Purple speedos. Bold moves. A message that could save lives.
From Bloemfontein to Ballito, Paarl to Potchefstroom, Kimberley to Khayelitsha and Stellenbosch to Secunda, thousands of South African men took to the streets on 25 October 2026 for the Hollard Daredevil Run.
The annual event brought together brave participants willing to swap traditional running gear for nothing but a purple speedo, all in support of an important cause: raising awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.
At first glance, the spectacle is unforgettable. But behind the laughs, the colour and the cheeky outfits lies a serious message about men’s health, regular screening and the importance of early detection.
More Than a Run in Purple Speedos
The main event took place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, where more than 3,000 men made their way along Jan Smuts Avenue, Upper Park Drive, Oxford Road and surrounding suburbs.
Across the country, hundreds of local runs brought communities together. Each one helped spread awareness of male cancers and encouraged men to take a more proactive approach to their health.
For Hollard South Africa, the event is about much more than getting people out onto the streets.
“Every year, the support from Daredevils across South Africa has been truly remarkable,” says Adél Kriel, Hollard South Africa’s Head of Experiential Marketing.
She says the fun, brotherhood and shared purpose of raising awareness keep participants returning year after year.
That combination of humour and purpose is what makes the Daredevil Run stand out. It creates an opportunity to start conversations about health issues that many men may otherwise avoid.
“Lekker Balls. Lekker Life” Puts Early Detection in the Spotlight
This year’s tagline, “Lekker Balls. Lekker Life”, delivered a bold reminder that looking after your health matters.
Prostate and testicular cancers need attention, awareness and action. Yet conversations about these conditions can be uncomfortable for many men.
The Daredevil Run aims to challenge those barriers by using an eye-catching public event to encourage men to get checked and seek medical advice.
Over its 17-year history, the initiative has raised millions of rands for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF).
The funds have supported education, screening programmes and services for men across the country.
Kriel says Hollard wants to help men and their families face uncertainty with greater confidence by challenging stereotypes and encouraging screening and early detection.
She also thanked the participants and supporters whose involvement helped carry the message across South Africa.
The Cancer Risks Men Should Know About
Behind the purple speedos is a health message worth taking seriously.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, approximately one in eight men is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Black African men face a 60% higher risk than other population groups, according to information cited in the campaign’s press release. Prostate cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among South African men.
Testicular cancer is less common, but it remains important to recognise. It occurs most frequently in young men aged 15 to 49 and affects approximately one in every 250 males, according to the cited sources.
Both conditions deserve attention, and early diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes.
Men should speak to a healthcare professional about their individual risk, appropriate screening and any symptoms or changes that concern them. Screening recommendations can vary according to age, family history and personal risk.
The message is simple: do not let embarrassment prevent you from having an important conversation about your health.
Siv Ngesi Brings the Energy to Zoo Lake
Adding star power and humour to the Johannesburg event was South African actor, comedian, television presenter and entertainer Siv Ngesi.
Ngesi brought his trademark energy to the start and finish line, entertaining the crowds and adding to the lively atmosphere.
However, the event balanced entertainment with practical health awareness.
CANSA provided on-site prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, while representatives from the Prostate Cancer Foundation engaged with participants.
This combination helped connect the spectacle on the streets with the real-world importance of cancer awareness and access to screening information.
From Last Year’s R1.2 Million to an Even Bigger Goal
The 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run raised R1.2 million.
For 2026, Hollard hopes to make an even greater impact, building on the support of participants, communities and campaign supporters across South Africa.
Although this year’s run has ended, the opportunity to contribute remains open.
South Africans can support the initiative by donating through the official Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 BackaBuddy campaign.
The Real Victory Is Taking Care of Your Health
The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run once again demonstrated how a bold idea can bring people together around a serious issue.
Thousands of men took to the streets in purple speedos. Communities joined the movement. Health organisations helped bring screening and awareness into the conversation.
But the most important part of the event extends beyond race day.
It is the conversation that happens afterwards. The appointment someone finally books. The question a man feels more comfortable asking his doctor. The friend who encourages another friend to get checked.
Because while the purple speedos may grab the headlines, the real impact lies in helping men take their health seriously.
Small speedos. Big impact. And a message every man deserves to hear: make your health a priority.
