One small speedo, one important cause: Hollard Daredevil Run returns in October

With less than a month to go, South Africa is gearing up for a sea of purple as the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run returns on Friday, 23 October, bringing its message about prostate and testicular cancer to participants across the country.

The annual 5km run will take place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg at 15:00, while runners in other parts of the country will take part at various locations on the same day. Details of participating locations will be shared on the Daredevil Run’s social media platforms.

This year’s campaign carries the tagline ‘Lekker Balls. Lekker Life’ and uses its distinctive purple speedos to draw attention to men’s health and the importance of early detection.

More than a run

Picture: Supplied

While the event is known for participants taking to the streets in purple speedos, its central focus is encouraging South African men and their families to have conversations about prostate and testicular cancers, understand potential risks and seek appropriate checks.

According to Hollard, funds raised through participation support CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), including awareness initiatives, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening and patient support.

Adél Kriel, Hollard South Africa’s Head of Experiential Marketing, highlighted that the visibility of the event is intended to create an opportunity for a wider conversation about men’s health.

“We know that thousands of men running in purple speedos gets people’s attention. What matters is what we do with that attention,” said Kriel.

“There is bravery in putting on a purple speedo in public, but behind this bold campaign is a very serious message: Know your risks, know your body and don’t put off getting checked. It could save your life.”

The Hollard Daredevil Run has been running for 17 years, with participants from across South Africa and beyond taking part in the annual event.

For 2026, organisers are encouraging colleagues, friends, students and families to enter together, raise funds and use the event as a starting point for conversations around men’s health.

Kriel said the campaign is intended to keep those conversations going beyond the day of the run.

“This October, purple is more than a colour. It’s a conversation starter, but its real impact comes when that conversation extends beyond race day into families, workplaces and communities. The more people who take part, the further that message can reach,” she stated.

“You don’t have to be a runner. You just have to be willing to show up for this important cause.”

How to take part

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place on Friday, 23 October, with the main Johannesburg event at Zoo Lake at 15:00 and additional runs taking place at locations around the country.

Purple speedos are already available for entrants, although organisers say they are being snapped up quickly.

Entries can be made through Hollard’s official Daredevil Run website.

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