Be a STAR and walk for Breast Cancer

15 August 2016

Be a STAR and walk for Breast Cancer

Pink Star Walkers are getting ready to line the streets pink for breast cancer at the 2016 NZ Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Star Walks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Registrations are now open for the events at www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz, which take place during October (and into November) as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and are kindly sponsored by Estee Lauder Companies. The annual NZ Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) fundraiser is a non-competitive fun walk, with no training required before participating - just a willingness to join a group of boisterous women, men and children in support of those affected by breast cancer. The walks are held in the twilight hours, providing a unique experience. There is a party atmosphere at the finish line with entertainment provided; walkers are encouraged to celebrate and have a fun evening out together.

The NZBCF Pink Star Walks are held in New Zealand’s major cities, and open to all ages. The walking courses are a mix of 5km, 10km or a half marathon (21km) option, depending on location. The course must be walked, not run; with walkers encouraged to dress in pink, with many groups coordinating their costumes as a team and registering to fundraise.

Registration is easy through the dedicated event website www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz. If you register before 1 September you are eligible for earlybird pricing, saving $5 per entrant. The registration fee covers the costs of holding the event only, with walkers encouraged to set up fundraising pages so friends and family can sponsor their efforts. Funds are raised through a combination of entry fees, personal sponsorships and donations.

Stacey Morrison, NZBCF Ambassador and radio host from The Hits, along with her co-host Flynny, will MC the events in all three locations, cheering on walkers and handing out medals at the finish lines to those completing the 21km distance options in Auckland and Christchurch. “I’ve been involved with the Pink Star Walks for many years and always enjoy seeing everyone getting together and making an effort with their costumes. What better way to show your support of those affected by breast cancer than by getting out there and walking the talk!” says Stacey Morrison, who lost her mother to breast cancer at a young age. Keeping fit and active is important to Stacey, who loves that the Pink Star Walk is an event which is accessible to everyone no matter what their age or fitness level.

The Pink Star Walk includes a pre-walk warm-up by instructors from Jett’s Fitness; walkers follow the route marked by pink balloons, and rehydrate via water stations available around the course, manned by volunteers who are there to support and encourage participants.

At the conclusion of the walk there is a festive atmosphere with music and entertainment provided by The Ladykillers (Auckland) featuring NZBCF ambassador Jackie Clarke, and Retro Divas (Wellington), and prizes awarded to best dressed individuals and teams, as well as spot prizes.

“Our Pink Star Walks are a great way to show your support for friends, family or colleagues affected by breast cancer,” says Evangelia Henderson, chief executive at the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The money raised by the three events will help fund support programmes for women with breast cancer including counselling, rehabilitation programmes and funds education for early detection of breast cancer. Each year more than 3000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, with approximately half detected through mammograms, where a tumour can be found when it is as small as 2mm. A tumour is generally 10 times the size (20mm) before it can be detected by touch, so it’s important that women know they need to be screened from the age of 40 and well into their 70s,” says Mrs Henderson.

NZBCF Pink Star Walks are held in three locations:

Auckland

Route: The Auckland Domain and Waterfront (21km only)

Saturday 8th October 2016

4pm for 21km walk (ages 16+ only)

6.45pm for 5km walk

Christchurch

Route: starts at North Hagley Park (route TBC)

Saturday 29th October 2016

4pm for 21km walk (ages 16+ only)

6.30pm for 5km walk

Wellington

Route: starts at Frank Kitts Park and along Wellington Waterfront

Saturday 12th November 2016

6:30pm for 10km walk

7:15pm for 5km walk

History of Pink Star Walk

The Pink Star Walk has been a major fixture on New Zealand’s event calendar since it first began in Auckland in 2006. The event was held in Wellington and Christchurch for the first time in 2015.

Major sponsor Estee Lauder and media partner The Hits radio station have supported the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation’s aim to provide a unique mass-participation walking event designed for breast cancer survivors and supporters. Held in the twilight hours, the emphasis is not on competing for first place, rather to walk at your own pace, get a group of friends and family together, and enjoy the camaraderie of others who join in a common cause.

Last year’s Pink Star Walks attracted over 4,200 registered walkers and raised $500,000. This year the goal is to attract 5,500 walkers, and raise a total of $600,000 towards the breast cancer cause.

Walkers can register for the events at www.pinkstarwalk.co.nz

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