With exactly one month to go before the streets of Jozi are painted purple, the #DaredevilRun is asking more and more men to grow a pair and show that they care.
Each year, thousands of men take to the streets, wearing nothing but Speedos and their pride, and run 5km through peak-hour Friday afternoon traffic to spread the message that early detection of cancer can save lives, and to encourage all the men of South Africa to get tested.
As the event draws nearer, the growing support and enthusiasm have been truly inspirational, especially with stories of past runners who share their motivation for running the race – to raise awareness around prostate and testicular cancer. When it comes to bravery, none are braver than cancer survivors and those who line up each year in nothing but their “aerodynamic cancer busters” to #RunCancerOuttaTown.
“Whoever said winning isn’t everything, never had to fight cancer!” says Eddy Rust, cancer survivor and the 2013 South African Bachelor of the Year, as he expresses his excitement about doing the run.
It has been a bustling few months, creating awareness about the run. When the enthusiastic Daredevils weren’t taking over radio stations, surprising DJs by pressing themselves up against the studio glass, they were popping up at the Insurance Institute of Gauteng’s annual dinner, running a water point at the Jacaranda Sisters with Blisters race, and greeting people in peak morning traffic at the intersection of Empire and Jan Smuts in Johannesburg to hand out flyers and spread the word.
Says first-time entrant, Walter Grant: “I’m actually so excited to take part in this run! Each year I see photos and read about it, and it looks like such a blast. The fact that it has such a powerful cause at the heart of it all, and the strides it makes in creating awareness and getting the word out there, makes the run that much more of a special event!”
Over and above the positive outcomes that stem from increased awareness of cancers that affect men, all entries and donations aid Hollard in raising funds for cancer screening in males and awareness programmes in disadvantaged communities.
The #DaredevilRun is the run with a difference, that makes a difference, and all men are encouraged to lace up, show up and man up. Registrations are open until 19 January 2015 at www.daredevilrun.com, and the run takes place on 30 January 2015 at the Zoo Lake Sports Club in Johannesburg.
Follow the run on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all updates leading up to the event.
