Watch: Alberton athlete’s 100km run for community support

Alberton residents witnessed more than just a long-distance run on Sunday (May 3); they saw a story of perseverance, purpose and community spirit unfold step by step. Alberton Recordreportsthat local athlete Lance Stevens completed a gruelling 100km run in support of Easterns Touch Association, raising money to assist players, referees and teams who cannot afford to participate in the sport. Having been part of the Easterns Touch community for 17 years, Stevens has grown from a player into a coach and referee, dedicating most of his years to the sport.

He says the reality of ‘pay-to-play’ has always weighed on him. “I’ve seen players and teams miss out on opportunities. This is my commitment to making sure I can give back to those who can’t,” he explained.

Starting at the Alberton Rugby Club and running a 5km loop, the challenge was far from easy. “It was never just about completing a distance. As the hours passed, it became something far more honest.

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There were moments where everything in me was looking for a way out,” Stevens said. As fatigue set in, the challenge shifted from physical strain to a deeply mental and emotional battle. “My legs were heavy, my body was breaking down, and my mind kept offering reasons to stop.

But something deeper kept me there, a quiet reminder of why I started,” he said. Stevens described moments during the run where he felt overwhelmed and emotional, even turning to faith for strength.

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