CONFIRMED: Gerda Steyn set for Soweto Marathon debut

Hollywood Athletics elite manager Manfred Seidler confirmed to SABC Sport that the Purple Team has entered the four-time Comrades Marathon champion and six-time Two Oceans Marathon winner for the event scheduled for 29 November.

“She is preparing for the marathon later this month, and I can confirm that she is coming to Soweto for the first time. Her entry is confirmed, and we are excited,” said Seidler.

Steyn has been in superb form this year, winning both the Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades Marathon, and was the overwhelming favourite for the Cape Town Marathon last month, before the race was called off hours before the start over severe weather.

Seidler said the cancellation was a major blow as Steyn looked to become the first athlete to win all three major South African races in a single calendar year.

“She was fired up and ready. We were targeting first positions in both the men’s and women’s races with Stephen Mokoka and Gerda," he added.

"When Stephen’s wife, Zintle, told me the race was cancelled, I couldn’t believe it. The athletes were devastated, but we understand the decision was made for their safety."

Steyn will now go head-to-head with her own teammate Irvette Van Zyl, who remains the most successful athlete in Soweto Marathon history with four titles.

The Hollywood Athletics manager added that the club is targeting a podium sweep in the women’s race, with defending champion Neheng Khatala, Van Zyl, and Steyn leading the charge for the Purple Team.

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