Gerda Steyn Runs Into the History Books with Fourth Comrades Marathon Win

Gerda Steyn Runs Into the History Books with Fourth Comrades Marathon Win

Durban was electric on Sunday morning as thousands lined the streets to witness a moment of spectacular South African sporting history. Gerda Steyn, at 35 years old, became the first South African woman to win the Comrades Marathon four times, securing her third consecutive title in the process.

This wasn’t just a win. It was a masterclass in resilience, consistency, and quiet domination.

Breaking Records, and Then Some

Running the 89-kilometre “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, Steyn crossed the finish line at People’s Park in 5:51:19—cheered on by an ecstatic crowd and greeted by none other than Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya, who handed her a rose in celebration.

Not only did she break the tie with five former South African champions who each held three Comrades titles, but she also became the first athlete in the event’s long history to win the women’s race while representing three different clubs, Nedbank (2019), Phantane (2023 and 2024), and now, Hollywood Athletics Club.

In a sport where longevity and performance rarely go hand in hand, Gerda Steyn is proving to be the exception and cementing herself as one of the top women in sports in South Africa.

A Million-Rand Morning

Steyn walked away with more than medals and accolades. Her performance earned her a jaw-dropping prize purse of over R1 million: R874,000 for the win, R500,000 for her average pace, and another R220,000 for being the first South African woman across the line.

But it wasn’t a solo stroll to victory. Former champion Alexandra Morozova pushed hard and finished just minutes behind in 5:55:56, while Kenya’s Shelmith Muriuki made history of her own by becoming the first Kenyan woman to crack the top ten, finishing third in 6:07:56.

A Race Steeped in Emotion

Speaking after the race, Steyn was candid and emotional about crossing the finish line at the Comrades Marathon.

“This was a hard-fought and emotional win,” she shared. “To win Comrades for a third club, to show I’m still here and still hungry—it means the world to me.” There’s no bravado in her voice, just the steady confidence of someone who has put in the miles, literally and figuratively.

Since joining Hollywood Athletics Club, she says the support has felt more like family than pressure. “They never made me feel like I had to win. That freedom gave me space to run my best which makes all the difference,” she said.

Legacy in the Making

Beyond Sunday’s win, Steyn also pulled off something no other runner has done before: she completed the grueling Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon double in the same year for a third time. That’s not just rare—it’s unheard of.

The social media reaction was swift and full of admiration. “Queen of the Comrades!” trended on X just hours after her finish. Instagram lit up with photos of teary fans, tired legs, and tributes to a runner who has quietly redefined the standards of endurance sport in South Africa.

What’s Next?

Steyn hinted at a brief break before turning her focus to an upcoming marathon later in the year. If history is anything to go by, she’s not done yet.

Her Comrades’ victories are more than just race wins—they’re milestones in a career that continues to inspire. Whether you’re a Sunday jogger or a seasoned runner, it’s impossible not to be moved by Gerda Steyn’s journey.

{Source: Sabc Sport}

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