The Jennian Homes Mother's Day 5km walk or run attracted more than 600 on Sunday morning. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport.

Mother’s Day celebrated with a run and a laugh

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2027

While many mums were tucked up receiving breakfast in bed on mother’s day, some were out hitting the pavement hard and having fun in the annual Jennian Homes Mother’s Day 5 kilometre walk/run.

Around 650 people competed in the event, which saw competitors run or walk around a five kilometre loop course that started and finished at the Jennian Homes Nelson Bays complex in Champion Rd, Richmond.

“We would like to thank the local businesses for their support of the event, and all the mothers, daughters and family members who participated.  It was a tremendous atmosphere with so many ladies turning up, it was such a fun event for everyone involved,” says Daryl O’Reilly, general manager of Jennian Homes Nelson Bays.

The race, which began in Nelson in 2009, has now gone nationwide with over 5000 competitors from around the country involved.

The event is open to women of all ages and fitness levels, and not only sees them joining together and getting active on Mother’s Day but delivers a serious message too.

Heart disease is the single biggest killer of New Zealand women, claiming the lives of over 3000 ladies each year.

Simon Collett, owner of Jennian Homes Nelson Bays, says they have partnered up with the Heart Foundation to support its Go Red for Women campaign, which aims to help stop our women dying prematurely of heart disease.

“It is about creating awareness of heart disease, and encourages women to look after themselves and keep fit and healthy,” says Simon.

Nelson Cardiologist, Dr Tammy Pegg, spoke to the crowd before the race about heart disease and keeping women healthy.

She urged every woman to ring 111 first if ever suffering from symptoms relating to heart issues, and advised them that ringing an ambulance gives them a better chance of survival.

Andrea Thompson of Nelson won the major spot prize of a ladies mountain bike, donated by Village Cycles and Jennian Homes.  There were also around 100 spot prizes on offer including vouchers, jewellery and travel vouchers.

At the time of the Nelson Weekly going to print, the amount of money raised for the Heart Foundation was still being calculated.