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After enjoying a short break from competition, South Africa’s most decorated long-distance runner Gerda Steyn has outlined her plans for the upcoming season in an interview with SABC Sport.
Steyn will kick off her 2026 campaign at the Pirates Half-Marathon in Northcliff, Johannesburg, on Sunday morning.
She opened her season in similar fashion last year by winning Joburg’s toughest half-marathon before going on to claim a sixth title at the Two Oceans Marathon and a fourth victory at the Comrades Marathon.
Having spent the festive season abroad, Steyn spoke to the national broadcaster at the Hollywood Athletics awards in Randburg on Saturday, confirming that her main targets for the year remain the Two Oceans in April and the Comrades in June.
She also revealed that she will not line up for the Cape Town Marathon in May due to its close proximity to her primary goals.
“It’s great to be back and I am all set for the new season starting tomorrow with the Pirates Half-Marathon. My main races are the Two Oceans and the Comrades Marathon. I have never won the Cape Town Marathon, but this year it’s too close to the Comrades and for that reason I won’t be able to run it.
“The goal is to defend my Two Oceans and Comrades titles and take it from there,” said Steyn, affectionately known as the “Smiling Assassin.”
The two-time Olympian also hinted at an international race later in the year but preferred to keep details under wraps for now.
“I am cooking something and at this stage I will not mention it. But it’s a big race and a wonderful surprise. I just need to finish the cooking. I am excited about this year, and I want to give it my all,” she added.
Steyn was honoured by her club, Hollywood Athletics, at the awards gala – a year after joining the team.
It’s amazing to run for this club and I will do some smaller races to boost my speed. The plan is to keep doing what I have been doing all these years and not make too many changes to my programme. I feel excited and can’t wait to get back on the road,” said Steyn
