Thousands of people braved Canberra’s thick morning fog to run in the Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday morning.


The fun run, starting from Rond Terrace at Lake Burley Griffin, has been raising money for cancer research for the past 16 years.


Nearly 8,000 runners took part the event, after participating en masse in a pre-run aerobic warm-up.


The first female across the line was Canberra runner Hannah Flannery, while Ethiopian-born runner Gemechu Woyecha won the men’s race.


The event - run by Women in Super - was held in 74 locations, with more than 130,000 participants Australia-wide.


Organisers expect to raise over $4 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, according to Mother’s Day Classic national chair Louise Davidson.


“As well as raising funds for breast cancer research, the Mother’s Day Classic provides an opportunity to honour and support those affected by the disease,’’ she said.


‘‘It also serves as a powerful reminder to us all of the importance of early detection.’’