Gerda Steyn - I can’t imagine my life without the Comrades

Steyn once again produced a remarkable performance on Sunday, breaking her own Up Run record with a winning time of 5:44:53 in the 85km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. She improved on the previous mark of 5:49:46, which she set in 2024.

The 36-year-old not only secured another Comrades title but also walked away with prize money and bonuses worth close to R2 million, including rewards for winning the race, setting a course record, being the first South African home, and achieving the average pace incentive.

Steyn admitted that she has become addicted to the iconic race and believes Comrades will always be part of her life. Nobokhosi Tshuma secured second in 5:53:36, while Irvette van Zyl took third place in 6:06:38. 

"It's an honour for me to sit here again today, and to come away with a new course record is something I've been working for and dreaming about since last year's race. To have it all come together today is nothing but an honour and as you all know I have a very long list of people I have to thank for this."

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The seven-time Two Oceans Marathon champion was overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line and celebrated more passionately than ever before.

Steyn told SABC Sport that the victory was particularly special, which is why she allowed herself to fully embrace the moment and show her emotions.

"My celebration or excitement after the race came from the fact that I didn't feel too spent in the last 8km of the race. At 80 km I was feeling comfortable and I knew I was running a record pace and so I was able to really take in the moment."

Steyn also completed another memorable double by winning both the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon in the same year for the fourth time in her career.

Representing Hollywood Athletics Club, she has now claimed back-to-back Up Run and Down Run victories, further cementing her place among the greatest ultra-marathon runners in South African history.