Bendigo woke to cold, grey skies and rain, but that did not deter about 2000 people turning out for either a four kilometre walk or run, or eight kilometre run.

The Classic, now in its seventh year in Bendigo, raises funds for breast cancer research, a condition that touches one in eight Australian women.

Event organiser Gaye Harrington said this year’s event attracted 1900 online registrations. She doubted many people, if any, failed to show due to the weather.

“We are just thrilled and overwhelmed with the response,” Ms Harrington said.

“Just looking  at the people walking around the track I anticipate we have as many people as last year, potentially slightly more.

“Given the weather that’s an extraordinary turnout. It’s been the worse weather we have ever had, but it hasn’t dampened the spirits of people attending.

“I think the breast cancer cause has such goodwill that people are determined to come along and support it.”

Ms Harrington said breast cancer was cause close to the hearts of many who participated in the Classic.

That included Golden Square woman Leanne Taylor, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years ago, aged 37.

Currently in remission, Ms Taylor, who took part in the four kilometre walk with two-year-old daughter Claudia, said the Classic was a way of giving back to those who faced similar challenges as cancer sufferers.

“I’ve been through the breast cancer journey, I’m still going and I will be going through it forever as I have the Bracket 2 gene,” she said.

“I have lots of friends and family too who have been touched by cancer – breast cancer and other cancers.

“I was only 37 when I was diagnosed and (daughter) Claudia was only two, it was  pretty big shock.

 “Claudia is very precious – if I didn’t have her I wouldn’t be able to have anymore children.”

Monies raised at the event will be tallied later in the week.