Racing to raise awareness

The streets of Johannesburg will be teeming with activity on National Women’s Day, 9 August, when thousands of runners and walkers toe the line at the much-anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive.

A non-profit organisation, PinkDrive is committed to improving breast cancer awareness and education, as well as providing and offering free services to the medically uninsured across South Africa.

PinkDrive will be present at the Totalsports Women’s Race both in Johannesburg and Cape Town and will offer free clinical breast examinations and education on the importance of self-examination.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is the ideal opportunity and platform to celebrate women,” says Febe Meyer, marketing manager of PinkDrive.

She explained that with the race falling on National Women’s Day, it will be the perfect opportunity for all runners to salute mothers, grandmothers, women and daughters when everyone comes together to run in order to aid in creating awareness of breast cancer.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race is more than just an event, it brings people together.

“Last year, numerous individuals and cancer survivors shared their success stories with us. It was also amazing to see how eager the entrants were to get tested. Our nurses tested a total of 314 participants on the day, referring seven patients for further testing.

“We are honoured to be the official beneficiary of the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The funds donated to PinkDrive assist us in keeping our current mobile unit fleet on the road.”

While supporting PinkDrive in their efforts to create awareness is of the utmost importance, Meyer also explained that getting people moving and active is another benefit of taking part in the race.

“Exercise is just as important as an appropriate and suitable diet. Movement is one of the essential elements to get the lymph system going, strengthening bones and muscles. It is a known fact that ‘feel good endorphins’ released through exercise, aid in a positive state of mind which is vital for every cancer survivor’s individual plan to cope with her diagnosis and possibly the route to recovery.”

The race is great way to get people active, have a little bit of fun and celebrate all the other women.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race adds both a fun and social element to exercise, while supporting PinkDrive’s message that ‘early detection saves lives’. We are proud to be affiliated with this inspirational event and can’t wait to catch up with old friends and make new friends on National Women’s Day.”

Details: www.totalsportswomensrace.com