Gerda Steyn: South Africa’s road running star
Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s leading road running star and multiple Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon champion, is training for a major race, likely the Cape Town Marathon as the year winds down.Picture: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
If there’s one name that is synonymous with SA road running at the moment, it has to be Gerda Steyn.
The 35-year-old is at the peak of her powers and is the undisputed Queen of SA road running, and has been for some time.
The four-time Comrades Marathon and six-time Two Oceans Marathon champion is always the favourite when she lines up in a race in South Africa when it’s 42km and above.
The Smiling Assassin also competes strongly for South Africa when she competes abroad, having also held the SA record in the marathon until recently when Glenrose Xaba set the new mark in October 2024.
Steyn’s Phenomenal Speed and Endurance: From 5km to 90km Success
Still, the fact that Steyn can compete with the best runners in the country in any distance from 5km to 90km is nothing short of phenomenal.
It’s also the reason why she’s been so successful; Steyn has the speed to go with that endurance. That’s why Steyn has been so prolific since she burst onto the scene with her first Two Oceans title in 2018.
Steyn’s New Training Block: Is She Targeting the Cape Town Marathon?
Now, it seems like Steyn will be running one more ‘big one’ this year, as she has begun a new training block.
While Steyn is keeping which race she is targeting under wraps, it seems like she will be racing in South Africa judging by her recent post and use of the SA flag emojis on Facebook.
Considering the timing, Steyn will likely be gunning for a top finish at the Cape Town Marathon on October 19.
“The second half of the year usually means 42.2km training which I have always really loved and this year is looking to be extra good!
“Can you guess which marathon I’m running this year…?
“I have just started my training with some good workouts and a few warm-up races too! Next up is a 5km (send help please!) and then back to training we go."