Gerda Steyn taking time off in UK, but still more to come from the Smiling Assassin in 2025
TAKING TIME OFF Gerda Steyn, after a successful season winning the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons, is enjoying a summer break in the UK but is set to compete in a major race later this year, likely aiming to reclaim her South African women’s marathon record at the Valencia Marathon. Picture: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Following another incredible season of road running in South Africa in which Gerda Steyn won both the Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades Marathon titles, the Smiling Assassin is finally taking some well-deserved time off.
Currently spending time in what should be the warmer climbs of the UK in summer, Steyn is still coming down from the high of winning her fourth Comrades Marathon title on June 8.
It was also her third consecutive title at ‘The Ultimate Human Race’.
Though Steyn was enjoying the warmer weather abroad, she hinted on Facebook she would still be running another major race before the year is out.
Steyn Enjoys Warm Weather Abroad, Hints at Upcoming Major Race
“I am so pleased that the UK is experiencing a heatwave… #onelayeronly
“We’re looking forward to being back again soon for the Durban July, some @adidasza fun and more family time too. It won’t be long before the training starts again.
“We have got loads planned for the rest of the year, so while my mind is dreaming about running up a mountain, the body is happily recovering for now!!”
Steyn Aims to Reclaim SA Women’s Marathon Record at Valencia
Steyn lost her SA women’s marathon record to Glenrose Xaba last year, and would likely be determined to get that accolade back. Xaba’s time of 2:22:22 bettered Steyn’s previous record of 2:24:03 considerably.
Looking at the schedule, Steyn could do any one of the Chicago (October 12), Valencia (December 7) or Cape Town (October 19) marathons.
In addition to her ultra marathon exploits which include six Two Oceans titles, Steyn has four top-10s in significant marathon races. Back in 2021, Steyn won the Xiamen Tuscany Camp Elite Marathon, and also finished seventh at the London Marathon in 2020.
Steyn has also run the Valencia Marathon twice (2023, 2024), with her national record coming at the event two years ago. It’s therefore most likely that Valencia will be where the star SA runner will compete next.