FORGET breakfast in bed – nearly 600 athletes gave their mothers a quick peck on the cheek on Mother’s Day before making their way to Bundoora’s La Trobe University for the second run of the Athletics Victoria winter series.

Junior athletes ran in a 5km undulating road race while their open age counterparts endured a lengthier 15km stretch.

Diamond Valley’s Maryann Murray ran a fast-paced 15km leg to place third with her time of 57.53 minutes, while fellow competitor Ruth Reidy claimed third in the 45-49 women’s category with a 1.08.43 run.

Meanwhile, Ben Norman did the division two men proud with his solid 50.57-minute performance earning him fourth.

Diamond Valley is currently struggling on the winter series ladder but will be looking to hoist themselves up this Saturday for the Sandown Classic 10km road race.