Red fishnet stockings, polka-dot suspenders, rainbow wigs and trucker caps - these were some of the accessories to the red "budgie smugglers" worn by over 650 men who ran along Johannesburg's streets on Friday to raise awareness for cancer.

"Men are way behind women when it comes to doing self-exams of their sexy bits," said Carl Nolte, spokesperson for founding sponsors and organisers of the event, Etana Insurance.

The four-kilometre daredevil run began at Etana House in Parktown and headed to the Johannesburg Zoo before the sweaty men of varying sizes, shapes, and body-hair density returned to the company's offices.