Runners head down the tree-lined streets of Forest Town Image: Lorne Philpot

Johannesburg Speedo run: See daredevils in action [photos]

Thousands of brave guys streaked through the streets of Johannesburg last week in nothing but purple Speedos.

by Lorne Philpot

16-10-2023 00:13

in Entertainment

Runners head down the tree-lined streets of Forest Town Image: Lorne Philpot

On Friday 13 October, thousands of Johannesburg’s men and boys took to the streets in purple swimsuits to raise awareness for male cancers.

The annual edition of the popular Daredevil Run has become somewhat of an institution in South Africa.

CANCER AWARENESS

The 5km run aims to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer, with participants being obligated to wear purple Speedo swimsuits while completing the course.

All proceeds from the event go to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.

Runner strikes a pose before the start of the 2023 Daredevil Run in Johannesburg. Image: Lorne Philpot

EVENT PARTICIPANTS

This year’s run attracted thousands of males, both young and old. The common goal is to raise awareness and shun stereotypes about cancers affecting males.

The gutsy Daredevil Run draws interest from a range of guys. Cancer survivors, fathers and sons, school boys, corporate teams and running clubs amongst others.

Participants from all walks of life in Johannesburg’s Daredevil Run. Image: Lorne Philpot

Some runners saw fit to bring their four-legged friends along for the five-kilometer event. One dog even had a Speedo around its neck!

Daredevils and four-legged friends bring Johannesburg’s traffic to a standstill. Image: Lorne Philpot

SPEEDO RUN

The main event was held in Johannesburg, at Zoo Lake Sports Club. Though, Daredevil participants might indeed also have been spotted running the streets in purple swimsuits in many other parts of the city and the country too.

This is because participants could run anywhere in SA, provided they were wearing their Daredevil Speedos.

ALSO READ: Calling all daredevils: Streak through the streets in a Speedo!

Runners at the start of the Daredevil Run 2023. Image: Lorne Philpot

JOHANNESBURG EVENT

Friday was a brilliant day for the event, with warm temperatures and clear blue skies.

There was little chance of rain, meaning that conditions were near perfect. Before heading off runners enjoyed fanfare and festivities at the start.

They were able to take PSA tests and to pad up with sunblock and body paint.

Cheerleaders welcome runners at the hallway mark. Image: Lorne Philpot

DAREDEVIL ROUTE

The run takes runners from Zoo Lake Sports Club around the Zoo, through the leafy tree-lined streets of Saxonwold and Forest Town, and up to Hollard Insurance’s office in Parktown. This marks the halfway point of the 5km course.

Arriving at the halfway mark, runners are treated to cold beverages as well as more festivities.

Daredevil Runners at the hallway point in Johannesburg. Image: Lorne Philpot

The course then takes runners back down to Zoo Lake, via Jan Smuts Avenue, where Daredevils entertain the traffic which had come to a standstill, marvelling at the Speedo-clad runners on the road.

Daredevil runners bring the traffic to a halt on Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg. Image: Lorne Philpot

After returning to Zoo Lake to cross the finish line the celebratory mood continued. Runners and supporters enjoyed cold beers and beverages while the festivities continued.