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The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

It’s the one day of the year when thousands of South African men proudly swap formal work wear for purple speedos, all in the name of saving lives.

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run is taking place on Friday, 23 October and entries are now open.

Over the past 17 years, this iconic men’s health movement has raised millions for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Funds are used to help expand education and raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer across the country.

This campaign continues to deliver tangible results for men’s health across South Africa. Since partnering with the Hollard Daredevil run, CANSA has reached over 59 000 men through awareness initiatives, conducts an average of over 2 000 screenings annually and referred hundreds of abnormalities for further medical care. Last year alone, CANSA completed 610 PSA screenings during the 2025 Daredevil Run campaign. 

Long-standing campaign partner, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, has also transformed funds raised through the Hollard Daredevil Run into meaningful action. With this support, the Foundation has hosted 143 education and awareness events, supported hundreds of men and their families through its national helpline, expanded access to prostate cancer educational resources in multiple South African languages, and this year will launch South Africa’s first National Prostate Cancer Registry.

This year’s tagline, “Lekker balls, Lekker life!” celebrates the idea that taking care of your health today means being more aware, prioritising regular screenings and getting checked early.

“Wearing a purple speedo isn’t just about having fun. It’s about making a statement. Every participant who takes part in the Daredevil Run helps break down stigma, encouraging more men to prioritise their health and understand which health checks could one day save their lives,” says Adel Kriel, Head of Experiential Marketing at Hollard.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. A simple PSA blood test could help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. 

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends that Black African men and men with a first-degree family history of prostate and/or breast cancer have an annual PSA test from the age of 40. For all other men, annual PSA screening is recommended from the age of 45. 

While less widespread, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, it is also highly treatable. 

According to CANSA, men aged 15 to 49 should perform a monthly testicular self-examination and consult a healthcare professional immediately if they notice any lump, swelling or unusual change.

The very message at the heart of the Hollard Daredevil Run for both prostate and testicular cancers, is that early detection can save lives. A simple check today could make all the difference tomorrow. 

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 3pm, with runs also taking place that day at various locations, countrywide.  Entries are available at Hollard Daredevil Run – This Run Takes Balls at a cost of R200, which includes a couriered registration pack and purple speedo.

The campaign also encourages all South Africans to make a difference by donating directly through the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page.

Last year’s Daredevil Run raised R1 200 000. This year, Hollard is aiming even higher, calling on more South Africans to take part, donate and help make an even greater impact.

For more information, go to www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.



PUMA X SAYSKY Get Back To Business With A Collection For Runners Who Never Clock Out

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA X SAYSKY Get Back To Business With A Collection For Runners Who Never Clock Out

please change the tone of this to a slightly more conversational tone. make it professional but less formal.
Please speak from modern athletes perspective :

PUMA and Copenhagen-based running brand SAYSKY unveil Back to Business, the final chapter of their collaboration, rooted in the mindset of runners who carry their passion for the sport into every part of their day.

For runners, the next mile is never far from mind. Whether it’s before sunrise, between commitments or after hours, running is always part of the plan. It’s woven into the decisions they make, the routes they map out and the goals they chase. Because for runners, running is their business.

Conor Cashin, Lead Product Line Manager, PUMA said: “Running has evolved beyond sport – it has become a culture, a community and a way people express who they are. With Back to Business, we wanted to capture the mindset of runners who organize their lives around the miles that matter most. Together with SAYSKY, we created a collection that bridges performance and everyday office style, reflecting the way runners move through the world today.”

Inspired by classic business attire, the PUMA x SAYSKY Back to Business collection reimagines everyday tailoring through a performance lens. Combining SAYSKY’s signature Scandinavian design language with PUMA’s advanced running technology, the collection features clean silhouettes, refined colour palettes, statement pinstripe detailing and elevated finishes, creating a modern uniform designed to transition effortlessly from everyday life to the start line.

Leading the collection are exclusive editions of two of PUMA’s standout running silhouettes: the PUMA x SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 and the PUMA x SAYSKY MagMax NITRO™ 2.

Built for race day, the PUMA x SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 is engineered for speed with NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, delivering exceptional responsiveness and energy return, paired with a full-length PWRPLATE carbon-fibre plate for maximum propulsion and efficiency.

Designed for everyday training, the PUMA x SAYSKY MagMax NITRO™ 2 delivers maximum cushioning through a high-stack NITROFOAM™ midsole, a breathable engineered knit upper and a durable PUMAGRIP outsole, providing comfort and bounce across every mile.

Completing the collection is a premium apparel and accessories range that transforms business inspired design cues into technical running essentials. Lightweight performance materials, elevated construction and refined details create versatile pieces built for runners moving between work, training and everyday life.

As the final chapter of the PUMA x SAYSKY collaboration, Back to Business reflects the belief that running extends far beyond the miles logged. It influences how runners think, move and approach each day.

To mark the launch, PUMA and SAYSKY are hosting the Out of Office Relay in Copenhagen on 20 August, turning the Back to Business concept into a real-world running experience. Inspired by the collection, the course transforms an office building into an unexpected running environment, taking participants through elevators, stairwells and parking garages before culminating in an evening of food, drinks and celebration.

The PUMA x SAYSKY Back to Business collection launches on 20 August 2026, and is available to purchase on PUMA.com, PUMA Retail stores and Shelflife. Note the  SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 will not be available in South Africa.

Celebrate Heritage Day the adventurous way.

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Celebrate Heritage Day the adventurous way.

We’re proud to announce the Torpedo SwimRun at Plaisir Wine Estate, happening on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

Set at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg mountains, this unique event combines trail running and open-water swimming through beautiful farm landscapes, offering an experience that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable.

Three Courses. One Incredible Setting.
Designed for every level of athlete:

  • Long Course: 14 km
  • Short Course: 6 km
  • Kids Sprint Course: 2.5 km

Each route winds along scenic trails and across tranquil dams, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Simonsberg region.

Enter HERE https://www.quicket.co.za/events/373445-torpedo-swimrun-plaisir-2026#/

Race with Purpose
A portion of your entry fee will go toward supporting the Banhoek Conservancy, an initiative dedicated to:

  • Protecting indigenous biodiversity
  • Creating employment through conservation work
  • Removing invasive species to restore natural ecosystems
  • Releasing vital water back into the tributaries of the Berg River

We recognise our shared responsibility to actively improve natural rivers and mountain catchment areas—helping secure water resources for future generations. Read more about the great work here

https://banhoekconservancy.org/

Make a Day of It
After your race, unwind in true Winelands style.
Book your post-race Plaisir wine tasting experience here https://www.plaisir.co.za/taste/

Relax on the lush lawns beneath ancient oak trees and enjoy a well-earned family-friendly lunch, with burgers and pizza on offer, while taking in the breathtaking views of the majestic Simonsberg Mountains.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss This

  • A unique SwimRun experience in a world-class setting
  • Courses for all ages and abilities
  • A meaningful contribution to environmental conservation
  • A festive Heritage Day atmosphere for friends and family

PURA Joins Soweto Freedom Ride to Mark 50th Youth Day

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PURA Joins Soweto Freedom Ride to Mark 50th Youth Day

As South Africa marked the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising this Youth Day, PURA Beverage Co joined community members in Soweto for the Freedom Ride, a cycling event that brought together nearly 100 riders to commemorate the day.

Led by a convoy of PURA vans, cyclists travelled a 10-kilometre route through Soweto, passing landmarks including Vilakazi Street. Riders ranged from experienced cyclists to children taking part alongside family members, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the morning.

While the ride honoured the events of June 16, 1976, it was also a celebration of the role young people continue to play in their communities today.

For PURA Beverage Co, supporting the Freedom Ride was an opportunity to be part of a community event that reflects many of the values Youth Day represents: participation, resilience and bringing people together.

“Today was truly special as we joined the Freedom Ride in Soweto, commemorating 50 years since the Soweto Uprising,” said Jerry Matlejoane, Field Marketing Specialist at PURA Beverage Co.

“We had just under 100 cyclists parading through the streets, with children joining in as well. The atmosphere throughout the route was incredible and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to honour Youth Day in such a positive and meaningful way.”

Throughout the route, residents stopped to watch and support the riders as they moved through the streets of Soweto. Although organisers were unable to reach the Hector Pieterson Memorial due to the number of activities taking place in the area, the significance of the day remained front of mind for participants.

Fifty years after the Soweto Uprising, Youth Day continues to provide an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the courage shown by the young people of 1976 and the impact their actions had on the country’s future.

For many of those taking part in the Freedom Ride, the day was about remembering that history while celebrating the energy and potential of today’s generation.

As the cyclists made their way through Soweto, one thing was evident: young people are still finding ways to come together, participate in their communities and play an active role in shaping the future of South Africa.

-ENDS-

Stockists
Available at Checkers, Spar, Pick n Pay, and Clicks | R14.99–R16.99 per can

About Evolve Brands Inc. t/a The Pura Beverage Company: The Pura Beverage Company was founded in 2017 and has scaled rapidly to become an audacious global beverage company. Pura Soda is on a mission to create a movement around modern refreshment, by offering better-for-you drinks that break the tension between taste and refreshment, to celebrate and invite consumers to live a little PURA.

Media Enquiries
Kerry du Toit for PURA Beverage Company
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 881 1843

A Must Read: The Hell Inside Our Heads

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The book was launched  at Exclusive Books Sandton City on the 11th of June. The Hell Inside Our Heads was written by Brandon Fairweather, Brand Manager for Biogen South Africa, and he also fulfils a dual strategic role as Health Category Marketing Manager for Dis-Chem Pharmacies. He has more than two decades of experience in wellness, sports nutrition, and consumer health, yet this book is not written from the theory, it is bravely written from his own lived experience with crippling anxiety. 

“We are not just launching a book, we are launching conversations that we’ve avoided for far too long. Because the truth is, every single one of us here is battling some kind of silent struggle, whether we like to admit it or not. Some of us wear that struggle openly. Some of us hide it behind humour, confidence, perfection, productivity, work, whatever it is,” said Jon Boynton-Lee the emcee and close friend of Fairweather. The two were talking about impossible dreams over coffee and Fairweather’s impossible dream was to write a book and Boynton-Lee’s was to write and star in a movie. A couple of years later, they have both done it. 

Born with a congenital aortic valve defect, Fairweather was always destined for open-heart surgery but never expected to need it at just 28 years of age. Following the successful heart surgery, he experienced several further complications, including a stroke ten years later, followed by a devastating, life-threatening loss of blood in the same year. Adding insult to injury was a brutal cancer diagnosis in 2023, after a misdiagnosis the year before, and a successful fight to remission. 

Fairweather said, “The book is about a simple idea that changed my life. It’s about a mission to share a message with as many people as possible and hopefully make their journeys through life just a little bit lighter. That idea found me at the lowest point in my life, where I experienced debilitating levels of anxiety to the point that I just made a decision that this can’t be for nothing. And I think that’s become a central theme of this book is to turn pain into purpose and to use your adversity for your advantage.” 

This is an inspirational journaling of thoughts and a discovery of meaning and peace born from the depths of severe anxiety. The aim of this book is simple: to feel healed, healthy and stronger, while offering practical, effective lessons to navigate mental health struggles with greater ease. 

 This deeply personal account of life at the height of severe anxiety combines vulnerability, authenticity, humour, and practical solutions to help manage day-to-day anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. It’s a patient’s perspective, filled with golden nuggets of coping mechanisms and processes aimed at short- to medium-term peace and recovery. 

 It’s honest. It’s raw. It’s deeply human. And above all, it’s hopeful. 

 Fairweather reassured attendees that he did intend to write a second book, The Hell Inside Our Heads, Sports Edition, a story worth telling, around high performing athletes and coaches and the mental struggles they content with, and rise above.

 The book is intentionally structured as a non-profit project, with all proceeds redirected toward purchasing additional copies for donation and support for nominated charities in time. 

 Available from Exclusive Books, Estoril Books, selective Bargain Books and Reader’s Warehouse, Takealot, Amazon, Loot.co.za also available on e-readers via Amazon Kindle and Apple Books and https://traceymcdonaldpublishers.com

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonfairweather 

Publisher: Tracey McDonald Publishers 

ISBN: 978-1-0672290-8-5 

Format: Paperback 

Genre: Memoir/Health & Wellness 

RRP: R290 

Book size: 215x140mm 

Page extent: 288pp 

Publication Date: June 2026 

Also available as an ebook: 

eBook ISBN: 978-1-0672290-9-2 

Hollard Daredevil Run Hands Over R1.2M and Kicks Off 2026 Campaign

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Hollard has donated R1 200 000 to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, with every rand raised by the purple speedo-clad heroes who took part in the 2025 Daredevil Run. At the same event, the 2026 campaign was officially launched and South African men will be called upon to lace up, strip down and do it all again!

Seventeen years in and the Hollard Daredevil Run shows no signs of putting its trousers back on. Under this year’s tagline “Lekker Balls; Lekker Life”, the 2026 cheque handover and campaign launch took place today at Hollard Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The R1.2 million raised in the 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run was formally handed over to CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to fund awareness campaigns, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening and patient support. “The Hollard Daredevil Run is an unforgettable experience that raises awareness in a fun, engaging manner and sparks dialogue about men’s health in a non-threatening way,” says Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard.

“In 2024, we raised R1 million, 100% of which went directly to supporting prostate and testicular cancer awareness programmes. We are incredibly grateful to every Daredevil who dared to run in a purple speedo. It takes a special kind of bravery to turn heads for something that truly matters. Because behind all the laughs is a very serious mission: getting more men to check in on their health and each other,” adds Hazel.

The stakes are real. Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. South Africa’s mortality rate due to prostate cancer is particularly high, largely due to underscreening, sociocultural stigmas and lack of health education.

Testicular cancer, while less widespread, is most common in young men aged 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, it is highly treatable. A two-minute self-examination can detect lumps, swelling, or changes early, that’s considerably less time than it takes to run 5km in a purple speedo and the payoff is just as big.

A simple Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for men over 40 can detect elevated protein levels before a single symptom appears. “The Hollard Daredevil donation is the largest single donation the PCF receives each year,” says Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. “The funds help PCF distribute accurate, multilingual educational material and keep free PSA screening programmes running nationwide.”

He goes on to say that the run has also contributed to the development of South Africa’s first comprehensive prostate cancer registry, launching in 2026, which will track incidence, treatment and outcomes. The campaign further funds PCF’s helpline and support networks for men and families navigating a diagnosis.

Lorraine Govender, National Manager: Health Programmes of CANSA states, “The Hollard Daredevil Run has become far more than a fundraising event – it’s helped build a national movement that encourages men to speak openly about their health and seek help sooner. We are incredibly grateful to Hollard and every participant whose courage and commitment enable CANSA to continue providing awareness, early detection, screening and support services to men across South Africa.”

The event returns to Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 3pm with participants elsewhere able to register and run in their own neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools or universities anywhere in the country.

Registrations for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run open from 1 July and tickets will be available from Ticketpro at R200, which includes the courier of a registration pack and a complimentary purple speedo.

For more information, go to www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.

Virgin Active HYROX Jo’burg Makes History as Africa’s Largest Fitness Race

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The global fitness racing phenomenon reached historic heights as the Virgin Active HYROX Johannesburg event completely rewrote the record books over the weekend of 30 – 31 May 2026. Taking over the expansive halls of the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec, the event officially became the largest HYROX competition on the African continent to date, proving that the local appetite for fitness racing is growing at an unprecedented rate. 

As the official title partner, Virgin Active anchored an electric, high-octane weekend that brought together elite competitors, first-time racers, and a massive community of fitness enthusiasts. 

The weekend delivered staggering participation across the board, setting a soaring new benchmark for African fitness racing. Over 8,100 athletes stepped into the Roxzone to conquer the signature HYROX format (alternating eight 1km runs with eight grueling functional workout stations) to form the largest starting field in South African history. Among them were 595 competitors who took on the Pro divisions, battling both the ticking clock and Johannesburg’s notorious 1,750-meter altitude. 

This historic turnout also signaled a powerful shift in the sport’s demographics. Women made up an impressive 55% of the total field, while the highly competitive 30–34 age bracket emerged as the weekend’s largest contingent, accounting for more than 21% of all racers. Proving the event’s massive regional draw, this competitive spirit extended far beyond South African borders, pulling in prominent athlete squads and roaring support crews from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. 

The incredible athletic performance was matched point-for-point by the supportive energy of the spectators. A record-shattering crowd of over 9,000 passionate spectators packed the Expo Centre, making it the largest spectator turnout the event has ever seen, turning the venue into a roaring cauldron of support. 

“Eight thousand one hundred athletes is the largest crowd we’ve ever seen at a HYROX event on this continent,” said Dean Kowarski, Group CEO of Virgin Active. “That’s a signal worth paying attention to. People want more than just a place to train, they want community, a challenge, and a wellness ecosystem that supports all of it. And we’re proud that Virgin Active is built for exactly this moment.” 

Simon Goldsbrough, HYROX South Africa Race Director, echoed this excitement: “Johannesburg completely raised the bar. The energy inside the Expo Centre across both days

was absolutely magic. To achieve a 55% female field and our highest athlete count to date shows that the ‘sport of the everyday athlete’ has found a massive, permanent home in South Africa. We are deeply grateful to our partners and the roaring crowd that carried these competitors across the finish line.” 

The historic scale and smooth execution of the race were made possible through the collaboration of major global and local lifestyle brands. Alongside title partner Virgin Active, an incredible roster of event partners brought world-class activation zones, recovery lounges, and nutritional support to the venue. 

With record participation, a female-led field, a massive cross-border turnout, and unparalleled crowd support, the May 2026 Virgin Active HYROX Johannesburg event solidifies fitness racing not just as a passing trend, but as one of the fastest-growing mainstays in African sports culture. 

About HYROX: 

HYROX is the Global Fitness Race for Every Body. Launched in 2017, HYROX has become the world’s largest indoor fitness race, hosted in over 30 countries. The standardised format allows athletes of all levels to compete against their own personal bests and a global leaderboard. 

About Virgin Active: 

Virgin Active is South Africa’s leading health and wellness club network. Through its multi-year partnership with HYROX, Virgin Active provides specialised training programmes, accredited trainers, and world-class recovery facilities to support the fitness journey of every South African athlete. 

For more information, race results, or to register for upcoming events, visit www.hyroxsa.com. Media Contact: 

Corlia Meyer 

[email protected]

Picture credit: HYROX South Africa – Fahwaaz Cornelius

PUMA Debuts ‘fast-xp’ Collection In Cape Town – Speed Driven Innovation

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For the first time on African soil runners can experience The Future of Fast when PUMA exhibits its most daring innovation yet: the FAST-XP Collection of five concept shoes on Friday 22 May and Saturday 23 May at The Burrow, the Loop Street clubhouse of iconic run crew The Nine Four.

The exhibit, which is open to the public, features a radical lineup of hybrid innovation shoes designed to redefine speed and performance. Built through NITRO Lab – the brand’s elite innovation engine – the collection translates the cutting-edge technology of PUMA’s existing innovation into futuristic, never-before-seen running models. In the same way racing car manufacturers use concept cars to test boundary-pushing ideas before they hit the road, PUMA has created the collection to showcase the next generation of speed-driven innovation.

Each shoe draws inspiration from PUMA’s most advanced track technologies, re-engineered for both track and field, and road running.

Full details of each ‘concept car’ in the FAST-XP collection are listed below.

  • FAST-XP SPT

Inspired by the Berserker – the spike worn by 400m hurdle world record holder Karsten Warholm – the FAST-XP SPT is purpose-built for a 200m and 400m sprinter. With a split, asymmetrical 3D PWRPLATE for banking efficiency on curves, NITROFOAM™ Elite pod for explosive energy return, and a posterior heel wedge to support longer sprint events, it’s engineered to amplify every stride, from the blocks to the finish line.

  • FAST-XP LVT

Taking cues from 13-time world record holder Mondo Duplantis’ pole vault spike, the FAST-XP LVT reimagines vertical propulsion for the road. With a dual-density midsole, full-length carbon PWRPLATE spine, and hollow heel geometry, it blends cushioning, stiffness, and reduced weight for elite-level responsiveness mile after mile.

  • FAST-XP PLS

Born from the Berserker’s propulsive DNA, the FAST-XP PLS transforms sprint innovation into a high-performance road shoe. Featuring cascade-shaped NITROFOAM™ geometry paired with NITROFOAM™ Elite and PWRPLATE stability, it

delivers plush cushioning, high energy return, and efficient propulsion for long-distance speed.

  • FAST-XP SPG

Evolving from the FAST RB NITRO™ Elite, the SPG mirrors the explosive rebound of a springboard. Its dual-plate construction, forefoot rocker apex, and strategic NITROFOAM™ Elite pods maximize energy storage and release for fast runners chasing their edge.

  • FAST-XP BLD

Inspired by the dynamics of carbon blades, the FAST-XP BLD is engineered for aggressive propulsion. A stiffer heel with midfoot rocker works in harmony with flexible forefoot elements and a PWRPLATE-enhanced NITROFOAM™ system, enabling rapid transitions and powerful push-offs.

Anyone looking to experience the FAST-XP Collection can do so on Friday 22 May from 7pm – 10pm at The Burrow, 34 Loop Street, Cape Town.

The Nine Four will be hosting a weekend of running and culture, with the unveiling of the FAST-XP Collection just one of the highlights. Events include the premiere of The Good Run; an original film exploring one simple question: what does a good run really mean?

The crew will also host the Nine Four Mother City Shake Out on Saturday 23 May, the definitive pre-race morning for runners who know that the last miles before a marathon should feel like a celebration. From 8am to noon, The Burrow becomes the heartbeat of marathon weekend, including a post-run DJ set on the legendary Nine Four balcony to bring it all home.

On Sunday 25 May, The Nine Four and Ses’fikile close out in style at Botanik Social House where DJs soundtrack the night as runners, crews, and creative souls from Cape Town and beyond gather to mark the end of marathon weekend.

For more information please visit: www.puma.com

PUMA INTRODUCE ALL-NEW DEVIATE PURE NITRO™

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PUMA has revealed the all-new Deviate Pure NITRO™ – a non-plated running shoe that injects speed into everyday runs and is the missing piece to your shoe rotation.

The latest addition to the award-winning Deviate franchise, this is the first shoe in the line-up to be built using an evolved NITROFOAM™ but does not feature PUMA’s PWRPLATE. For runs with purpose, Deviate Pure NITRO™ strips back speed to its purest form, delivering a smooth, responsive and energy-fuelled ride that eats up the miles, getting faster with every step.

Light on your feet and easy on your legs, Deviate Pure NITRO™ weighs in at 220 grams – 30 grams lighter than its carbon plated sister shoe, Deviate NITRO™ 4, making this the perfect partner for smooth tempo runs.

The engineered mesh upper is breathable, with a plush collar and padded tongue that offer support and comfort. PUMA’s industry-leading PUMAGRIP outsole enables runners to hit the road with confidence, picking up speed whatever the weather.

“Deviate has been our leading franchise since PUMA relaunched in road running,“ said Romain Girard, VP Innovation at PUMA. “Our ambition with Deviate Pure NITRO™ was to make speed more accessible but still retain the performance benefits that have made Deviate loved by runners across the globe. The result isn’t just a run; it’s an experience of natural speed.“

Deviate Pure NITRO™ Specifications

  • Price: R3199
  • Weight:
    • UK8 (M): 220g
    • UK4.5 (W): 180g
  • Stack Height: 38MM/30MM
  • Drop: 8mm

Deviate Pure NITRO™ launches globally on 4 June and will be available to purchase on PUMA.com, in PUMA Retail stores, Totalsports, Sportsmans Warehouse and Takealot.

For more information please visit: www.puma.com

Team South Africa secure double silver as records tumble in Gaborone

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Picture credit: Anton Geyser for Athletics South Africa

Team South Africa will leave Botswana with two silver medals, US$40,000 in prize money and three new national records after the World Relays came to an end in Gaborone on Sunday.

The fierce rivalry between the host nation and the South Africans delivered a dramatic 4x400m final with Botswana getting the upper hand this time around.

The team of Lee Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi delivered the perfect ending to the championships, sparking wild celebrations in the passionate home crowd. They crossed the finish line in a new championship record of 2 minutes 54.47 seconds with the South Africans taking over two and a half seconds off their previous national record to secure the silver in 2:55.07.

The massive SA record was due in large part to Pillay’s unprecedented split of 42.66 in the second leg, making him the fastest ever in 4x400m relay history.

Earlier in the afternoon, SA’s men’s 4x100m team of Mvuyo Moss, Cheswill Johnson, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine had set the tone by securing the silver behind the USA (37.43), also in a new national record.

Their new SA and African record of 37.49 eclipsed the record set by Bayanda Walaza, Shaun Maswanganyi, Nkoana and Simbine on their way to Olympic silver in Paris in 2024.

Simbine stormed past several teams down the home straight and just ran out of metres to overtake the USA’s Pjai Austin, who had the South African star hot on his heels.

The third SA record of the championship belonged to the SA women’s 4x100m team of Viwe Jingqi, Kayla la Grange, Gabriella Marais and Joviale Mbishe, who didn’t manage to reach the final but still had plenty to celebrate after breaking the 26-year-old record in the heats in a time of 43.22 seconds.

The other notable performance came from the mixed 4x400m team of Gardeo Isaacs, Rogail Joseph, Bradley Maponyane and Marlie Viljoen. 

Despite running close to the SA record in the heats, they just missed out on a place in the final but made the most of their second chance to qualify for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing in Sunday’s repechage, where they needed a top-two finish. 

They crossed the line first, winning in 3:12.77 to book their tickets to China alongside the SA men’s 4×100 and 4x400m squads. By reaching their respective finals, the SA men’s squads have also secured their qualification at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this September.