Irvette Van Zyl shares her plans for 2026 season

The Hollywood Athletics Club star was hoping to secure a record-extending fifth title but had to settle for fourth in 2:37:35. 

Her remarkable record in six Soweto Marathon appearances now stands at four victories, a third-place finish, and one fourth place — narrowly missing the podium just once.

With the “People’s Race” behind her, the 38-year-old is already plotting her next steps. 

She plans to return to both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon next year, with the possibility of adding an international marathon to her schedule.

Van Zyl says her renewed confidence comes from finally enjoying uninterrupted training after years of battling injuries.

“I am happy that I am healthy and have been running for a full year without injuries,” she said. 

“If I can stay consistent — something I’ve struggled with for the past seven years — I’m excited to see what the hard work will produce next year.”

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After making her Comrades debut this year with a fourth-place finish in the down run, Van Zyl made it clear she has no intention of returning to that brutal format.

“I don’t know why I did the down run — I’ll never do it again,” she laughed. 

“Luckily, next year is the uprun. I’ll only do Comrades every second year because I hate the down run. It’s just too hard," 

Balancing elite sport and parenting remains a challenge, but she credits her husband — legendary former 400m hurdler LJ Van Zyl — for his unwavering support.

“He was with me at Comrades giving me water and cheering me on. Balancing family and running is tough, but LJ’s support is key,” she said.

Van Zyl also plans to sharpen her speed on the road by entering a few 10km races as she builds toward what she believes will be a memorable season.

“Let’s see what next year brings, but I’m super excited for another injury-free year,” she added.