THE Prostate Cancer Awareness Run kicked off from Hillcrest on Saturday, September 13, and it was marked by a stronger turnout on its second day.

KZN MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane paid tribute to those who support cancer initiatives and praised participants and supporters of the inaugural Prostate Cancer Awareness Run, hailing the two-city event as a vital step in raising awareness and support for men battling prostate cancer.

A significantly larger number of runners took part in the second leg of the event on Saturday morning, covering the 30km route from Hillcrest to St Aidan’s Hospital in the Durban CBD.

By 07:40, the first group of participants began crossing the finish line to enthusiastic cheers. One of the most anticipated arrivals was that of celebrated ultra-marathoner Bongumusa Mthembu, whose team made a triumphant entrance at 08:48, drawing loud applause from supporters and fellow runners alike.

The festive atmosphere at the finish line included giveaways, camaraderie, and the presence of health professionals, hospital staff, and district management, all showing solidarity in the fight against prostate cancer.

Launched on Tuesday at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, the two-day run began with a 47km journey on Friday to Hlengisizwe Community Health Centre in Mpumalanga, Hammarsdale. MEC Simelane officially started the race by firing the starter pistol, setting runners off on their awareness-raising mission.

As part of the initiative, 74 men were screened for prostate cancer on Friday at Hlengisizwe, combining physical endurance with crucial health education and services.

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“The message is simple,” said Simelane.

“You are not alone. We run for those battling cancer, for those we’ve lost, for survivors, and for the next generation.”

The awareness campaign is the brainchild of Dumisani Pakkies, a prostate cancer survivor whose personal journey has inspired hundreds across the province. His vision is to expand the event into a multi-day, multi-site health activation in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and other healthcare organisations.

Speaking at the event, Simelane commended Pakkies for transforming his journey into a movement with life-saving potential.

“Dumisani Pakkies is not just a survivor; he is a symbol of resilience and hope,” said Simelane.

“His story resonates deeply with men who are silently battling this disease. Through his courage, we are breaking the stigma and putting prostate cancer in the spotlight where it belongs.”

Simelane also extended her gratitude to sponsors and partners for their critical role in the success of the event.

The Prostate Cancer Awareness Run continues to gain momentum, with more men joining not only to run but to take charge of their health. The KZN Department of Health is calling on spouses, loved ones, and families to support men affected by prostate cancer, emphasising the importance of early detection and a strong support system

Pakkies himself highlighted the invaluable support he has received from his wife, Mpume, and his nephew, Lemar Pakkies, who ran alongside him throughout the event.

St Aidan’s Hospital, which served as the final stop of the run, offers a range of urology services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate and other urological cancers.

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