Daredevils in speedo’s raise R400 000

October last year saw the first-ever Covid-edition of Hollard Daredevil Run take place in neighbourhoods across South Africa to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer.

Traditionally, a brave speedo-clad participant would be one of a sea of thousands at the annual Gauteng-based event. But 2021 was ballsier, braver and bigger than ever before, and asked participants to run alone or in small groups around the country.

“We’re so proud of what our 2021 run achieved at such a challenging time for mass-participation events,” said Heidi Brauer, chief marketing officer at Hollard.

“This run with a difference that makes a difference once again challenged stereotypes about male cancers and started conversations and it’s a great pleasure to present to the proceeds of the Run to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.”

The handover of the proceeds of R400 000 took place on February 10 at a virtual event broadcast live from Johannesburg.

“We reached hundreds of thousands of eyeballs, we initiated important awareness about prostate and testicular cancer, and we raised proceeds towards awareness and screening of these male cancers,” continued Brauer.

“When we assist in these cancers being caught early, we enable better futures not only for the men whose chances of survival are increased but also for their families and loved ones,” she said.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. If detected early, men have a 95% chance of being cured. The incidence of testicular cancer, cancer that primarily affects young men between the age of 15 and 40, has doubled in the last 50 years. Once again, early detection and knowing the risks is key.

“We can never do enough to ensure that every South African male over 40 fully understands what prostate cancer screening entails. These events are critical as they generate massive educational opportunities on a national level to educate men and boys about prostate and testicular cancer,” said Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Andrew Oberholzer.

“The fun element of running through the streets in a speedo helps to attract men who would not necessarily have participated in a pure ‘health education’ type of event. The balance between fun and education helps to reach a much broader spectrum of men.

“We saw over 2 000 runners from every province in the country running cancer out of their hoods on October 15, 2021. Not only did we open up this amazing platform to the whole country, but we spread more awareness about male cancers than ever before,” Brauer said.

Brauer also thanked both organisations for partnering with the Hollard Daredevil Run. She paid tribute to the amazing work that both Cansa and the Prostate Cancer Foundation do in helping South Africans to learn more about cancer and the invaluable support they provide for those who have cancer.

The Hollard Daredevil Run has grown from one brave soul daring to jog through peak-hour traffic in a speedo many years ago to an extraordinary platform that annually raises eyebrows and funds. This year will be no exception and interested participants are urged to follow the Daredevil Run account on Facebook to be kept up to date with the event plans for later this year.