Dozens of North Coast men stripped down to just their speedos to raise awareness of male cancers last week.

Joining the weekly Hunt Properties run on Friday morning, the group ran alongside thousands around the country who took on the Hollard Daredevil Run.

The Daredevil Run is an annual fundraiser and awareness campaign focused on male-specific cancers, namely prostate and testicular.

The run has been regularly supported in Ballito since it first started 15 years ago and the purple speedo parade has become an annual tradition.

“Getting everyone together, the camaraderie and brotherhood – it’s an amazing force to be a part of,” said runner Simon Kemp.

“Male cancers is a matter that often goes unsupported or unnoticed and obviously it’s a big problem in our modern world.”

Fellow runner Richard Smout agreed: “It’s very important for men to be aware and to bring awareness to men’s cancers.

“Guys generally aren’t good at checking up on themselves, so we are hoping the show here today will remind everyone to check themselves and rather – if there is something – get it sorted sooner rather than later.”

According to Hollard, prostate cancer will affect one in six men in their lifetime and it is expected to be the most common cancer among men in South Africa by 2030.

If detected early enough however, the survival rate is 95%. Testicular cancer is less common, impacting around 1 in 250 men, but it remains the most common cancer among men aged 15-35. The cure rate for testicular cancer can be as high as 98% if caught early.

“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,” said Hollard’s spokesperson, Allistair Khanyi.

“The Hollard Daredevil Run is dedicated to every man and boy in South Africa affected by cancer or looking to spread awareness.”

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