Friday 1 November sees the 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run taking place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg as well as around the country, an event that encourages men to run 5km dressed only in a purple speedo to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. This event aims to support those previously unsupported through their cancer journey. Funds raised go to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa to fund testing in under-resourced areas and increase awareness, support and research.
“Through support of awareness campaigns such as the Hollard Daredevil Run, the importance of early detection of prostate and testicular cancer can be heightened to save lives,” says Allistair Khanyi, Head of Brand and Communications at Hollard. “Corporate participation in this event has grown year on year. Our collaboration with businesses around the country is helping to enable a culture that sees men talk more openly and take responsibility for their health, specifically when it comes to male cancers,” he says.
“In line with Hollard’s brand repositioning, the Daredevil Run empowers the unempowered. By supporting this initiative, corporates can encourage their employees and customers to take proactive steps against male cancers, leading not only to a healthier, more resilient workforce but also to a stronger, more engaged community,” Khanyi says.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, the rates of prostate cancer in white men versus black men are significantly different, with as many as 1 in 4 black men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime compared to 1 in 8 white men. Available global data also indicates that Black African men have a 60% greater chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men and are twice as likely as white men to die from prostate cancer. Fortunately, the survival rate in men whose prostate cancer is detected early enough can be as high as 98%.
“Most South African men diagnosed with prostate cancer, already have advanced or locally advanced disease. At the advanced stage when cancer has spread in the body, the cancer is no longer curable and treatment is focused on slowing the progression of the cancer,” says Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. He says that there is a dire need to raise awareness about the disease. “A recent study done by the University of Free State’s Urology and Family Medicine department showed that only 22% of the participants had ever heard of prostate cancer before being diagnosed with the disease. We need to go above and beyond to make sure every South African man over 40 fully understands the importance of age and risk-appropriate screening and that high-risk men have access to screening. Events like the Hollard Daredevil Run play a vital role in creating widespread educational opportunities across the country, raising awareness among men and boys about prostate and testicular cancer,” he says.
Although testicular cancer is relatively uncommon, it remains the most frequent type of cancer in males aged 15 to 35. The five-year survival rate for men who are diagnosed and treated for early-stage testicular cancer is over 98%.
Tickets are now available at Ticketpro at R 180.00, which includes the courier of a registration pack and a complimentary purple speedo. For group corporate entries, please email info@hollarddaredevil.co.za.
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Leigh Callipolitis
