On Friday, 23 October 2026, streets across Mzansi will turn purple as thousands of Daredevils prepare to take part in the Hollard Daredevil Run.
At first glance, it is impossible to miss.
Men running 5km in purple speedos is certainly a sight designed to grab attention.
But behind the bold colour, the cheeky outfits and the unmistakable spectacle is a serious message about men’s health.
The 2026 run carries the tagline “Lekker Balls. Lekker Life” and aims to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancers, while highlighting the importance of early detection.
Purple With a Purpose
The Hollard Daredevil Run has been bringing people together for 17 years, with participants from across South Africa and beyond supporting its cause.
The run’s popularity is driven by more than the challenge itself.
There is also a strong sense of brotherhood and shared purpose among the Daredevils who return year after year.
And while the purple speedo may be the element that gets people talking, that attention has a bigger purpose.
The campaign encourages South African men and their families to have conversations about prostate and testicular cancers, understand their risks and take action through early detection.
“We know that thousands of men running in purple speedos gets people’s attention. What matters is what we do with that attention,” says Adél Kriel, Hollard South Africa’s Head of Experiential Marketing.
“There is bravery in putting on a purple speedo in public, but behind this bold campaign is a very serious message: Know your risks, know your body and don’t put off getting checked. It could save your life.”
Five Kilometres for a Bigger Conversation
The format is simple.
Participants take on a 5km run, with the iconic purple speedo becoming a highly visible symbol of the campaign.
But the finish line is not the real destination.
The bigger goal is conversation.
The Hollard Daredevil Run wants men to talk about their health with their families, friends, colleagues and communities.
And the more people who participate, the further that message can travel.
Supporting CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The initiative also turns participation into funding for an important cause.
The more men who take part, the greater the funds raised for CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF).
The funds support awareness campaigns, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening and patient support.
That means every purple speedo is helping carry a message that extends beyond the run itself.
It becomes part of a wider effort to encourage awareness, conversation and action around men’s health.
Johannesburg Is Ready
The main 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 15:00.
But Johannesburg will not be the only place turning purple.
Runs will take place at various locations across the country on the same day.
Details of locations around South Africa will be shared through the Daredevil Run’s social media platforms.
There’s Still Time to Join
The purple speedos are already being snapped up, but entries are still open.
Participants are encouraged to bring along colleagues, friends, fellow students and family members.
The idea is simple: show up, take part, raise funds and start a conversation about men’s health.
You do not even have to consider yourself a runner.
As Kriel puts it:
“You don’t have to be a runner. You just have to be willing to show up for this important cause.”
More Than a Finish Line
For 2026, the message is bigger than the spectacle.
“This October, purple is more than a colour. It’s a conversation starter,” says Kriel.
But the real impact, she says, comes when that conversation continues beyond race day and reaches families, workplaces and communities.
That is what gives the Hollard Daredevil Run its purpose.
One small speedo can get people looking.
A conversation can get people listening.
And awareness can encourage people to take action.
On 23 October, Mzansi goes purple.
The challenge is 5km.
The cause is much bigger.
Lekker Balls. Lekker Life.
