The annual Hollard Daredevil Run’s participants did it again.

On Friday, November 1, thousands of men around the country donned their purple Speedos to run 5km, raising vital awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.

Twenty-nine men ran around Mbombela Stadium, and in the Kruger National Park, the game rangers showed their support by competing around Skukuza.

This nationwide phenomenon, which first started 15 years ago, raises funds for CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, to be used for testing in under-resourced areas and increasing awareness, support and research.

The main event was at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, where over 3 000 men and boys participated. Satellite runs also took place nationally. This year, individuals, corporates, schools, tertiary educational institutions, sports clubs and communities stepped up once again for this worthy cause. An estimated 6 000 runners registered across South Africa.

ALSO READ: Thriston Lawrence confirms participation in Africa’s Major

These brave men took to the streets with a bold mission to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and early detection.

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 about and take responsibility for their health.

“Wearing a Speedo in public requires courage, just as it does 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,” said Allistair Khanyi, the head of brand and communications at Hollard. “By shining a light on men’s health, Hollard is enabling 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 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%.

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 be 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.

Anyone can donate to this worthy cause. Make a difference by donating on the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page, every contribution helps.