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This iconic event proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as its official charity, giving participants the chance to make a meaningful impact by donating online or running to raise funds and awareness for the cause.<\/p>\n
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“I was 26 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and it was a total shock to the system,” admits Van<\/em><\/strong> Eyck<\/em><\/strong>. “Looking back, I kept getting sick every month with flu, bronchitis, and other illnesses, but I never connected the dots. It was only when my GP sent me for an ultrasound\u2014initially looking for an ulcer in my stomach\u2014that they discovered multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Shortly after, I received the diagnosis.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t want to be quick to offer advice because I believe traumas like cancer are deeply personal, even though the disease is so common. All I can do is share my experience and say that coming out on the other side has given me a profound appreciation for life\u2014one where I strive never to take my health for granted.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “I\u2019ve been fortunate to participate in the first two Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K races,” continues Van Eyck. “One of them was shortly after completing Ironman South Africa, and I wasn\u2019t fully recovered. I felt it in my legs, but the personal best (PB) time was worth it! It\u2019s such a fantastic event. We\u2019re lucky to have a wealth of running events in the city, and this is definitely one of the biggest. From the start, it set itself apart. The coastal scenery is breathtaking, and the flat course makes it an ideal race for anyone chasing a PB.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In closing, Van Eyck adds: “I once heard someone say that sport is the million-dollar drug doctors often don\u2019t prescribe. I\u2019d definitely recommend this event to all runners and walkers\u2014not only is it a lot of fun and great for your health, but it also supports an incredible cause, CANSA. Having gone through cancer myself, I know firsthand how invaluable it is to have an organization like CANSA in your corner, offering guidance, support, and peace of mind.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cXylon\u2019s journey is nothing short of inspirational,\u201d says Leillani Geduld, National Corporate Relations & Sporting Events Manager at CANSA<\/em><\/strong>. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t let anything hold him back\u2014staying active, and continuously pushing his limits. Whether it\u2019s taking on Ironman South Africa or racing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, Xylon demonstrates that a positive mindset is one of the most powerful tools for overcoming challenges. His story is a reminder to never take health for granted and to keep moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2025 marks CANSA\u2019s second year as the official charity of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.<\/p>\n \u201cThe warm welcome that we received from Stillwater Sports, Absa, PUMA, Chery, and other official partners across all cities in 2024 made us feel truly special,\u201d continures Geduld. \u201cA key aspect of our mission is public education. We offer free cancer screenings at Race Pack Collection while providing valuable information on our support services for cancer patients and their families. Regular physical activity like participating in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, combined with routine cancer screenings, is crucial for cancer risk reduction and survival.<\/p>\n 2025 is a milestone year for CANSA as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our CANSA Active brand, which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle to lower cancer risk.<\/p>\n This year we are excited to intensify our education and awareness campaigns during race pack collection days. We also invite runners to join as CANSA Active Champions and raise additional funds through an online platform called GivenGain. This year will be bigger and better \u2014 a true celebration of a partnership we deeply value with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, its sponsors, and all supporting partners.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “We are proud to have CANSA as the official charity partner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. <\/em><\/strong>“CANSA’s invaluable work in cancer research, education, and patient support makes a profound impact on countless lives. We encourage all participants to show their support by making a donation or using the event as a platform to raise awareness and funds for this vital cause.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a>