Hollard to host 10th Daredevil Run on March 13

Thousands of men will participate in the 10th Hollard Daredevil Run, a phenomenon that has morphed into a brotherhood over the years, on March 13 at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg.

This year the emphasis is on the role men play in each other’s lives and the lives of their loved ones, and the influence they have in inspiring positive outcomes.

Heidi Brauer, chief marketing officer of Hollard, said the Hollard Daredevil Run is all about creating awareness of male cancers, and saving lives through encouraging and enabling preventative screening.

“We want to highlight the importance of the early detection of so-called male cancers such as testicular and prostate cancer. “Through the power of collective action and spectacle, we have been able to drive real and positive change, and the 10th run will be no different. We know there is still a lot to be done, but we are so excited about what this run has already achieved,” said Brauer.

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), prostate and testicular cancers are among the most common cancers affecting South African men. An estimated 1 in 19 South African men will develop prostate cancer, and 1 in 1 798 men are affected by testicular cancer.

These statistics also reveal that prostate cancer affects a larger proportion of black men, while testicular cancer is diagnosed more often among white men. Both of these cancers can be defeated if detected early enough.

These are the most prevalent male cancers in the society, and the Daredevil Run is a clarion call to all members of the public to declare that these cancers will not rob the society of more men on their watch.

“All proceeds from entries to the Daredevil Run go towards charities associated with the fight against male cancer, and to testing for these cancers across the country, especially in the remote areas where such services are seldom accessible. The more entries we receive, the greater impact we can make,” said Brauer.

The Daredevil Run is only open to men and may only be run in a specially provided Speedo and running shoes. It takes place during peak-hour Johannesburg traffic.

Brauer said the visual impact of this combination has proven to be most successful because it invokes public curiosity and gets people talking about male cancers.

“Truth be told, it takes a lot of guts to run through rush-hour traffic in a Speedo. Over the years we have seen how conscious men are about their bodies at the start of the event, but the collective participation soon puts them at ease and facilitates conversations about male cancers. We now have thousands of men participating in the run annually, and many of them do it again and again to help save more lives.

“For the 10th run, we are looking for guys to not only be brave and do the Daredevil Run, but also to dare their mates, bros, majitas and colleagues to join them in putting on a purple Speedo and taking to the streets. We want the ‘man’s man’, the guy who’s always rallying others in support of his peers or his cause. We want men who are looking to honour those who have lost the battle to these male cancers and those who are still bravely fighting. We’re asking men around Jozi: When it comes to fighting the good fight, who’s your guy?” she says.

For more information about tickets, visit www.daredevilrun.com and book your spot for the 10th Daredevil Run.

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