On the road of life, some runners are forced to confront mountains rather than mere miles. For Rodney Reynders of Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal, the starting gun of his toughest race fired in August 2022—not with the blast of a whistle, but with the chilling diagnosis of Stage 4 kidney cancer.
Yet nearly three years later, Reynders is not only alive—he is running, smiling, and lacing up his shoes for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, 13 July 2025, a victory lap that defies every grim prediction made for him.
“Thankfully, my treatment is going well—especially considering I was given just 7 to 15 months to live. That was 2 years and 7 months ago,” says a grateful and upbeat Reynders.
At the time of diagnosis, Reynders’ outlook was more storm than sunrise. The tumour in his kidney had ballooned to 81mm, and 24 cancerous spots dotted his lungs like mile markers on a treacherous trail—one of them a daunting 11mm mass. But then came the turn in the course: a place in a clinical trial for immunotherapy. From September 2022 onward, step by grueling step, his body began to fight back.
Today, his lungs are miraculously clear, and the kidney tumour has shrunk to 45mm—less than the length of a gel energy sachet.
In an age where inspiration often wears hashtags and filters, Reynders’ journey stands out for its raw, unfiltered courage. His recovery wasn’t just a medical miracle—it was a testament to mindset, motion, and the power of community.
“My advice to anyone facing a similar journey is to have faith, stay positive, keep moving if you can, and lean on the support of family and friends,” he says.
To Reynders, running became more than a sport—it became a symbol of survival. Each stride he takes on Durban’s sun-drenched streets is a rebuttal to cancer, a protest march in motion.
He made his debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2024, and the memory is still fresh in his step.
“It’s a brilliant event and an unforgettable experience,” he beams. “Running through the streets of Durban, which were so clean and vibrant—hats off to the organisers!”
For him, the event is not just a run; it’s a ribbon of rebirth.
“Exercise is not only beneficial for the body but also for the mind,” he says. “It has played a key role in helping me fight this disease. A cancer diagnosis is life-altering, but with the right treatment, a strong mindset, faith, and the support of loved ones, you can keep moving forward. And if you’re able to, exercise—it truly helps in more ways than you can imagine.”
Running has long been a metaphor for endurance, and for Reynders, it has become his anthem. His heartbeat keeps time with the pavement, his breath is the rhythm of resilience, and every finish line is a finish strong.
Rodney Reynders by Action Photo
The upcoming race, set to start at 08:00 from Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finish at the iconic Durban Beachfront, will see thousands pound the pavement. But few stories among them will run as deep or as far as Reynders’.
“Rodney is a true inspiration, and we’re honoured to welcome him back to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2025,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “His strength, positivity, and passion for life perfectly reflect the spirit of this event. It’s stories like his that remind us what running is really all about—resilience, community, and celebrating every step of the journey.”
This event is more than a race; it’s a rally for life. With entertainment points, lively sponsor activations, and the golden backdrop of Durban’s coastline, the 10K is a celebration of energy, unity, and cause. Through its official partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), the RUN YOUR CITY SERIES gives every participant the chance to contribute meaningfully—each stride echoing in solidarity with survivors and those still fighting.
And so, as July 13 approaches, Rodney Reynders isn’t just training his legs—he’s preparing his soul for another shot at victory. Because sometimes, the greatest finish lines are not found on city streets, but in the choice to keep running when life tries to pull you to a stop.
After all, Rodney Reynders isn’t just running for himself—he’s running for hope, for healing, and for everyone who’s ever faced a race they didn’t choose.
Join the race. Share the journey. Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
For entries, details, and ways to support CANSA, visit: www.runyourcityseries.com
Event date: Sunday, 13 July 2025
Start time: 08:00
Start: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue
Finish: Durban Beachfront (Golden Mile)
