There is only one Gerda Steyn. (Photo: Pieter Cloete/Maroela Media)
The 2026 version of the Comrades came and went for Gerda Steyn – and it was a case of neither victory nor record for the excellent marathon athlete.
Now, with the 100th Comrades race beckoning, attention will soon shift to Project 2027 for Steyn.
“Everything from now until next year is going to revolve around that race. My big goal for 2027 is the Comrades,” she said.
But the building blocks for tomorrow’s success are being laid today and Steyn has shown that he can win uphill and downhill; regardless of whether the starting place is in Durban or in Pietermaritzburg.
“I said that I was going to run like it was my last race and that’s exactly what I did. But next year I’m here again; in fact, I can’t imagine my life without the Comrades.”
According to Steyn, she followed a similar race strategy as in 2024 – when she also won the up race – but with a few changes.
“I tried to run the stretch before the 80 km mark a little faster, so that I had more petrol left in my tank for the darts. However, I also took into account how I felt and how the other runners were performing.”
By this time, Steyn and the Comrades are like the Boks and the Webb Ellis trophy; one cannot speak of one without mentioning the other.
“As runners, we are performers on the Comrades stage and we can show the fans what we are capable of. It’s great to be able to do it in front of your home fans and it’s something I will always cherish.”
In a nutshell, she wants to inspire people to develop a love for jogging – and specifically the Comrades. That is precisely why she takes a moment after every victory to thank the fans.
She also congratulated Nobuhle Tshuma and Irvette van Zyl on their great podium performances.
“I am so proud of Irvette, after she finished fourth last year, while Nobuhle and I are in a special group – we were able to complete the up race in less than six hours.”
Steyn and Irvette van Zyl share in each other’s joy. (Photo: Pieter Cloete/Maroela Media)
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