarra property on Caroline Street, it’s only a short walk to the start line!
Ali at the finish line (pale pink top)
Alison has worked with Caroline Apartments since 2005. Starting out as South Yarra's Resident Assistant Manager, to becoming the opening Property Manager of the new Brighton property, and has recently taken on the role of General Manager of both South Yarra and Brighton. Her enthusiasm and fresh outlook has helped the company branch out through social media marketing to boost brand awareness and show off her fantastic team of staff.
What makes her tick? Ali loves discovering cool bars in Melbourne (due to a serious weakness for creative cocktails); she's also passionate about pole dancing (yep!); prefers pets over babies; and cannot imagine life without having a travel adventure to look forward to! 
