Thousands of men, young and old, donned purple swimming trunks as they took on the annual 5 km Hollard Daredevil to raise vital awareness about prostate and testicular cancer across the country on Friday (1 November).
Many parts of Western Cape were a sea of purple as runners took to the streets of Stellenbosch, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Paarl, Green Point, Constantia, Rondebosch, Khayelitsha, Langebaan, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield. In Stellenbosch the laced-up runners gathered at Cape Crusade Coffee at 06:00.
This nationwide phenomenon, which first started 15 years ago, raises funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa to be used for testing in under-resourced areas and increase awareness, support and research.
This year, individuals, corporates, schools, tertiary educational institutions, sports clubs and communities stepped-up for the worthy cause, with an estimated 6 000 runners registering countrywide.
The brave men took to the streets with a bold mission to raise awareness of the importance of screening and early detection. The event empowers South African men to rather be sure, than unsure, when it comes to their health.
“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. 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, 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 SA. Black African 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 men. If treated early the cure rate rises for testicular cancer and can be as high as 98%.
“Thank you to all the brave participants of the 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run,” says Khanyi. “Together, we are making a meaningful impact in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.”
Anyone can donate to the worthy cause on the Hollard Daredevil Run Back-A-Buddy page.
