Daredevils paint eMalahleni purple
27 participants were running through the streets in eMalahleni. The youngest was five years old, and the oldest was 76 years old.
The 2023 Hollard Daredevil Run saw more participants than last year.
On Friday, October 13 brave men in purple speedos ran a 5km race from Centre De La Vie and literally stopped traffic.
This was done in aid of male cancer awareness.
“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,” said Warwick Bloom, head of Group Marketing at Hollard.
An average of 5 South African men die from prostate cancer every day, yet early detection of this could mean a 95% chance of survival. Annual PSA testing should begin in men from the age of 45, or from 40 for those who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. #DaredevilRun2023 pic.twitter.com/4ds7fYZ0Lm
— Daredevil Run (@Daredevil_Run) October 6, 2023
“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,” he said.
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 Hollard Daredevil Run go to the Cancer Association of South Africa and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, to fund testing in under-resourced areas and increase awareness, support and research.
“We want to thank both the Cancer Association of South Africa 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 with a difference can make such a difference in the lives of so many men and their families,” Warwick said.
Abie Smit, organiser of the local Daredevil Run said the interest is growing.
“Next year we aim to double our numbers,” said Abie.
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