More than 4 000 men took to the streets around Zoo Lake in Johannesburg for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run, wearing purple speedos to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.

The annual event also saw local runs taking place across South Africa, including Bloemfontein, Ballito, Paarl, Potchefstroom, Kimberley, Khayelitsha, Stellenbosch and Secunda.

Held under the tagline “Lekker Balls. Lekker Life”, the initiative encourages men to prioritise their health through regular screening and early detection.

“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 creating awareness of male cancers that keeps Daredevils coming back year after year,” said Adél Kriel, Hollard South Africa’s head of experiential marketing.

The event supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), funding education, screening programmes and services for men affected by cancer. Over the past 17 years, the initiative has raised millions of rand for the organisations.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in eight men is expected to develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Black African men face a 60% higher risk than other population groups.

Testicular cancer is most common among men aged 15 to 49, affecting approximately one in every 250 males. Both cancers have better treatment outcomes when detected early.

The 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run raised R1.2-million, with organisers hoping to increase that amount through the 2026 campaign.

Although this year’s run has concluded, the public can still contribute through the Hollard Daredevil Run’s BackaBuddy fundraising page.