At the same event, the 2026 campaign was officially launched and South African men will be called upon to do it again this year, says Hollard.

Seventeen years in and the Hollard Daredevil Run says it shows no signs stopping. Under this year's tagline, "Lekker Balls; Lekker Life", the 2026 cheque handover and campaign launch took place at Hollard Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg, adds Hollard.

The R1.2-million raised in the 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run was formally handed over to CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to fund awareness campaigns, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening and patient support.

"The Hollard Daredevil Run is an unforgettable experience that raises awareness in a fun, engaging manner and sparks dialogue about men's health in a non-threatening way," says Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard.

"In 2024, we raised R1-million, 100% of which went directly to supporting prostate and testicular cancer awareness programmes. We are incredibly grateful to every Daredevil who dared to run in a purple speedo," adds Chimhandamba. "It takes a special kind of bravery to turn heads for something that truly matters. Because behind all the laughs is a very serious mission: getting more men to check in on their health and each other."

Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. South Africa's mortality rate due to prostate cancer is particularly high, largely due to underscreening, sociocultural stigmas and lack of health education, says Hollard.

Testicular cancer, while less widespread, is most common in young men aged 15 to 49, affecting approximately one in every 250 males. When caught early, it is highly treatable. A two-minute self-examination can detect lumps, swelling, or changes early. A simple Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for men over 40 can detect elevated protein levels before a single symptom appears, says Hollard.

"The Hollard Daredevil donation is the largest single donation the PCF receives each year," says Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. "The funds help PCF distribute accurate, multilingual educational material and keep free PSA screening programmes running nationwide."

He says that the run has also contributed to the development of South Africa's first comprehensive prostate cancer registry, launching in 2026, which will track incidence, treatment and outcomes. The campaign further funds PCF's helpline and aims to support networks for men and families navigating a diagnosis, says Hollard.

"The Hollard Daredevil Run has become far more than a fundraising event — it's helped build a national movement that encourages men to speak openly about their health and seek help sooner," says Lorraine Govender, National Manager: Health Programmes of CANSA.

"We are incredibly grateful to Hollard and every participant whose courage and commitment enable CANSA to continue providing awareness, early detection, screening and support services to men across South Africa," Govender adds.

The event returns to Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 15:00 with participants elsewhere able to register and run in their own neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools or universities anywhere in the country, says Hollard.

Registrations for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run open from Wednesday, 1 July and tickets will be available from Ticketpro at R200, which includes the courier of a registration pack and a complimentary purple speedo, concludes Hollard.

For more information, visit www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun. You can also follow the Hollard Daredevil Run on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor