It’s nuts!…and you’ll need balls to run daredevils

SOUTH Africa’s biggest gathering of Speedo-clad men will see them dedicate their run to loved ones affected by cancer.

Durban’s finest are dusting off their running shoes, getting ready to give the city’s residents their annual splash of purple pride on Friday, 16 March 2018, with the Hollard Daredevil Run.

Also read: Men encouraged to test for cancer | Highway Mail

The five-kilometre run sees men of all of ages, races, shapes and sizes take to the streets during peak hour traffic, wearing nothing but purple Speedos and a whole lot of purple pride to raise awareness of male cancers.

Queensburgh residents and Queensburgh Harriers runners, Willie Bothma (69), Robin Archer (64) and Hoppy Hopkinson (62) aim to raise awareness about the seriousness of cancers that affect men specifically.

“People are blasé and think that it will happen to someone else, I encourage all men to becomae action testers,” said Archer.

The Hollard Daredevil Run has been a highlight on the South African social calendar since 2009, attracting thousands of brave men from all walks of life to do their part and help ‘run cancer outta town’.

The event also challenges Daredevils from Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Mbombela to unite and run, and show some skin for a good cause.

The theme for the 2018 Hollard Daredevil Run is #DaredevilDedication, as Hollard calls on all Daredevils to dedicate their run to someone they know or love who has been affected by cancer.

Runners can share their dedications on signboards, or even write them on themselves, seeing as there will be so much skin on show!

“I think we can all agree that cancer is a massive ball ache, and that more needs to be done to raise awareness and encourage more men to get tested before it’s too late,” said Group Communications Manager at Hollard, Warwick Bloom.

“The Hollard Daredevil Run is unique in its playful approach to cancer awareness. We believe that uniting men in a light-hearted manner allows them to participate and relate to the cause. We want to educate and encourage open conversations, support for survivors, and, ultimately, regular testing to save more lives.”

The fun Run will start and finish at the at College Rovers Rugby Club, Gate C, Kings Park Stadium, Jaco Jackson Drive, Durban, with the route leading runners and walkers along some of the city’s most picturesque scenes.

Historically, the run has taken place on a Friday afternoon, when the Speedo-clad runners are most visible to the public, to attract maximum awareness to this worthy initiative.

Proceeds from the run will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Association of South Africa to help fund cancer awareness programmes and testing across the country.

“We are so proud of our partnership with Hollard and being one of the beneficiaries of this event ensures that we can reach men that would not have had the opportunity to access this necessary screening,” said National Relationship Manager for Service Delivery at CANSA, Cara Noble

“The more men that enter, the more men we can screen and support. One person’s entry supports two men’s screenings. With your entries we can make a difference and have more men screened.”

While the Hollard Daredevil Run takes a light-hearted approach to educating South Africans about cancer, the reality of this devastating disease is no joke.

Men of any age are invited to participate in the run and can register now at www.daredevilrun.com.

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