Speedo’d Daredevils let it all hang out for a good cause in this years Hollard Daredevil Run
Hundreds of speedo-clad heroes, all over the nation, dared to bare and dared to care by running the Hollard Daredevil Run 5km to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
Fourways and Bryanston streets were a sea of purple on November 1 as hundreds of brave men donned iconic speedos for the annual Hollard Daredevil Run. Joining forces with runners across Gauteng, they tackled the 5km challenge to raise vital awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.
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This nationwide phenomenon, which first started 15 years ago, raises funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa to be used for testing in under-resourced areas and to increase awareness, support, and research.
The main event, which took place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, saw over 3 000 men and boys participating, with satellite runs also taking place nationally. This year, individuals, corporates, schools, tertiary educational institutions, sports clubs, and communities stepped up once again for this worthy cause, with an estimated 6 000 runners registering countrywide.
Corporate participation in this event has also grown year on year, with businesses around the country helping to enable a culture that sees men talk more openly and take responsibility for their health.
This annual event empowers South African men to be sure, rather than unsure, when it comes to their health, said the head of brand and communications at Hollard, Allistair Khanyi.
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“Wearing a speedo in public requires courage, just as it takes courage to take charge of your health by getting regular screenings and staying informed. The Hollard Daredevil Run is dedicated to every man and boy in South Africa affected by cancer or looking to spread awareness.”
Khanyi said by shining a light on men’s health, they are trying to enable men to take control of their future well-being.
“Prostate cancer will affect one in six men in their lifetime, and by 2030, it is expected to be the most common cancer among men in South Africa. Black African men face a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to other population groups. The survival rate in men, whose prostate cancer is detected early enough, is 95%.”
Lhanyi added that although less common, testicular cancer remains the leading cancer among young men aged 15 to 35, impacting about one in 250 males. If treated early, the cure rate for testicular cancer can rise to as high as 98%.
“Thank you to all the brave participants of the 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer,” said Khanyi.
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough without the added burden of financial worries. The relevant insurance policies can be very beneficial to protect individuals against the financial impact of a critical illness.”
Khanyi said anyone is welcome to donate to this worthy cause by donating on the Hollard Daredevil Run BackABuddy page. Every contribution helps.
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