Thousands of men gathered in the streets of Mzanzi on Friday to take part in the annual Hollard Daredevil Run 2026. Participants covered routes from Stellenbosch to Sekunde, from Kimberley to Highveld, from Parys to Potchefstroom, and from Bloemfontein.
All participants were united by one important goal and wore purple Speedos swimsuits. This run is an annual initiative aimed at encouraging men to take active steps to improve their health and well-being, as well as promoting regular screening for prostate and testicular cancer. The event goes beyond just being a pleasant and memorable occasion.
During the main event, held near Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, over 3000 men caused a significant buzz along Jan Smuts Avenue, Upper Park Drive, Oxford Road, and surrounding areas.
Adel Kriel, Head of Experience Marketing at Hollard South Africa, noted: 'Every year, the support from Daredevils across South Africa has been truly wonderful. While the run is undoubtedly fun, it is the significant cause, the sense of brotherhood, and the common goal of raising awareness about male cancers that make Daredevils return year after year.'
Hundreds of local runs across the country have brought communities together, spreading the message of men's health and expanding the reach of this national movement. This year, the event was accompanied by the vibrant slogan 'Lekker Balls. Lekker Life,' which emphasizes the potentially life-saving importance of early detection.
Over the past seventeen years, the run has raised millions of rand for the Cancer Association of South Africa and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, supporting educational programs, screenings, and vital services for men across the country.
This year's slogan, 'Lekker Balls, Lekker Life,' reflects the idea that taking care of your health today means raising awareness, prioritizing regular check-ups, and seeking medical attention in a timely manner. Adel Kriel thanked all participants and supporters for their contribution.
Prostate and testicular cancers require attention, awareness, and action. One in eight men is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, with Black African men facing a risk 60% higher than other population groups. Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men in South Africa.
Testicular cancer, although rarer, is most common among young men aged 15 to 49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 men. Both types of cancer are highly treatable when detected early.
Last year, the event raised 1,200,000 rand, and this year Hollard hopes to achieve even greater positive impact.