Irvette van Zyl Eyes Tshwane 10km Comeback as Soweto Marathon Dream Builds

Last year, Irvette van Zyl had to watch the Tshwane 10km from the VIP area while her husband, LJ, raced through the streets of the capital. Now, the four-time Soweto Marathon champion is ready to make her comeback where she left off.

From heartbreak to hunger

In 2023, Van Zyl was sidelined just two days before the Tshwane race with a torn hamstring. The injury came shortly after the Olympics, forcing her to make a tough call.

“Watching from the sidelines while LJ competed was honestly one of the hardest things. I was itching to run,” she admitted.

But August 2025 is a different story. The 38-year-old long-distance powerhouse is back on her feet, hungry for redemption, and ready to take on the notoriously tough Tshwane hills on 24 August.

Tshwane to Soweto: The road to gold

Van Zyl’s current racing calendar is focused and purposeful. She’s using the upcoming Tshwane 10km as well as the Hollywood Athletics Club 10km in Durban (just days later on 30 August) to fine-tune her form ahead of her ultimate goal: a record-breaking fifth Soweto Marathon title.

“The dream is to win Soweto again. That’s the big one for me,” she said. “But these 10 km races are perfect for sharpening up. I’ve been training on hilly routes all year; they suit me and keep me race-ready.”

Tough terrain doesn’t scare Van Zyl. In fact, she embraces it. Having tackled both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons earlier this year, the veteran athlete is no stranger to gritty racing.

Tshwane: A race close to home

Beyond the fitness benefits, Tshwane holds emotional value. As a Pretoria native, Van Zyl says there’s nothing quite like the home crowd.

“Tshwane always delivers. The weather, the energy, the thousands of runners: it’s a proper community event,” she said.

With the hills set, the stakes high, and her form steadily building, Van Zyl is hoping for a top-three finish at the Tshwane 10km and to carry that momentum straight into marathon glory later this year.

Whether she returns to the Soweto podium or not, one thing’s clear: Irvette van Zyl is racing with heart, grit, and unfinished business.

Also read: MTN8 Semi-Final Showdown: Orlando Pirates Set to Host Mamelodi Sundowns in Blockbuster August Clash

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: SABC Sport

Featured Image: SABC Sport