The purple speedos are coming back — and this time, they are carrying an even bigger message.
On Friday, 23 October 2026, thousands of South African men will ditch their everyday workwear, pull on a purple speedo and take to the streets for a cause that could save lives.
The Hollard Daredevil Run is back, with entries now open for its 2026 edition.
For 17 years, the iconic men’s health campaign has turned an unforgettable sight into a powerful conversation about cancer. Behind the humour, purple speedos and high-energy atmosphere is a serious mission: encouraging men to understand their health, get checked and detect cancer early.
More than a run
The Hollard Daredevil Run has raised millions over the years for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.
The funds support education and awareness initiatives focused on prostate and testicular cancer across the country.
The impact has also extended beyond the annual event.
Since partnering with the Hollard Daredevil Run, CANSA has reached more than 59 000 men through awareness initiatives. It conducts an average of more than 2 000 screenings every year and has referred hundreds of abnormalities for further medical care.
During the 2025 Daredevil Run campaign alone, CANSA completed 610 PSA screenings.
That means the purple speedo has become more than a costume. It has become a conversation starter.
Turning fundraising into action
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa has also used funds from the campaign to expand its work.
The Foundation has hosted 143 education and awareness events and supported hundreds of men and their families through its national helpline.
It has also expanded access to prostate cancer educational resources in several South African languages.
This year, the Foundation is set to launch South Africa’s first National Prostate Cancer Registry, adding another significant development to the campaign’s ongoing impact.
“Lekker balls, Lekker life!”
The 2026 campaign carries the tagline “Lekker balls, Lekker life!”
Behind the playful wording is a straightforward message: looking after your health today can help protect your tomorrow.
That means becoming more aware of cancer risks, prioritising appropriate screenings and seeking medical attention when something does not feel right.
“Wearing a purple speedo isn’t just about having fun. It’s about making a statement.”
That is the message from Adel Kriel, Head of Experiential Marketing at Hollard, who says every participant helps challenge the stigma that can prevent men from talking openly about their health.
“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,” Kriel says.
Why the conversation matters
Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among South African men.
According to the information supplied for the campaign, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Black African men face a 60% higher risk than other population groups.
The campaign highlights the importance of appropriate screening and early detection. A PSA blood test can help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends annual PSA testing from age 40 for Black African men and men with a first-degree family history of prostate and/or breast cancer.
For other men, annual PSA screening is recommended from age 45.
Men should discuss screening with a healthcare professional to determine what is appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Another cancer men cannot afford to ignore
The Daredevil Run also puts the spotlight on testicular cancer.
Although less widespread than prostate cancer, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men aged 15 to 49, according to the campaign information.
It affects approximately one in every 250 males.
The encouraging message is that testicular cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
CANSA recommends that men between 15 and 49 perform a monthly testicular self-examination and consult a healthcare professional promptly if they notice a lump, swelling or unusual change.
The message is simple: do not ignore changes in your body.
Johannesburg, get ready
The main 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 15:00.
Runs will also take place at various locations around the country on the same day.
Entry costs R200 and includes a registration pack delivered by courier, along with the campaign’s unmistakable purple speedo.
Enter the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run
For those who cannot run but still want to contribute, donations can also be made through the campaign’s BackaBuddy page.
Donate to the Hollard Daredevil Run 2026
The goal is bigger this year
The 2025 Daredevil Run raised R1.2 million.
For 2026, Hollard wants to go even further.
The campaign is calling on South Africans to run, donate and help create an even greater impact.
Because beneath the spectacle is a serious reminder: cancer does not care how awkward the conversation feels.
The purple speedo helps start that conversation.
And if one run encourages someone to get checked sooner, talk to a doctor or recognise a warning sign they might otherwise have ignored, then the message has already gone further than the finish line.
The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place on Friday, 23 October at 15:00, with the main event at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg.
Lekker balls. Lekker life. And, most importantly, know your health.
