Author: Tanika Laskey

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PUMA PROJECT3 athletes smash PBs and bank over $54k at Chicago Marathon

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA PROJECT3 athletes smash PBs and bank over $54k at Chicago Marathon

PROJECT3 closed out the 2026 season in style at the Chicago Marathon and the numbers are wild.

71 PROJECT3 runners finished the race. 26 of them set brand-new personal bests in PUMA’s Sunny Lime kits, powered by the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 or Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4. Fifteen of those athletes improved by more than three minutes and will each walk away with a $3,000 performance bonus. Collectively, the group took a staggering 1 hour 32 minutes and 53 seconds off their previous marathon bests.

Top of the leaderboard

  • Fastest man: Alejandro Martinez Ambrosio (USA) – 2:17:32 (new PB)
  • Fastest woman: Amanda Mosborg (USA) – 2:29:30 (new PB, 2:27 faster)

Both take home $3,000 as PROJECT3’s first-place finishers.

The biggest jump of the day belonged to Hannah Bashan (USA). She dropped an insane 11 minutes and 53 seconds to finish in 2:51:51, earning her $6,000 total ($3,000 for the 3+ minute improvement + $3,000 for the largest overall time drop).

Lucas Maher, Lead Marketing of Running Athletes at PUMA, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of every athlete who stepped up to race today. This cohort has delivered through every high and low all season, truly embodying what PROJECT3 stands for. We’re thrilled to recognise their relentless dedication and hard work today, and we’ll continue to help sub-elite runners chase their dreams. We can’t wait to kick off next season and reach even greater heights together.”

The bigger picture
PROJECT3’s second year wraps with $405,000 in prize money distributed in 2026 (on top of $160,000 in its debut year). Next stop: Mumbai 2027, where 100 athletes will line up ready to chase the next set of PBs.

The Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 are available now at PUMA.com, PUMA stores, Totalsports and Sportsmans Warehouse.

Follow @pumarunning for the latest.

Media contacts
Brett Bellinger, Marketing Director – [email protected]
Lungile Gunundu, Splash PR – [email protected]

 

About PUMA
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing and selling footwear, apparel and accessories. Founded in 1948, PUMA helps the world’s best athletes and teams perform at their best with its innovative products. The company distributes its products in over 120 countries, employs more than 20,000 people and is headquartered in

Big Efforts Equal Big Rewards at Nedbank Gravel Burn; $155 000 on the Line

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Big Efforts Equal Big Rewards at Nedbank Gravel Burn; $155 000 on the Line

The racing at the Nedbank Gravel Burn is hot, so it’s fitting that the medals and trophies are forged by fire. When all is said and done, when the dust has settled, and when the last embers of the final Burn Camp have been extinguished, the race winners will walk away with dazzling reminders of the intense effort required to succeed at a seven-day gravel race. 

This year, the overall prize purse at the Nedbank Gravel Burn sits at $155 000, split evenly between the pro men and pro women. With opportunities to claim overall prize money and stage prize money – and a $2500 prize for the best overall climber – the top men and women riders could potentially enjoy a healthy payday at the conclusion of the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn.   

“Not only is this an incentive to race with heart and guile for seven days,” says founder Kevin Vermaak, “but it also shows the commitment of the Nedbank Gravel Burn to reward our best riders equally. The top riders are out there, in the wild, throwing everything they can at the race, and the prize money recognises the intensity the men and women bring to the racing.” A further $2500 per winning rider is also on offer in the Toyota Power Climber competition (for the top climber of the week). 

For the winners’ medals, the theme of fire, grit, and gold was incorporated by makers MetCon, the largest privately-owned precious metal refinery in South Africa. Only six have been made: gold, silver and bronze for the men’s podium, and the same three for the women.

Manufactured in-house in South Africa from 999.9 fine silver, each medal weighs 180g. First-place medals are plated in gold, second-place medals in rhodium and third-place medals in red gold. MetCon puts the approximate value of each finished medal at R30 000, including manufacturing, with the valuation subject to the daily silver price.

Making the medals took seven stages: design, tooling, casting, plating, polishing, quality control, and packaging. “Every stage was done carefully and with no shortcuts, because seven stages of racing deserve seven stages of craft,” says Grant Crosse of MetCon. “Each medal is presented in a handcrafted wooden box by Donkey Long Tong with a MetCon nameplate, along with a Certificate of Analysis and a story booklet about the full making-of story. The medals are made to be kept for life.”

And it doesn’t stop there. With extreme racing comes true reward at the Nedbank Gravel Burn. The overall Pro Men’s and Pro Women’s champions will receive the Fire Starter, created by South African fire-tool makers Donkey Long Tong in collaboration with MetCon. Each Fire Starter also incorporates a 42g ring of 24-carat gold, with black ceramic inlay tracing the route’s elevation profile.

Deeply rooted in South Africa’s history, gold remains an enduring symbol of worth. Incorporating this precious metal ensures the award carries tangible value alongside its athletic prestige. Victorious riders may choose to retain the piece or cash it in at market rates, which fluctuate over time. 

Handmade using titanium, brass, Karoo olienhout and ostrich leather, the Fire Starter is a working piece of art. At the closing ceremony, the two champions will use their trophies to light the ceremonial fire.

After a week of watching each other’s wheels, they can finally get on with the serious business of celebrating. Donkey Long Tong’s involvement also includes a Nedbank Gravel Burn special-edition Jack Sack. The South African company’s handmade leather bag is designed to carry fire and braai tools, keeping the partnership connected to the fireside gatherings that are part of Burn Camp life. 

Every age-group winner will also receive a Fire Starter, with a titanium shaft and the same practical purpose. Winning a category earns a trophy that can still be put to work around a fire years later.

For everyone who completes the race, a finisher medal on a hand-woven Xhosa ribbon marks their own journey to Shamwari Private Game Reserve. 

Follow the race: information, daily results, stories and highlights at www.gravel-burn.com 

See Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026 startlist HERE

About Nedbank Gravel Burn

Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven-day, 750km gravel stage race set entirely in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Starting in the historic Robert Sobukwe Town / Graaff-Reinet, the race journeys deep into remote semi-desert landscapes, with all riders staying together in the purpose-built Burn Camps. The route spans the Great Karoo and concludes in Big 5 territory at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Designed as a true pro-am experience, Nedbank Gravel Burn brings elite and age-group riders together in a shared journey defined by scale, remoteness and connection.

PUMA Unveils the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite 2

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PUMA has just pulled the cover off the next big step in rule-breaking speed: the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite 2.

This isn’t just another racing shoe. It’s a platform for exploring what’s possible when you stop playing it safe with conventional footwear design. Every element has been carefully engineered to maximise speed while still delivering that pure, authentic running feel we all chase.

The updated NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning packs in more energy return, while the refined geometry gives you a smoother, more responsive ride. The standout feature? Two fused carbon-fibre PWRPLATES that create a distinctive springboard architecture built for serious propulsion. Pair that with a reworked ULTRAWEAVE upper that’s lighter, more breathable and locks your foot in securely, plus the reliable PUMAGRIP outsole for multi-surface traction, and you’ve got a seriously impressive package.

Developed in PUMA’s NITRO™ Lab, the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite 2 represents the next frontier of running. While it’s not race-legal, internal studies have shown levels of running economy that make this the most efficient shoe in PUMA’s entire road running line-up.

Romain Girard, VP of Innovation at PUMA, said: “With the FAST-RB 2, we set out to take rule-breaking to the next level. By simplifying the design and giving our NITROFOAM™ technology more room to perform, we’ve created a shoe that delivers the highest energy return we’ve ever recorded in our testing – all in an incredibly lightweight package. Two years of innovation, lab testing and collaboration with athletes have gone into refining the experience, bringing together groundbreaking performance and the pure joy of running.”

The FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite 2 launches on 28 October 2026, with limited pairs available worldwide on PUMA.com.

FAST-RB NITRO™ ELITE 2 TECH SPECS

  • Weight: 250g (UK 8) / 206g (UK 4.5)
  • Drop: 8mm
  • Product lifespan: 320km

Follow @pumarunning on Instagram for the latest PUMA running news.

Fynbos Money and SkyRun join forces to back the long game

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Image Credit – Craig Kolesky/ Nikon

South African money platform becomes presenting sponsor of SkyRun as iconic mountain race celebrates 30 years of endurance

There are some things that cannot be rushed. Building financial security takes time. So does preparing to run 100 kilometres through some of South Africa’s most unforgiving mountain terrain. Both demand discipline, resilience and the willingness to keep going long after the initial excitement has worn off.

It is this shared belief in the value of the long game that has brought South African financial platform Fynbos Money and iconic mountain running event SkyRun together, with Fynbos Money becoming the presenting sponsor of SkyRun as the legendary race celebrates its 30th year.

For Fynbos Money, the partnership represents an opportunity to support a uniquely South African event whose philosophy aligns closely with its own approach to helping people build their financial futures. “SkyRun has been going for thirty years, which tells you something about what endurance really looks like. We are a South African company backing a South African race that celebrates the long game. It is the same mindset we believe in when it comes to growing your money,” says Adrian Hope-Bailie, co-founder and CEO of Fynbos Money.

Fynbos is an investment and savings platform built to make growing and managing money simpler for South Africans. Its focus on helping people build towards the future, rather than chasing short-term wins, is a philosophy that feels particularly at home at SkyRun.

SkyRun’s origins date back to New Year’s Eve in 1991, when adventurer John Michael Tawse completed a pioneering traverse of the Witteberg Mountains from Lady Grey to the Wartrail Country Club. The first official SkyRun followed in 1997, with just 15 runners taking on the challenge. Three decades later, SkyRun has become a fixture on the South African ultra-running calendar, attracting experienced mountain runners and first-time adventurers. Yet its essence remains unchanged: a demanding journey through spectacular and unpredictable mountain country, where runners must rely on preparation, judgement and determination.

The 100km SkyRun is renowned for testing far more than physical fitness. Its remote and challenging route requires runners to navigate and largely support themselves, while shorter distances offer others the opportunity to experience the same landscape and spirit of adventure.

For SkyRun race organiser Adrian Saffy, reaching the 30-year milestone is a celebration of the people and values that have sustained the event. “SkyRun has always been about the long game,” says Saffy. “It takes months of preparation to get to that start line, and then on race day it comes down to taking one step, one decision and one challenge at a time. That is what makes this partnership with Fynbos such a natural fit. We share a belief that meaningful things are built over time, through consistency, resilience and a willingness to keep going when the easy option would be to stop.”

For more information, please visit www.skyrun.co.za

Nedbank Gravel Burn and Open Cycles Brand Collab Announced – Limited Edition Open WIDE 2.0

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Nedbank Gravel Burn has partnered with pioneering bike company Open Cycles to create a Limited Edition Nedbank Gravel Burn x Open WIDE 2.0 bike package. Born out of a longtime friendship between respective founders, this collaboration represents their intersecting philosophies – both pushing the frontiers of innovation, adventure and competition in the growing gravel category. 

Open Cycles supported the event during its initial development phase, providing a fleet of Open WIDE 1.0 bikes for route testing across the demanding Karoo terrain. Following the successful performance of the platform, the friendship and partnership has expanded into an official product co-development initiative.

Nedbank Gravel Burn founder, Kevin Vermaak said, “Andy and I have been friends for 14 years and Open supported us even before we’d actually launched the event. They helped us by providing 10 gravel bikes for our test riders to try out some proposed routes – our Trial Burn in 2014. They handled the rigours of the Karoo superbly. Recently, Open launched their new WIDE 2.0 and we agreed that a collab would be a great idea – a very special Limited Edition package.”

Open’s co-founder Andy Kessler said, “Two years ago Kevin told me about his idea of the race and he didn’t have to convince me of the idea for even a minute, and we became a ‘Founding Friend’ of the event. It all came together very last-minute, but I knew that if Kevin was building it, this would be an amazing adventure – and it is.”

Like with all their gravel offerings, Open’s new WIDE 2.0 pushes industry boundaries, combining aerodynamic features with race-ready geometry plus the ability to fit up to 66mm (2.6-inch) tyres – ready to tackle the toughest races.

Even after only one edition, the seven-day, 750km gravel stage race, held in South Africa’s Karoo region, is known as a “frontier-gravel” racing adventure experience, characterised by wild terrain and unpredictable conditions, including rugged road surfaces. The new Open WIDE 2.0 delivers the ideal bike solution for these conditions. The design provides a ride quality that better “insulates” the rider from the rough surfaces over seven consecutive days of racing.

Kessler said, “The collab model had to be the new WIDE 2.0 – the perfect bike, with generous tyre clearance ensuring more comfort on the rugged Karoo roads, while still being a genuinely fast race bike.”

The limited-edition frame features custom artwork inspired by the textures and palette of the Karoo landscape and the bonfires lit in the remote Burn Camps where riders congregate and share the experience, celebrating the unique aesthetic and identity of the event.

Vermaak said, “This livery features hand-painted details showing the textures of the Karoo, the hues of the gravel we ride on and the luminescence of the fires we sit beside at night – all reflecting on this unique journey we embark on each year.”

The Nedbank Gravel Burn Limited Edition Open WIDE 2.0 is offered as a complete package, including a custom-designed Open WIDE 2.0 with component spec tailored to individual rider preferences, exclusive Open x Nedbank Gravel Burn cycling kit made by Assos and one Nedbank Gravel Burn race entry, redeemable within three years. Package pricing from $11900 (US) and €11500. 

For complete info on the Open WIDE 2.0 model and specification options, visit opencycle.com. For further details and to order, contact Open Cycles co-founder Andy Kessler directly at [email protected].

For information on Nedbank Gravel Burn including race entries, visit www.gravel-burn.com

About Nedbank Gravel Burn

Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven day, 750km gravel stage race set entirely in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Starting in the historic Robert Sobukwe Town / Graaff Reinet, the race journeys deep into remote semi-desert landscapes, with all riders staying together in the purpose-built Burn Camps. The route spans the Great Karoo, concludes in Big 5 territory at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Designed as a true pro-am experience, Nedbank Gravel Burn brings elite and amateur riders together in a shared journey defined by scale, remoteness and connection.

For media enquiries, please contact: Sarah Harrop at [email protected]

About Open Cycles

OPEN Cycle is a next generation bicycle brand founded by two bicycle industry pioneers and are guided by the philosophy of “working hard to stay small”. By stripping away corporate overheads and marketing noise, OPEN channels all its resources into pure product development and customer support – designing the bikes the team wants to ride and delivering them directly to riders and via independent bike shops. Learn more at www.opencycle.com 



Force USA Launches Partnership with Sportsmans Warehouse

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The global fitness brand brings its All-In-One trainers and wider strength, cardio and conditioning range to South Africa, giving consumers more options for training at home.

Expanding Access to Quality Home Gym Equipment

Force USA, a fitness brand built around making serious training more accessible without the need for a commercial gym budget or footprint, has officially launched in Sportsmans Warehouse nationwide.

Founded on the belief that effective training equipment should deliver more without taking up unnecessary space, Force USA created the All-In-One training category, bringing multiple training functions together in a single system. This approach allows users to build more complete training setups without the need for multiple machines or a large dedicated training space.

The launch marks a new retail partnership between Force USA and Sportsmans Warehouse, bringing the global fitness brand into the retailer’s offering for the first time. The partnership gives South African consumers a new way to access Force USA’s range and experience its approach to flexible, performance-led training.

“For years, people in South Africa who wanted commercial-grade training results have had to choose between a full gym membership or settling for entry-level home equipment. Force USA closes that gap. Our All-In-One trainers give people the depth of a fully equipped gym in a fraction of the space, and launching with Sportsmans Warehouse means South Africans can finally access that experience at home,” says Simon Heinrich, International Sales Manager at Force USA.

Built Around the All-In-One Trainer

Two products anchor the South African launch and demonstrate what sets Force USA apart:

  • C10 All-In-One Trainer & Sliding Bench: The C10 features a patent-pending central cable system, six pulley stations and dual 200-degree adjustable upright pulleys, together with the C10 Sliding Bench. Designed to offer a well-rounded training experience in one setup, it brings a broad range of training options to a compact footprint.
  • G3 All-In-One Trainer: The G3 combines a Smith Machine, Functional Trainer, Power Rack, Core Trainer and Multi-Grip Chin-Up Station, with optional upgrade kits available.

Together, the C10 and G3 demonstrate Force USA’s approach to bringing multiple training capabilities into a single system.

The Wider Range: Strength, Cardio and Conditioning

Beyond its All-In-One trainers, Force USA’s wider range covers strength, cardio and conditioning, offering equipment for different training goals:

  • Strength: The Force USA range includes versatile equipment designed to support a variety of strength-training needs, including the C10 Functional Trainer, G3 All-In-One Trainer and Compact Leg Press & Hack Squat.
  • Cardio and Conditioning: The range also includes equipment such as the Stepper, designed for high-intensity cardiovascular conditioning, alongside other cardio and conditioning solutions for a complete training setup.

“The arrival of Force USA marks an exciting new addition to the Sportsmans Warehouse offering. We’re proud to bring the brand into our fitness range, giving our customers access to quality home gym equipment for those who want more from their training. With a focus on quality, versatility and performance, Force USA offers equipment designed to help take home training to the next level,” says Nicole Schumann, Marketing Manager at Sportsmans Warehouse.

Availability

The Force USA collection is now available to explore at Sportsmans Warehouse nationwide, in stores and online, giving consumers the opportunity to find equipment suited to their individual training goals. From building strength and improving conditioning to creating a more complete training setup, the range offers solutions for taking training further, without requiring a commercial gym environment.

CYCLE LAB – WEST RAND STORE EMPORIUM

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Cycle Lab is proud to announce the opening of its newest store at The Falls Shopping Centre in the West Rand. A self-contained retail space paired with a full-fledged workshop, the launch marks the continuation of Cycle Lab’s mandate to bring world-class cycling facilities closer to the people who love the sport.

Launch Details

  • Launch Event: Opening dinner-time launch at 17:30 on 8 October 2026, featuring deep discounts across the range to kick off trading.
  • Location: The Falls Shopping Centre, West Rand, Johannesburg.
  • Trading Hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00. The store will be open 362 days a year, closing only on Easter, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Strategic Location & Riding Hotspots

The West Rand has become a firm favourite among Gauteng cyclists, with the Cradle of Humankind and Cradle Moon Mountain Bike Park among the region’s standout riding destinations, alongside a broader network of gravel and mountain bike routes across the area’s smallholdings and reserves. Positioned at The Falls Shopping Centre, the new emporium puts Cycle Lab at the heart of this riding community, easily accessible for both established riders and newcomers to the sport.

Why This Store Matters

  • Prime Location: The West Rand’s trails are rated among Gauteng’s best, providing instant access to the top riding that locals crave.
  • Ready-to-Go Workshop: From fitting to full repairs, the on-site workshop gives every rider the on-hand expertise that backs the brand’s reputation for “unintimidating” service.
  • Community Focus: A safe, welcoming space for riders of all levels, with the shop actively partnering with local clubs and training groups.
  • Expertise from Zero to Hero: Designed to make every visit welcoming and educational, helping newcomers overcome any intimidation when stepping into a bike shop.

“Our focus wasn’t to just open a store in the West Rand, we wanted to build a home for the local cycling community,” says Marketing Manager, Taryn Logan. “With the Cradle of Humankind and surrounding trails right on the doorstep, this is one of the most active riding regions in Gauteng, and the emporium lets us match that energy — with a full retail range, a proper workshop, and a coffee shop where people can actually hang around before or after a ride.”

“Whether it’s a family getting their kids on bikes for the first time, or someone chasing their next big upgrade, our team will be there with the range and the knowledge to help,” Logan adds. “We can’t wait to welcome the West Rand cycling community through our doors.”

Meet the Expert Team

The new store brings substantial industry depth to the West Rand:

  • Deane Poulter (Store Manager): A seasoned rider and mechanic with experience working at the Absa Cape Epic, Deane serves as the face of the shop and the technical backbone of the crew.
  • Ellick “Boeta” Steyn (Community & Technical Liaison): Brings 12 years of mechanical experience, including four years as a UCI professional mechanic, national duty at the 2024 Commonwealth Games and the 2023–24 Africa Championships, alongside UCI road and mountain bike team support.
  • Christo (Sales Lead): Brings fresh energy to the customer service experience.
  • Deon (Sales Team Lead): A top-performing Sales Consultant transferred from the Fourways store to ensure high service standards from day one.
  • James (Technical Specialist): Oversees bike fitting and repairs.

Much of the proven Fourways crew’s sales and technical experience has transferred across to ensure the store opens with a team local riders can trust immediately.

Premium Brands & Stock Selection

The emporium stocks road, mountain, gravel, eBike, and children’s bikes from Giant, SCOTT, Silverback, Liv, Marvel, Merida, Orbea, and Titan Racing.

  • Apparel & Helmets: Apparel is available from Ciovita, Wattz, Assos, and First Ascent, alongside helmets from MET, SCOTT, Leatt, Giro, and Oakley.
  • Tech & Nutrition: GPS bike computers and indoor trainers sit alongside nutrition from Biogen, Maurten, Cadence, and more to keep riders fuelled through the season.
  • Components & Fitment: Component upgrades from PRO and saddles from Fizik and Selle Italia round out the store’s fitting and performance offerings.

Media & Contact Information

Cycle Lab invites riders from Johannesburg, the West Rand, and beyond to experience a store that blends world-class facilities, highly trained staff, and a culture that celebrates every twist of the route.

Contact: Taryn Logan, Marketing Manager, Cycle Lab

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 11 563 5000

The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

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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

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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.

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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