Thousands of men descended on the streets of South Africa for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run on Friday 23 October, freeing themselves from the confines of traditional running gear to wear only a purple speedo, all united by one important cause.

More than just a fun and memorable event, the annual initiative highlights the need for regular prostate and testicular cancers screening and encourages men to take proactive steps towards their health and wellbeing.

The main event took place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, with over 3 000 men causing quite a stir, while participants if all ages gathered at Jan Marais Park in Stellenbosch to trek through the streets of the city of oaks.

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Beyond the speedo

“Every year, the support from Daredevils across South Africa has been truly remarkable. While the run is undoubtedly fun, it’s the meaningful cause, the sense of brotherhood and the shared purpose of creating awareness of male cancers that keeps Daredevils coming back year after year,” says Adél Kriel, Hollard South Africa’s head of experiential marketing.

Across the country, hundreds of local runs brought communities together, spreading the message of men’s health and extending the impact of this nationwide movement.

This year, the event carried the bold tagline “Lekker Balls. Lekker Life”, reinforcing the potentially life-saving importance of early detection.

Over the last 17 years, the event has raised millions of rands for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Canss) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), supporting education, screening programmes and life-saving services for men across the country.

“At Hollard, we want to help men and their families navigate uncertainty with greater confidence by challenging stereotypes and encouraging screening and early detection,” Kriel adds.

“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. Thank you to each and every participant and supporter for the difference they have made today.”

By the numbers

Prostate and testicular cancers deserve attention, awareness and action. One in eight men is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men.

Testicular cancer, while less widespread, is most common in young men aged 15 to 49, affecting around one in every 250 men. When caught early, both cancers are highly treatable.

Last year’s Hollard Daredevil Run raised R1 200 000. This year, Hollard hopes to have an even greater impact.

While the 2026 event may be over, the opportunity to make a difference continues. South Africans are encouraged to support the cause by donating directly through the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page.

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