![Hollard Daredevil Run [supplied]](https://hellolifestyle.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_4382-1024x683.jpeg)
The nationwide phenomenon that sees individuals running five kilometres donned in bright purple Speedos is back and bigger than ever! It’s a race with a good cause, raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancer in South Africa, and here is everything you need to know beforehand:
Hollard Insurance Group has sponsored this annual race – a fundraiser for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa – for fifteen years.
Men can participate in the main event, whilst anyone else can form an independent group to run in their neighbourhood or local park, still in collaboration with Hollard and the Daredevil Run brand.
Ultimately, the Hollard Daredevil Run aims to promote early detection of prostate and testicular cancer in men so that prognosis improves around these diseases.
Numbers indicate that the survival rate in men whose prostate cancer is detected early is 95%, while the five-year survival rate for men undergoing treatment for early-stage testicular cancer is over 98%.
The statistics regarding male cancers are staggering. In fact, according to research, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This cancer is also predicted to be the most common cancer among South African men by 2030. Research also indicates that Black African men have a 60% higher chance of developing prostate cancer compared to other population groups.
On the other hand, testicular cancer affects one in 250 males and is most prevalent in young men aged 15 to 35.
By participating in the event, men will lend their support to others who are at risk of, or diagnosed with prostate and testicular cancer.
The Hollard Daredevil Run acts as a fundraising event to collect donations that will be handed over to CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.
Last year’s event raised approximately R700 000. According to Joani Sadie, Corporate Relationship Manager at CANSA, this allowed CANSA to conduct over 2 000 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests in underprivileged areas in just one year. These blood tests are non-invasive and can indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, which could then indicate the need for further testing or treatment. The donation also contributes to support and awareness campaigns around male health and cancer in under-resourced areas.
Allistair Khanyi, Head of Brand and Communications at Hollard, says: “The run has a positive impact nationally, enabling a culture that urges men to talk more openly about male cancers, the risks, the symptoms and the importance of early detection.”
When faced with these statistics, the topic around male cancers can seem daunting. Andrew Oberholzer, Chief Executive Officer of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, says: “[The Hollard] Daredevil Run enables a lighter conversation around a scary subject.”
Thus, the event serves as an educational opportunity for uncomfortable questions to be answered and taboo topics to be discussed openly without fear of judgement or alienation.
If you fancy participating in some physical activity whilst fundraising for a good cause, registrations for the 2024 Hollard Daredevil Run are now open.
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