Central SA
300 Free Staters to run in purple Speedos for men’s health─── ZENANDE MPAME 10:35 Thu, 30 Oct 2025
It’s that time of year again when purple takes over the streets of South Africa as men strip down to their iconic purple Speedos for a cause that saves lives.
The Hollard Daredevil Run, now in its 16th year, continues to spark important conversations about male cancers while raising funds to support awareness and screening initiatives through Cansa and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.
This year’s run is set for Friday (31/10), and thousands of participants are gearing up to make their ballsiest move yet in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer. No fewer than 300 Free Staters are expected to turn up for the run.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow out of control, says Busamed. Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause issues like frequent urination, blood in the urine, and pain in the back or hips.
Testicular cancer develops from cells in the testicles. It usually presents as a painless hard mass within the scrotum, in the testicles, mostly on only one side, and uncommonly on both sides.
“The beauty of the Daredevil Run is that it combines entertainment, a little bit of a dare, plus the educational element for men,” said Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Andrew Oberholzer. “It provides us with an amazing platform to talk about prostate and testicular cancer.
“If we just approach men with health messaging, they often turn off, but when it’s entertaining and fun, they tend to listen. Challenging men to get out of their comfort zone is an analogy for the challenge of going for prostate cancer screening.
Last year's Daredevil Run at Naval Hill. Photo: Facebook/Daredevil Run
“Fortunately, screening is now just a simple blood test and no longer requires a digital rectal examination. Funds raised from this event enable us to do extensive education campaigns and make prostate screening available in underprivileged communities.”
Most men in South Africa only present when they have advanced prostate cancer. Early detection is key; if diagnosed early, 98% of men survive beyond five years, he said.
Free State runners can join events at Preller Square, Naval Hill, Hoërskool Fichardtpark, and Fleurdal Mall in Bloemfontein, at the Sandrivier Park in Virginia, and at the Bethlehem Marathon Club House in Bethlehem.
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