The streets of Gordon’s Bay and throughout Cape Town were painted purple on Friday 13 October as thousands of brave men and boys in purple speedos took to the streets in a show of pride, toughing out this year’s 5 km Hollard Daredevil Run to raise awareness of cancers most prevalent in men.
Satellite runs took place all around South Africa, from major centres to small towns and rural communities. In Gordon’s Bay, dozens of runners braved a chilly breeze at the Old Harbour and were cheered on by supporters. Among the familiar faces were Ward 100 councillor Sean Stacey and Inspector Robin Lansdale of Animal Welfare Society (AWS).
“The Hollard Daredevil Run has become a nationwide phenomenon since it first started in 2009, raising eyebrows and raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.
“We set out this year to achieve the biggest and bravest run to date, and we have achieved just that. This run goes from strength to strength each year, and we cannot be prouder,” says Warwick Bloom, head of Group Marketing at Hollard.
The Hollard Daredevil Run saw over 3 000 runners participating at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, as well as teams in Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein and everywhere in between. Participants were spotted running in their neighbourhoods in Despatch, Gonubie, Potchefstroom, Secunda, Sedgefield and even a team of game rangers braving a whole lot more by running through the Kruger National Park. This year also saw more high schools participating than ever before, with many schools and hundreds of learners in provinces around the country getting teams together to support the cause.
“Many men may be reluctant to talk about health issues or seek professional help. It is for this reason that cancer is often diagnosed later and perhaps at a more advanced stage.
“Detecting and treating these cancers early means better futures for men and their families around the country,” says Bloom.
By 2030, prostate cancer is predicted to be the most common cancer in South Africa, with black African men having an estimated 60% higher risk for prostate cancer than other population groups. The survival rate in men whose prostate cancer is detected early enough is 95%. While rare, testicular cancer is still the most common cancer affecting males between the ages of 15 and 35. The survival rate for men who are diagnosed and treated for early stage testicular cancer can be as high as 98%.
All proceeds from the run goes to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, to fund testing in under-resourced areas and increase awareness, support and research. “We want to thank both Cansa and the Prostate Cancer Foundation for partnering with Daredevil for so many years. Thank you for accompanying us on this journey as the event has grown and changed over the years, and for the amazing work that you all do. We are so proud that this run can make such a difference in the lives of so many men and their families.”
