The Sandton-based trainer completed a gruelling 100km challenge at Alberton Rugby Club to help Easterns Touch Rugby players who cannot afford to tour.
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 May 2026) – There are not many people willing to spend 10 straight hours running in circles for other people, but for Lance Stevens, the challenge was always about something bigger than himself.
Earlier this month at Alberton Rugby Club, the Sandton-based Gold’s Gym trainer completed an extraordinary 100km charity run, covering a 5km loop 20 times to raise funds for Easterns Touch Rugby players who cannot afford to go on tour.
Despite the physical demands of the challenge, he laughs when speaking about what his body felt like afterwards.
“The body was completely broken. It took about seven or eight hours before I could actually fall asleep because your body is just trying to comprehend what it has gone through.”
He explained that while there was no serious joint pain, the exhaustion hit in waves.
“Your body knows you’ve just run something very far.”
The motivation behind the run comes from a deeply personal place. Lance, who grew up in a single-parent household, says the kindness of others helped shape both his sporting journey and the person he has become.
When he first entered the touch rugby world, he could not afford the first tour. Someone stepped in to help. He also credits the film Pay It Forward as something that left a lasting impression on him growing up.
Related Stories
Ladles of Love is Calling on South Africans to Rethink What it Means to Feed a Child
Table Mountain Venue Snags Another World-Class Win for South Africa!“It really shaped the way I look at giving back and showing up for others. I’ve always believed that the smallest act of kindness can completely change someone’s journey.”
And now, years later, he is still involved in the sport, now giving younger players the same opportunity he once received.
“For me, it’s a way to give back to people who can’t afford it so they can experience the same feeling I’ve had every single year being part of this community.”
And while running 100km may sound impossible to most people, Lance says the real battle happened mentally. By the time he reached the 70km mark, every lap became a conversation with himself.
“You fight a lot within your head,” he explained. “But it always came back to the same goal, there are people waiting for this and people cheering you on for something bigger than yourself.”
That sense of community is something Lance speaks about constantly. In fact, he revealed that every piece of clothing and gear he wore during the challenge had been gifted to him by people in his life over the years.
“Every piece was contributed by someone in my community. That speaks volumes.”
Now, even after completing the 100km challenge, Lance is not slowing down anytime soon. Between another upcoming race and refereeing internationally in France later this year, sport continues to be the thread connecting every chapter of his life.
“There’s one universal language. And that’s sport.”
by 
