DareDevil Runners recognise the benefits of male cancer awareness
PARKVIEW – The Zoo Lake Sports Club was the scene for thousands of men and boys of all ages to spread critical awareness around prostate cancer during the 2018 Hollard DareDevil Run.
Boys and men of all ages showed up in their thousands at the hugely popular purple speedo 5km run event, the Hollard DareDevil Run, on 16 March.
The Zoo Lake Sports Club was a cauldron of excitement at the run which for many participants was an important flagship event in addressing the ills that come with male cancers, including prostate cancer.
“I think it was a fantastic run but I think it should be spread out to other centres…” said participant, Thomas O’Connor.
“It’s been a fantastic event for Johannesburg which I thoroughly enjoyed my second time running.”
A friend and fellow runner, Guy Drew, also participating in his second event, said the DareDevil Run offered men who’ve had doubts about having cancer screening tests conducted on them, a chance to take the first step. “One of the pluses is that I think a lot of males are reluctant to go and get themselves checked out or have any pre-cancer screening tests done,” he said.
“However, if you get one done at this event, I think that it’s really worthwhile.”
Dean Fin (17) of Parktown Boys who had encouraged boys from his school and Jeppe High School for Boys, King Edward VII School (Kes), St Stithians College and St John’s College to participate said he was chuffed with the response.
“I think it was a great turn out from the boys’ side,” he said.
“Kes sent [about] 260 boys and although we were hoping to attract the entire school of Parktown, just over 200 boys that the school managed was a good enough effort.
“I think the event was over and above what I expected and it really raised the awareness around prostate cancer. The people in the traffic offered really great support – hooting and cheering, which all the boys and men enjoyed.”
A participating parent Paul van Onselen who had his nine-year-old son join in on the fun and games spoke about the immense benefits he believed his son would reap from embracing awareness projects such as this at an early age.
“I think education at a young age like this is always going to be beneficial,” said Van Onselen.
“He’s doing it with me simply because of the exercise… but on the educational side of things, awareness from a young age and to [know to] have his testicles checked, is always a good thing.”
Relay your experience of the 2018 Hollard DareDevil Run by posting on the Rosebank Killarney Gazette Facebook page.
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