Gauteng gents go purple in Daredevil Run for men’s health

In Gauteng, fearless runners turned heads in Johannesburg, Pretoria and the Vaal, proving that courage doesn’t always come in track pants. High schools such as Dainfern College, King David Linksfield and Bryanston High joined the action, while old favourites like Diepkloof Athletic Club once again led Soweto’s run. Florida and Panorama Running Clubs also kept the west alive and kicking.

Over in Pretoria, purple figures pounded the streets of Moreleta Park, Irene, Lynnwood and the University of Pretoria’s residences, while the Vaal saw brave daredevils hitting the streets of Vanderbijlpark and Meyerton.

And at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, thousands gathered for the flagship run - joined by representatives from the Prostate Cancer Foundation and CANSA, long-standing partners and beneficiaries of all funds raised. The money goes towards awareness campaigns, screenings, and support in under-resourced areas.

For 16 years, the Daredevil Run has united men across every province in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer - and this year, even the jacarandas joined in, turning Joburg and Pretoria into a purple canopy of support.

By dawn, runners were already on the move. From Ermelo, Bethlehem and Durban North at 05:00, to Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Mbombela by sunrise, South Africa woke up in purple. In Mbombela, a team of 200 joined forces from the Nelspruit Marathon Club, Legogote Villagers Club, City of Mbombela Marathon Club and Pumas Rugby Development, while Kimberley hosted another 200 strong.

From Khayelitsha to Mahikeng, Potchefstroom to Plettenberg Bay, the message rang loud and clear - check yourself before you wreck yourself.

“Last year alone, we conducted 1 000 PSA tests, trained 649 healthcare professionals and ran outreach programmes across rural and underserved areas. This funding is truly life-saving, allowing us to educate, screen and support men, as well as their families, to take control of their health,” says Lorraine Govender, National Manager: Health Programmes at CANSA.

“The iconic purple Daredevil Speedo has become a symbol of hope. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact it has in raising awareness, encouraging early detection and ultimately saving lives across South Africa,” says Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

“At Hollard, we believe that by raising awareness, we can encourage early detection and make a real difference in saving lives,” says Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard.

“Understanding the symptoms and available tests as well as having access to testing facilities is crucial in the fight against prostate and testicular cancers, which is why the Daredevil Run is such an effective platform: It gets people talking about men’s health in a fun, engaging and approachable way. We are truly humbled by the support received and the incredible numbers of participants who joined the cause.”

The need for awareness remains pressing. In South Africa, the lifetime risk of developing testicular cancer is about 1 in 1 750, and it remains one of the most common cancers among men aged 15 to 49. Prostate cancer still claims thousands of lives each year, and international data shows that 1 in 4 black men will be diagnosed, compared to 1 in 8 white men.

The good news? Both cancers are highly treatable when caught early, often with just a simple PSA blood test.

After raising R1 million in 2024, Hollard is aiming to double that figure this year, with corporate partners like iTOO and C&R already pledging donations. Those wanting to contribute can donate via the Hollard Daredevil BackABuddy platform.

“Together we can make a real difference and drive meaningful impact. Thank you to all the Daredevils that set out in their Speedos today. See you next year - and bring a friend,” says Chimhandamba.

So here’s to the men who bared it all for a cause, proving once again that when it comes to saving lives, South African guys have serious balls.