Alberton residents recently witnessed more than just a long-distance run on May 3; they saw a story of perseverance, purpose and community spirit unfold step by step.

Local athlete Lance Stevens completed a gruelling 100km run in support of Easterns Touch Association, raising funds to assist players, referees and teams who cannot afford to participate in the sport.

For Stevens, the challenge was deeply personal.

“I couldn’t afford my first tour,” he shared. “My twin brother and I were sponsored by the president of our association at the time. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to give back.”

@albertonrecordAlberton residents recently witnessed more than just a long-distance run on May 3; they saw a story of perseverance, purpose and community spirit unfold step by step. Local athlete Lance Stevens completed a gruelling 100km run in support of Easterns Touch Association, raising funds to assist players, referees and teams who cannot afford to participate in the sport. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ I Run – HAVEN.

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,” he explained. “This is my commitment to making sure I can give back to those who can’t.”

Starting at the Alberton Rugby Club, running a 5km loop, the run itself was far from easy.

“It was never just about completing a distance,” Stevens said. “As the hours passed, it became something far more honest. There were moments where everything in me was looking for a way out.”

As fatigue set in, the challenge shifted from physical to deeply mental and emotional.

“My legs were heavy, my body was breaking down, and my mind kept offering reasons to stop,” he said. “But something deeper kept me there, a quiet reminder of why I started.”

Stevens described moments during the run where he felt overwhelmed and emotional, even turning to faith for strength.

“There were points where I broke,” he admitted. “But in those moments, I found strength in something greater and realised I didn’t have to carry everything on my own.”

Support from the community played a crucial role in helping him push through. “The messages, the people who showed up. I genuinely felt carried by that,” he said. “It reminded me this was never just about me. It was about something bigger.”

Funds raised through the initiative will go towards the Easterns’ fundraising initiative, helping ensure more players have access to opportunities in sports.

“For Easterns Touch, this allows us to assist those in need and change lives, just like mine was changed,” Stevens added. By the end of the day, Stevens crossed the finish line not just with tired legs but with a renewed sense of purpose.

“It gave me perspective, connection and a reminder that real growth comes when you choose to stay, even when it’s hard,” he said.

For Alberton residents, his journey stands as a powerful example of how one person’s determination can uplift an entire community.

Should you want to support the Easterns’ fundraising initiative, donations can be made directly to the Easterns Touch Association, and those interested in supporting can also reach out via email at chairman@easternstouch.co.za

*The article has been amended since it was first published to correct the name of the Easterns’ fundraising initiative.