Polokwane men go bold for cancer awareness in Daredevil Run
Speedo-clad runners from Polokwane took part in the Hollard Daredevil Run to promote men’s health and early cancer detection.
POLOKWANE -Speedo-clad runners from the Polokwane Athletic Club joined thousands of men across the country on Friday in the Hollard Daredevil Run, a bold campaign raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.
The runners set off from the old Peter Mokaba Stadium as part of the 16th annual Daredevil Run, which once again united men nationwide in the fight against male cancers. The event promotes early detection, life-saving screenings and open conversations about men’s health.
The Polokwane participants were among hundreds of groups running simultaneously across South Africa, sending a message that early detection saves lives.
In South Africa, the lifetime risk of developing testicular cancer is about one in 1 750, making it one of the most common cancers among men aged 15 to 49.
Prostate cancer, meanwhile, claims thousands of lives every year. A simple PSA blood test can help detect prostate cancer early, and both cancers are highly treatable if caught in time.
While regional runs took place nationwide, the main event was hosted at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, where representatives from the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Cansa joined participants.
Both organisations are long-standing partners and beneficiaries of the Daredevil Run, using money raised to expand testing and awareness in under-resourced areas.
Lorraine Govender, Cansa’s national manager for health programmes, said that last year the organisation conducted 1 000 PSA tests, trained 649 healthcare professionals, and ran outreach programmes in rural communities.
“This money is truly life-saving, allowing us to educate, screen and support men, as well as their families, to take control of their health,” she said.
Hazel Chimhandamba, Hollard’s group chief marketing officer, added that the campaign continues to spark important conversations.
“The Daredevil Run gets people talking about men’s health in a fun, engaging and approachable way. We are humbled by the incredible support and participation.”
Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, said: “The iconic purple Speedo has become a symbol of hope. We couldn’t be prouder of its role in encouraging early detection and saving lives across South Africa.”
