VIDEO – Ermelo runners join Hollard Daredevil Run for cancer awareness

Residents backed a national initiative encouraging men to prioritise their wellbeing and understand the importance of early detection.

19 hours ago

Wayne van der Walt 1 minute read

Two smiling runners wearing purple Daredevil speedos over black shorts run in Ermelo. — Participants put their best foot forward during Ermelo’s Hollard Daredevil Run. Photo: Supplied/Hollard.

ERMELO – Local men and women took part in the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run. They joined a nationwide cancer awareness campaign.

Ermelo’s run took place earlier in the day, alongside events in Kwamhlanga and Mbombela. Participants in eMalahleni, Secunda, Standerton and Malelane joined later in the afternoon.

Ermelo participants gather for the Hollard Daredevil Run in support of prostate and testicular cancer awareness. Photo: Hollard. — Ermelo participants gather for the Hollard Daredevil Run in support of prostate and testicular cancer awareness. Photo: Supplied/Hollard.

Recognised for its purple speedos, the annual initiative raises awareness of prostate and testicular cancer and encourages men to take proactive steps towards their health.

This year’s tagline, “Lekker Balls. Lekker Life”, highlighted the importance of early detection.

Seven women pose beside a purple Hollard Daredevil Run banner in Ermelo. — Local women show their support for prostate and testicular cancer awareness at Ermelo’s Hollard Daredevil Run. Photo: Supplied/Hollard.

Ermelo participants joined thousands across South Africa, while the main event at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg attracted over 3 000 men.

Over the last seventeen years, the Hollard Daredevil Run has raised millions of Rands for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). These funds support education, screening programmes and life-saving services.

Ermelo runners carry a purple Hollard Daredevil Run banner promoting men’s health awareness. — Participants carry the campaign’s “Lekker Balls! Lekker Life!” message through Ermelo’s streets. Photo: Supplied/Hollard.

Last year’s event raised R1 200 000, and Hollard hopes the 2026 campaign will have an even greater impact.

According to campaign information, prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. Both prostate and testicular cancers are highly treatable when detected early.

A smiling Daredevil Run participant in purple speedos leans forward with his hands on his knees. — A smiling participant supports men’s health awareness during Ermelo’s Hollard Daredevil Run. Photo: Supplied/Hollard.

Residents can continue supporting the initiative through the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/hollard-daredevil-run-2026.

Read more about the cancer risk statistics and Adél Kriel’s message on screening and early detection in the Highvelder’s printed edition.

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19 hours ago

Wayne van der Walt 1 minute read

Wayne van der Walt

Wayne van der Walt, with around 15 years in the media industry, is editor of Highvelder Newspaper. His accolades include Frewin Awards for Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, and FCJ Photographer of the Year, among other honours.