It was a sight that radio jocks at some of Johannesburg’s biggest stations aren’t likely to forget soon: a cohort of fit young men in bright purple Speedos, storming into their studios during prime-time breakfast shows.
It’s official! @akianastasiou is taking part in the #DaredevilRun in Jan 2015. But what about you? Enter at http://t.co/oDvoqms6ga pic.twitter.com/wySuZVtzba
— 702 (@Radio702) November 6, 2014
While hilarity ensued, the fun and games were to support a very important cause – the Hollard Daredevil Run, which raises funds for and awareness around cancers affecting men.
Yesterday’s Daredevils, all Hollard staff members who volunteered to don the eye-catching swimwear and brave the morning chill, visited breakfast teams at seven radio stations to hand out invitations to participate in the Daredevil Run. The stations are 5FM, Kaya FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, Talk Radio 702, Y-FM, Radio 2000 and Metro FM.
Flow’s public relations team organised the stunt for Hollard, the insurance giant behind the Daredevil Run.
Hollard’s experiential marketing manager, Caryn Cikes, says she was blown away by the excitement and the genuine interest that it sparked. “It’s a unique way to get a message out there, and it was really wonderful seeing the buy-in from the teams at the radio stations, both men and women. Many of the guys told us they’d sign up, and the women told us they’re signing their men up.”
The campaign is targeted at both men and women. “We’re saying ladies, if you love him, put him in a Speedo, because these cancers affect entire families and communities,” Cikes says.
Flowstar Shaun Demmer has described the morning as “supercharged”.
“Obviously these things are planned as far as possible, but you don't know what could go wrong. We had three hours in which to get to seven radio stations around Johannesburg in peak traffic – and we managed it!
“The best part is when you approach the glass window of the studio and, while the show is happening, the DJs try and mask their shock, amusement or confusion as to why there are men in purple Speedos pressing up against the glass,” laughs Demmer.
@kuliroberts doing a safety inspection as our Daredevils stop by @kayafm95dot9 @kayafm #DaredevilRun pic.twitter.com/Izw4xxYTcC
— Daredevil Run (@Daredevil_Run) November 6, 2014
The cause is a worthy one. Apart from the awareness created at the race, which will be held on 30 January next year, funds will be raised to go toward cancer screening and awareness programmes in disadvantaged communities.
Sign up now at www.daredevilrun.com, a website Flow has very proudly designed and developed.
