Irvette Van Zyl sets sights on record-extending fifth Soweto Marathon title

The 37-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club star finished the 89km down run in 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 35 seconds, earning a commendable fourth place finish last Sunday.

In an interview with SABC Sport, the four-time Olympian shared that she plans to take a short break before gearing up for the People’s Race, scheduled for the first weekend of November in Nasrec. 

"I’m taking time off to rest and build up strength for the Soweto Marathon, which is my favourite race," she told SABC Sport. 

"I’m praying to be fully fit and in top form like I was in my first Comrades. Soweto is my race, every time I line up there, I aim to win. If I can stay injury-free, I believe I have a strong shot at claiming a fifth title.”

Wife of nine-time South African 400m hurdles champion LJ van Zyl, she completed her first Olympic marathon in Paris last year after injury setbacks forced her to miss the previous three editions.

That milestone boosted her confidence and helped her conquer her maiden Comrades Marathon, she says.

“My husband and boys have been incredibly supportive, and everything I do is for them. I’ve developed a new sense of belief in myself. 

"I work hard and don’t stress about injuries as much anymore. Once the details for the Soweto Marathon are announced, I’ll begin my training program. The goal is to finish the year on a high by winning Soweto," she concluded.

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