The brilliant sunshine of Friday morning, 2 November was a good omen for the 2012 Etana daREDevil run following a week of incessant rain along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
More than 200 Speedo-clad men in “50 Shades of RED” gathered in very muddy conditions to create awareness of prostate and testicular cancer by running through peak-hour traffic around the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Durbanites echoed the “we don’t take ourselves seriously, but we do take our work seriously” attitude of Etanans, donning a variety of interesting outfits to add to the spectacle. From ancient axe-wielding Vikings to Darth Vader, burly firemen and honest Abe Lincoln, they took the “dare” of the daREDevils to heart.
Feedback was positive, with all competitors, ranging from Northwood learners to retirees, enjoying the weather, fresh sea breeze and the Etana gees that prevailed on the day.
“An excellent race for an excellent cause.” – Ross Bedford
“Awesome, but I’m seriously out of training!” – Bevan Mashonganika
“When you’re knocking at the door of 60 then it hurts trying to chase your son.” – Mike Wood (57) and Kelly Wood (23)
“My mom Des has cancer, so we wore pink braces in her honour. The race was great but a bit short.” – Jody Taylor and Geoff Speirs
The “Win One Soon” soccer team from Hillary ran in honour of one of their players – Darryl Moggee – who’s fighting cancer.
“Win One Soon” soccer team from Hillary “Win One Soon” soccer team from Hillary
Justin Allison and his Jack Russell Tyson ran the race together and they’ll be back again in 2013.
Although the run is not a road race as such, but a call to action, some runners couldn’t help racing the clock, with the first guys arriving back at the start in around eight minutes, an incredibly fast time for the 4km route.
Justin Allison and Tyson ran as a team Justin Allison and Tyson ran as a team
Once again the Vitamin Water team was on hand with energy drinks and runners were treated to a fresh fruit bowl followed by an egg mayonnaise croissant courtesy of Kerry Shewan of Funcat Functions and Catering.
eThekwini’s ER24 paramedics were on hand to monitor the event and guide the runners along the route to wolf whistles from lady motorists on their way to work.
Despite a standing offer of a free ride home in the SAPS wagon for anyone willing to shed their kit, no one took up the challenge, opting instead to “make it happen” in empoweRED Etana-Speedo style all the way home.
Article courtesy of Etana Insurance.
