The spirit of community, fitness and generosity came together when the East London Athletic Club (Elac) handed over R30,000 raised from this year’s Day Hospital Laser 10km road race to the facility on Friday.
The generous donation marks another milestone in a partnership that has grown stronger over the years, with the race now in its 11th edition.
This year’s race once again drew a strong turnout from the running community.
A total of 982 athletes competed in the 10km race, while 366 runners took part in the 5km event, representing a 20% increase in participation compared to the previous year.
Leading the pack in the 10km race was Luyolo Ngcongolo, who successfully defended his title and crossed the finish line in an impressive 31 min 35 sec, securing back-to-back victories.
For club chairperson Tamas Salamon, the race represents far more than just a competition.
It is an opportunity to bring the community together while supporting a vital local health facility.
“We are extremely grateful for the Day Hospital’s continued support of the race.
“This partnership allows the event to grow while helping us keep entry costs down, making the race more accessible to the broader community,” said Salamon.
The relationship between the club and the hospital has deep roots.
Salamon said previous committee members, including long-serving former chairperson Graham Reynolds, who led the club for 25 years before recently stepping down, helped build a strong connection with the founders of the Eye Hospital.
Through these relationships, a mutually beneficial partnership was formed.
Beyond financial support, the collaboration also provides direct health benefits to runners.
Staff from the hospital offer free eye screenings to athletes during the race event.
Over the years, this initiative has helped several participants detect eye problems early and seek further treatment.
“Elac is a non-profit organisation, and for a number of years we have been donating a significant portion of the net profit from the race to the hospital,” Salamon said. “That aligns with our goal of contributing positively to the community we are part of.”
While the Laser Race has become a highlight on the local running calendar, Salamon emphasised that the club’s mission went beyond hosting competitive events.
“It is important for the club to encourage people in the community to get active and improve their health.
“We try to keep our membership fees low so more people can join, and experienced members often offer free advice to help both new and seasoned athletes improve their running.” He said sports organisations also had a broader responsibility to support community wellbeing.
“We are part of the community, and every organisation has its own way of reaching people,” he said.
“Sports clubs are well positioned to see the positive outcomes of active lifestyles, and we can share those experiences to encourage healthier choices.”
He said this role had become even more important as lifestyle-related health issues continued to rise.
“This is especially important during the health crisis we are seeing, where poor choices are leading to unhealthy outcomes,” Salamon said.
The African Eye Foundation at the Day Hospital expressed deep gratitude to the club for its generous support.
“Community partnerships such as the one with Elac play a vital role in bridging gaps in the healthcare system.
“By mobilising local support, these initiatives help ensure that patients receive treatment while also strengthening the broader healthcare ecosystem,” said Dr Stephen Cook, co-founder of the African Eye Foundation.
Cook said the impact of such donations went far beyond the operating theatre.
“Restoring sight allows individuals to return to work, regain independence, and enables them to function fully in family and community life.
“Through partnerships like these, the Foundation continues its mission of ensuring that quality eye care remains accessible to the communities who need it most.
“Beyond patient care, the foundation plays a vital role in strengthening the future of ophthalmology in the region.
“Registrars and medical officers benefit from exposure to international best-practice techniques and advanced surgical technology, helping to raise the overall standard of eye care in the Eastern Cape for years to come,” said Cook.
Looking ahead, Salamon said the running club hoped to build on the success of this year’s event.
“Your participation is most appreciated, and we encourage those who were on the sidelines to join us next year,” he said.
“I know of cases where the Laser Race has started the health journey of individuals.”
