It’s the one day of the year when thousands of South African men proudly swap formal work wear for purple speedos, all in the name of saving lives.
The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run is taking place on Friday, 23 October and entries are now open.
Over the past 17 years, this iconic men’s health movement has raised millions for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Funds are used to help expand education and raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer across the country.
This campaign continues to deliver tangible results for men’s health across South Africa. Since partnering with the Hollard Daredevil run, CANSA has reached over 59 000 men through awareness initiatives, conducted over 2 000 PSA screenings and referred hundreds of abnormalities for further medical care. Last year alone, CANSA completed 610 PSA screenings during the 2025 Daredevil Run campaign.
Long-standing campaign partner, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, has also transformed funds raised through the Hollard Daredevil Run into meaningful action. With this support, the Foundation has hosted 143 education and awareness events, supported hundreds of men and their families through its national helpline, expanded access to prostate cancer educational resources in multiple South African languages, and this year will launch South Africa’s first National Prostate Cancer Registry.
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.
“Wearing a purple speedo isn’t just about having fun. It’s about making a statement. 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,” says Adel Kriel, Head of Experiential Marketing at Hollard.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. A simple PSA blood test could help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends that Black African men and men with a first-degree family history of prostate and/or breast cancer have an annual PSA test from the age of 40. For all other men, annual PSA screening is recommended from the age of 45.
While less widespread, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, it is also highly treatable.
According to CANSA, men aged 15 to 49 should perform a monthly testicular self-examination and consult a healthcare professional immediately if they notice any lump, swelling or unusual change.
The very message at the heart of the Hollard Daredevil Run for both prostate and testicular cancers, is that early detection can save lives. A simple check today could make all the difference tomorrow.
The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 3pm, with runs also taking place that day at various locations, countrywide. Entries are available at Hollard Daredevil Run – This Run Takes Balls at a cost of R200, which includes a couriered registration pack and purple speedo.
The campaign also encourages all South Africans to make a difference by donating directly through the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page.
Last year’s Daredevil Run raised R1 200 000. This year, Hollard is aiming even higher, calling on more South Africans to take part, donate and help make an even greater impact.
For more information, go to www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.
