Staff Reporter|Published
Thousands of men flocked to the streets of Mzansi on Friday for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run, travelling from Stellenbosch to Secunda, Kimberley to Khayelitsha, Paarl to Potchefstroom, and Bloemfontein.
They were all united by a single, significant cause and wore purple Speedos.
The Run is an annual initiative that encourages men to take proactive steps towards their health and wellbeing and advocates for routine prostate and testicular cancer screening. It is more than just an enjoyable and memorable event.
Over 3,000 men caused quite a commotion along Jan Smuts Avenue, Upper Park Drive, Oxford Road, and the surrounding suburbs during the main event, which was held at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg.
“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 raising 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 seventeen years, the Run has raised millions of rand for the Cancer Association of South Africa and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, supporting education, screening programmes and life-saving services for men across the country.
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,” she says.
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 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, both cancers are highly treatable.
Last year’s event raised R1 200 000. This year, Hollard hopes to achieve an even greater impact.