As part of the annual men's health campaign, thousands of South African men will once again take part in a run, replacing their formal work attire with purple swim briefs. The event, known as the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run, will take place on Friday, October 23rd, at 3:00 PM at Lake Z in Johannesburg, and will also be held in various locations across the country.
This campaign attracts participants who have been raising millions of rand for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa for the past 17 years. The funds collected are directed towards initiatives to raise awareness and educate about prostate and testicular cancer nationwide.
Since partnering with the Hollard Daredevil Run, CANSA has reached over 59,000 men through its information programs, conducts an average of over 2,000 screenings annually, and has referred hundreds of abnormal cases for further medical examination. Last year, CANSA conducted 610 PSA screenings.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa also uses funds raised during this campaign to support its activities. The foundation has organized 143 educational and informational events, supported hundreds of men and their families through a national hotline, and expanded access to prostate cancer educational materials in several South African languages. This year, the foundation plans to launch the first National Prostate Cancer Registry in South Africa.
Campaign Slogan: 'Good Balls, Good Life!'
This year's theme is 'Lekker balls, Lekker life!', which emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's health, recognizing potential risks, regular check-ups, and seeking early medical attention. Adele Kriel, Head of Experience Marketing at Hollard, noted that wearing purple swim briefs is not just entertainment, but a statement. He added that every participant in the Daredevil Run helps fight stigmatization by encouraging more men to pay attention to their health and understand what screenings can save their lives.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among men in South Africa. According to the campaign data, one in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, with Black African men facing a risk 60% higher than other population groups. Early detection of prostate cancer through PSA blood tests allows treatment to begin during the most effective period.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends that Black African men and men with first-degree relatives who have a history of prostate and/or breast cancer undergo an annual PSA test starting at age 40. For all other men, an annual PSA screening is recommended from age 45.
It is the only day of the year when thousands of South African men proudly exchange formal business wear for purple swim briefs to save lives.
Testicular Cancer Awareness for Young Men
Although less common, testicular cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among young men aged 15 to 49, affecting approximately one in every 250 men. When detected early, it is also highly treatable. CANSA advises men aged 15 to 49 to perform monthly self-examinations of their testicles and to seek immediate specialist consultation if they detect any lumps, swelling, or unusual changes.
Early diagnosis is at the heart of the message of both the Hollard Daredevil Run regarding prostate and testicular cancer. The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run will take place at Lake Z in Johannesburg on Friday, October 23rd, at 3:00 PM, as well as in other locations across the country on the same day. The participation fee is 200 rand and includes a courier registration pack and purple swim briefs. Registration is available on the Hollard Daredevil Run website. The campaign also calls on South Africans to support this cause through donations via the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page. Last year, the Daredevil Run raised 1.2 million rand, and this year Hollard aims to raise more funds by encouraging greater participation and donations from South Africans.