Get your purple on and run for men’s health

It’s the one day of the year when thousands of South African men proudly swap formal workwear for purple Speedos – all in the name of saving lives.

Organisers have confirmed that the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run will take place on Friday, October 23, and entries are now open.

17 years of raising awareness

Over the past 17 years, the 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 raised are used to expand education and raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer across the country.

The campaign continues to deliver tangible results for men’s health. Since partnering with the Daredevil Run, Cansa has reached more than 59 000 men through awareness initiatives, has conducted an average of more than 2 000 screenings annually, and has referred hundreds of abnormalities for further medical care.

Last year alone, Cansa completed 610 Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings during the 2025 Daredevil Run campaign.

The long-standing campaign partner, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, has also turned funds raised through the 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, and expanded access to prostate cancer educational resources in multiple South African languages.

This year, the foundation will also launch South Africa’s first National Prostate Cancer Registry.

“Lekker balls, Lekker life!”

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.

Early detection can save lives

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among South African men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, while Black African men face a 60% higher risk than other population groups.

A simple PSA blood test can 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 among young men aged 15 to 49, affecting approximately one 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.

At the heart of the Daredevil Run’s message around both prostate and testicular cancers is the importance of early detection. A simple check today could make all the difference tomorrow.

Get involved

The 2026 Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on October 23 at 15:00, with runs also taking place at various locations countrywide on the same day. Entries are available through the Daredevil Run – This Run Takes Balls platform at a cost of R200. The entry fee includes a couriered registration pack and a purple Speedo.

The campaign is also encouraging South Africans to make a difference by donating directly through the Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page.

Last year’s Daredevil Run raised R1.2m. This year, the organisers are aiming even higher, calling on more South Africans to take part, donate and help make an even greater impact.