Testimonials
Need to be inspiRED? Check out what the 2009 runners had to say about the run. Or submit your own testimonial.
It’s just fun really, a whole bunch of guys running through peak-hour traffic in Speedos – when would you ever get the chance to do something like that in such numbers? The Etana daREDevils Speedo run is a unique and exciting experience – as much for the brave participants as for the surprised observers. A whole variety of men jump out of their everyday vehicles at the start of everyday traffic, meet in a room and swap their everyday clothes for the most carefree item of clothing available to man: a sleeveless swimming costume – the Speedo! We have a few quick games on the giant foosball table, an inspirational talk, one or two shots of “muti” for the nerves and then we’re off! Like a herd of wildebeest we run out of the Etana Insurance Corporate building, weaving past some possibly very important and suited men but taking solace in the fact that a few of their superiors are amongst us! A surprisingly tiring run through traffic gets us some very excited and sometimes fanatic responses from lady drivers, and secretly envious smirks from male drivers! The cameras appear everywhere, giving great exposure to our primary cause: testicular cancer awareness. We arrive at the top of the long hill at the end to a very welcome round of refreshments, followed by a spit braai. What an experience, I would recommend it to anyone!
Ricky Robinson, Inaugural Participant
As we trudged through the streets of Joburg, I felt a comradeship with my fellow runners, regardless of our age, colour, shape or size. Our red Speedos united us and created this comradeship of being just men. I unashamedly recount my experience about my testicular run to other men – how this river of red-clad men created a wave in the news and brought awareness to thousands as we ran between cars, across bridges and along unknown streets. I now feel confident to talk about this often-shunned subject matter with others. It has truly been an empowering experience. I look forward to running again next year, to break the record and empower other men. It’s amazing what a few half-naked men clad in red Speedos can do for the sake of testicular cancer awareness.
Adrian Chester
What can you say about an event like the inaugural “Etana daREDevil run”? The day is something that I think of often and the excitement of the forthcoming second run mounts as each day passes! My involvement with this event has literally changed my life.
What started as a bet among friends really took off when Etana decided to back the idea! Etana’s generosity and creative flair took what could have been something that 10 guys laughed at over a beer and turned it into an event that will not only live on as a fond memory for all parties involved, but no doubt go from strength to strength in the coming years.
Each and every participant arrived with an attitude befitting the nature of the day… they didn’t take themselves too seriously, had scant regard for their appearance and were more than willing to laugh at one another (and themselves). The runners comprised a group of all shapes, sizes, ages and creeds. This diversity meant that a young man, fresh out of school, could rub shoulders (and share a laugh) with the chairman of a major corporation; not an opportunity that either man would get every day!
The real highlight of the day, for me, was the camaraderie amongst the guys when we had finished the run. Congratulations abounded and new friendships were forged as we stood and shared a drink in our nearly naked states. I regularly bump into guys in professional circumstances and we laugh about the day we donned those tiny, red cozzies and ran through the rush-hour traffic to the sound of hooting and cheering from the excited onlookers!
Nick Levesley
At Etana we take what we do seriously – that is insurance for business. But we never take ourselves too seriously, and the Speedo run is one way in which we have a little fun while doing something good.
The first Speedo run was a big success and the vibe was incredible. Second time around, we really want to get everyone fired up – we are aiming for 10 000 runners, plus some powered support.
Justin Naylor
