Registrations Now Open to Run Cancer Outta Your Hood
It’s that time of year again, when men across the country don their signature purple speedos for a bold and brave cause – raising awareness about male cancers. The annual Hollard Daredevil Run is back, and this year it will take place on Friday, 1 November 2024, bringing vital awareness to prostate and testicular cancers in communities and workplaces nationwide.
What began fifteen years ago with a few courageous men running through traffic in purple speedos to highlight the importance of cancer awareness has evolved into a nationwide event that is impossible to ignore. Since 2021, the Hollard Daredevil Run has hosted a flagship event at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, alongside neighborhood runs all over the country. Last year’s event was the biggest yet, bringing together men of all ages for a worthy cause.
Funds Raised for CANSA and Prostate Cancer Foundation
In addition to the excitement of announcing this year’s event, Hollard recently handed over R700,000 in funds raised from the 2023 Daredevil Run to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. These funds will support prostate cancer testing in under-resourced areas and contribute to cancer research and awareness campaigns.
According to Joani Sadie, Corporate Relationship Manager at CANSA, past contributions have enabled CANSA to conduct over 2,000 Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests between January 2022 and March 2023. These quick, non-invasive tests can be life-saving, as elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
“This is not just a cause important to our business,” says Allistair Khanyi, Head of Brand and Communications at Hollard, “but also a rallying call for men to be proactive about their health.” Khanyi adds, “The Daredevil Run has a national impact every year, fostering a culture where men can openly discuss the risks, symptoms, and importance of early cancer detection.”
The Alarming Reality of Male Cancers in South Africa
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and it is expected to become the most common cancer among men in South Africa by 2030. Black African men face a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to other groups. Testicular cancer, while less common, is the most frequent cancer in young men aged 15 to 35, affecting approximately 1 in 250 males.
The Hollard Daredevil Run emphasizes early detection of prostate and testicular cancers. With early diagnosis, the survival rate for prostate cancer is 95%, while men diagnosed with early-stage testicular cancer enjoy a 98% five-year survival rate.
Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, notes that the Daredevil Run allows men to discuss a serious health concern with a lighter tone. “These events are essential for educating men and boys on the importance of awareness and early detection,” he explains.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re based in Johannesburg or anywhere else in South Africa, there are plenty of ways to join the fight against cancer. Runners in Johannesburg can join thousands of daredevils at the annual Zoo Lake event for a 5km run at 3pm on Friday, 1 November. Alternatively, participants across the country can register to run in their neighborhoods, solo or in groups, showing support from every corner of South Africa.
Last year saw teams of men running in towns big and small, with some memorable moments including a group of game rangers running through the Kruger National Park.
Hollard encourages individuals, corporates, schools, sports clubs, and communities to rally behind this cause by signing up for this year’s event.
Register Now!
Entry tickets for the 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run are available for R180.00, which includes a registration pack and a complimentary purple speedo delivered to your door. Register now at daredevilrun.com and join the movement to run cancer out of your hood!
For more information on the event and how to participate, visit daredevilrun.com.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a nationwide effort to fight male cancers – get ready to run, raise awareness, and make a difference!
