Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom
Johannesburg — 31 October 2025
In a sea of purple speedos, courage took centre stage. Under the golden morning sun at Zoo Lake, thousands of men — young and old, CEOs and students, fitness buffs and first-timers — laced up their sneakers, dropped their shorts, and ran for something far greater than themselves: the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.
This year’s Hollard Daredevil Run, held on Friday, 31 October 2025, once again transformed Johannesburg’s green heart into a festival of fun, fitness, and fearless advocacy — a vivid reminder that awareness saves lives.
More Than a Run — It’s a Movement
What began more than a decade ago as a quirky awareness campaign has grown into one of South Africa’s most impactful male health movements. The Hollard Daredevil Run calls on men to confront the taboos that often silence conversations about cancer, encouraging early detection through regular check-ups and open dialogue.
“This run is about bravery — not just in putting on a purple speedo, but in facing the realities of men’s health head-on,” said Heidi Brauer, Hollard’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Every runner out here today represents a life that could be saved through awareness and action.”
Across the lawns of Zoo Lake, laughter mingled with nervous energy as participants warmed up to the sounds of local DJs and MCs urging the crowd to “run cancer out of town.” Behind the humour, however, lay a powerful message — that silence and stigma can be deadlier than the disease itself.
A City Turns Purple
The 2025 edition brought Johannesburg to a colourful standstill, with purple banners, balloons, and flags marking the 5km route. Even traffic officers couldn’t resist smiling at the sight of hundreds of men jogging past in matching swimwear, their confidence matched only by their cause.
Many runners took part in honour of fathers, brothers, or friends who have battled cancer. Others were survivors themselves.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 47,” shared Sipho Dlamini, a participant on his second Daredevil Run. “I’m here today because I went for screening early. This run isn’t just about fun — it’s about reminding every man to take his health seriously.”
The Numbers Behind the Run
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), 1 in 9 South African men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 15 to 35. Despite these alarming statistics, many cases are detected too late — a reality Hollard aims to change through advocacy and access.
Funds raised from the event go directly towards screening initiatives, awareness campaigns, and mobile health testing units, which provide free check-ups in communities nationwide.
“This isn’t a one-day event,” said Hollard Group CEO, Willie Lategan. “It’s part of a long-term commitment to keeping South African men alive, healthy, and informed. Every runner here today helps spread that message further.”
Unity, Humour, and Hope
From corporate teams representing major brands to neighbourhood running clubs and solo daredevils, the day was a celebration of unity and humour with purpose. Men of all backgrounds — some in superhero capes, others in wigs or body paint — embraced the moment with pride and joy.
Spectators cheered from the sidelines, families waved handmade posters, and a few brave supporters even joined in spontaneously, adding to the carnival atmosphere.
The closing moment saw the crowd gather for a collective salute — fists raised, voices unified — before the traditional dunk in Zoo Lake’s waters. Laughter echoed across the park, but beneath it lay a shared understanding: these men had run for life, for love, and for one another.
Changing the Narrative of Men’s Health
The Hollard Daredevil Run continues to challenge the outdated narrative that men should “tough it out” in silence. By turning vulnerability into victory — one purple speedo at a time — it has redefined what strength looks like in South Africa.
As one runner’s shirt read: “Real men talk. Real men test. Real men run purple.”
The 2025 edition may be over, but the message it carried remains urgent and universal: early detection saves lives, and courage begins with a conversation.
So, when you see a flash of purple next October, remember — it’s not just about a run. It’s a revolution in men’s health, one stride at a time.