Thousands of South African men traded their usual running gear for purple speedos, bringing colour, laughter and an important health message to streets across the country at the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run.

From Bloemfontein to Ballito, Kimberley to Khayelitsha, and Paarl to Potchefstroom, the nationwide event turned an unconventional spectacle into a powerful conversation about men’s health. But beneath the cheeky outfits and public attention lies a serious reality: too many men still delay getting checked for cancer.

The message this year was clear: “Lekker Balls. Lekker Life.” Looking after your health should never be something to put off.

More Than Purple Speedos and Public Spectacle

The main event at Johannesburg’s Zoo Lake attracted more than 3,000 participants, who took to surrounding roads, including Jan Smuts Avenue, Upper Park Drive and Oxford Road.

Across South Africa, local runs brought communities together around the same cause, proving that a shared sense of humour can help open conversations that might otherwise feel uncomfortable.

Now in its seventeenth year, the Hollard Daredevil Run has built a nationwide movement around prostate and testicular cancer awareness. Supported by Hollard, the initiative has raised millions of rands for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), helping fund education, screening programmes and services for men.

For a country where conversations about vulnerability and health can sometimes take a back seat to expectations of toughness, the run offers a different approach: make the subject impossible to ignore, then give people a reason to take action.

Why Men’s Health Needs More Attention

The statistics behind the fun are sobering.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, approximately one in eight men is expected to develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Black African men face a higher risk than other population groups, making awareness and access to appropriate screening particularly important in South Africa.

Testicular cancer is less common but predominantly affects younger men, particularly those aged 15 to 49. Both cancers can be highly treatable when detected early, making awareness of symptoms and timely medical attention crucial.

Yet awareness alone is not enough. Men also need to feel comfortable discussing their health, seeking professional advice and understanding their individual risk factors.

The real win isn’t simply showing up in a speedo. It’s showing up for your health.

Screening recommendations can vary according to age, family history and personal risk. Men should speak to a healthcare professional about appropriate testing and when to begin.

From Laughs to Life-Saving Action

This year’s Johannesburg event paired entertainment with practical opportunities to engage with the cause. South African entertainer Siv Ngesi brought his trademark humour and energy to the start and finish lines, while CANSA provided on-site prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and the Prostate Cancer Foundation offered opportunities for engagement and awareness.

That combination matters. A public event can capture attention, but connecting participants with credible health information and screening opportunities helps turn attention into action.

Hollard South Africa‘s Head of Experiential Marketing, Adél Kriel, said the event’s enduring appeal comes from its combination of fun, brotherhood and a shared commitment to raising awareness of male cancers.

Last year’s run raised R1.2 million, and Hollard hopes to increase its impact through the 2026 campaign.

The Run Is Over. The Conversation Isn’t.

You don’t need a purple speedo to support the cause. You can start by encouraging the men in your life to speak to a healthcare professional, sharing reliable information about cancer risks or contributing to the organisations helping men access education and support.

The 2026 run may be finished, but fundraising continues through the official Hollard Daredevil Run campaign on BackaBuddy.

Support the campaign here: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 – BackaBuddy.

Because looking after yourself isn’t a weakness, and getting checked isn’t something to be embarrassed about. In a country that knows how to turn almost anything into a celebration, the Daredevil Run reminds us that sometimes the most important thing we can do for one another is make it easier to talk about our health.

Lekker Balls. Lekker Life. And, most importantly, don’t leave your health to chance.