With over 25 500 participants last year, this event has become the largest single-day event in the country held purely to generate awareness of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women. In South Africa, it is the most prevalent cancer amongst white and Asian women and the second most common cancer among black and coloured women. Education and awareness is, therefore, critical since most cases are treatable when diagnosed in time. According to Dr Carol Ann Benn, renowned surgeon and founder of the Breast Health Foundation, the two biggest stumbling blocks in breast health care in South Africa are awareness and access. She believes that the Avon Justine’s funding of the Breast Health Foundation’s education programme, donations and involvement with the Walkathon beautifully addresses both these key issues.

Registrations are open. Adults pay R120 while children between the ages of two and 12 pay R80 to participate. Toddlers up to the age of two enter for free. All participants must pre-register here or a printed entry form. Friendly dogs can be registered for free.

The start of the 2016 iThemba Walkathon will be initiated in waves with designated groups of up to 10 000 people beginning their walk for a purpose at 08:00 for the red group, 08:15 for the blue group and 08:30 for the green group respectively. Water stations will be available at strategic points of the 7.9km or 5km routes but walkers are encouraged to also have their own supply of water for themselves and their dogs so they can fully enjoy this epic event. At the finish line, walkers will be met with a number of exciting activities with nutriphase also giving away prizes and treats for friendly dogs, Locum Vet will also be onsite to assist with minor issues such as scuffed paws.

At the end of the Walkathon, participants can also make their dedication with ribbons on the Woman & Home Trees of Hope. The Woman & Home ribbons can be purchased when registering,

Walkers will also once again have the opportunity to be part of a historic moment through the #PoutForAPurpose world record attempt at this year’s iThemba Walkathon. In line with the company’s Beauty for A Purpose mission statement, this will be an Avon world record attempt for the most number of people applying lipstick at the same event. For those not based in Johannesburg – put on your pinkest Avon pout, take a photograph and upload it social media using the hashtag #PoutForAPurpose.

The objective of the Avon Justine iThemba Crusade of Hope programme is to ensure that the message that early detection saves lives is spread across the country so that women know the importance of breast health and having their annual mammograms as well as undertaking their monthly self-examinations. Through the various strategic partnerships with NGOs as well as the iThemba Walkathon, Avon Justine has been able to reach over 15 million South Africans already through media publicity and is working towards reaching 20 million by the end of the year.

“It is estimated that with early detection, over 30% of deaths due to breast cancer can be prevented, and events such as the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon are a great way to spread the message that early detection really does save lives,” say Vicky Saunders-Flaherty. “We look forward to seeing you and your families at this year’s event – everyone is welcome as we unite together and Walk For A Purpose. Early detection saves lives. Register now www.ithembawalkathon.co.za.”

As the world’s largest philanthropic supporter of women’s causes, Avon has donated over $1-billion towards women’s causes. In South Africa R20-million has been donated to organisations such as the Breast Health Foundation (BHF)/Bosom Buddies, Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB) and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) since 2001.

For more information, visit www.ithembawalkathon.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter using the #WalkForAPurpose and #PoutForAPurpose hashtags.