After overcoming cancer, Gqeberha resident Xylon van Eyck has embraced a new outlook on life, choosing not to take his health for granted. Now, he encourages others to do the same by staying active and participating in events like the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, that is set to take place in the ‘Friendly City’ on Sunday, 13 April 2025.
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.
"I was 26 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and it was a total shock to the system," admits Van Eyck. "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—initially looking for an ulcer in my stomach—that they discovered multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Shortly after, I received the diagnosis.
I don’t 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—one where I strive never to take my health for granted."
"I’ve 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’t fully recovered. I felt it in my legs, but the personal best (PB) time was worth it! It’s such a fantastic event. We’re 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."
In closing, Van Eyck adds: "I once heard someone say that sport is the million-dollar drug doctors often don’t prescribe. I’d definitely recommend this event to all runners and walkers—not 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."
“Xylon’s journey is nothing short of inspirational,” says Leillani Geduld, National Corporate Relations & Sporting Events Manager at CANSA. “He doesn’t let anything hold him back—staying active, and continuously pushing his limits. Whether it’s 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.”
2025 marks CANSA’s second year as the official charity of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES.
“The 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,” continures Geduld. “A 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.
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.
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 — a true celebration of a partnership we deeply value with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, its sponsors, and all supporting partners.”
"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. "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."
How to support CANSA: Runners and walkers participating in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K can support CANSA by donating during online registration or starting their own fundraising project via the following link: https://www.givengain.com/event/absa-run-your-city-series-2025
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com
About Absa
Absa Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance. Absa operates in fourteen countries. The Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. Absa also has representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, and securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States. For further information about Absa Group Limited, please visit www.absa.africa
About the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES
A proudly South African mass participation road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES has been revolutionizing the sport since 2015. A road running celebration like no other, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES comprises five unique events namely the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K (launched in 2023), Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (launched in 2015), the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K (launched in 2017), Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K (launched in 2023) and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K (launched in 2016). A diverse road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES integrates businesses, families, investment in community, world class achievement and fun for all participants. For further information please visit https://runyourcityseries.com/
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