South Africa's Gerda Steyn Eyes 7th Straight Marathon Win

When Gerda Steyn first ran the Two Oceans Marathon ten years ago, she finished 14th. This Saturday, she'll chase her seventh straight victory in one of the world's most beautiful ultramarathons.

The South African distance runner has dominated the 56km race since 2018, breaking the course record three times along the way. Her current record of 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 54 seconds stands as a testament to her continuous improvement.

But Steyn refuses to take anything for granted. "I don't think about the race as something that I have won six times, because every year is different," she said at a pre-race press conference. She treats each race like her first, pouring everything into preparation and finding new ways to improve.

The competition remains fierce. Her teammate Irvette van Zyl has placed second three times and knows the course well. Shelmith Muruiki from Kenya finished nine minutes behind Steyn last year and is hungry for the win.

Steyn trains at high altitude in Dullstroom, 2,000 meters above sea level, alongside emerging talent Omuhle Kubheka. For Steyn, the chance to inspire younger athletes has become just as meaningful as her own victories.

"I want to run well to show the emerging athletes that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals," she explained. Kubheka will make her Two Oceans debut this weekend, benefiting from training beside a champion.

The men's race features its own compelling storyline. Onalenna Khonkhobe won in 2024 but couldn't finish last year after cramps forced him out with just 6km remaining. He's determined to reclaim his title and correct last year's heartbreak.

Why This Inspires

About 14,000 runners will join the elite athletes on Saturday, with another 17,000 tackling the half marathon on Sunday. The race organizers increased prize money by R130,000 this year, bringing the winner's purse to R380,000 and showing growing support for the sport.

The spectacular course winds through Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, up Chapman's Peak, and through Constantia before finishing at the University of Cape Town. Runners often call it the most breathtaking marathon in the world.

Steyn's journey from 14th place finisher to six-time champion proves that persistence and dedication can turn ordinary starts into extraordinary careers. This weekend, she'll show that staying hungry and humble keeps champions at the top.