Gerda Steyn is already a Comrades legend. (Photo: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP)
“Just” 85,777 km stand between Gerda Steyn and another Comrades title. But, warns South Africa’s marathon heroine, you cannot afford to underestimate this ultra.
Even when you boast records and are a four-time champion.
“It is very important to have respect for the Comrades. It has been proven year after year that it is a very tough challenge; something that requires months of preparation to be ready for,” she told Maroela Media.
The up race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is also a unique story: The bumps never stop.
“The uphills start early and you climb and you climb. When you get to the halfway mark, it gets a little less, but there are still a few tight bumps waiting for you. Just before the finish line, you still have to face Polly Shortts.”
Yes-no, respect for South Africa’s iconic ultramarathon is indeed important.
Gerda Steyn is South Africa’s marathon darling. (Photo: Pieter Cloete/Maroela Media)
Before all the smiling winning ribbon breaking sessions and the boasting times, Steyn was also just an ordinary (if you will) trotter.
She therefore knows exactly what every dear trotter who takes part in the Comrades start goes through and she reckons that nerves will always remain a factor.
Regardless of whether you are outwitted to win the race or just trying to avoid the cutoff.
“After all, you know that there is a long day ahead of you on the road and many things can go wrong. But the nerves simply mean that we all just care a lot about the task ahead.”
The Comrades is anything but a reckless adventure. It is something with meaning and that is precisely why Steyn reckons that the butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling is actually a privilege.
“It shows that you have the courage to push yourself to achieve something special. However, just make sure that the nerves don’t completely dominate you.”
Her first Comrades victory came in 2019 and since then she has waved the scepter in 2023, 2024 and in 2025.
When you think of the Comrades marathon, you also think of legends like Bruce Fordyce.
And Stein.
“It is a huge privilege for me when I hear that people use my name together with the Comrades in one sentence. When I first started here, I could never have guessed that the future held this for me.”
She describes the race as “big” and “iconic”. Of course, she hopes that her legacy can also be part of the Comrades’ proud history.
“When I run, I think about it. I think that I am doing something much bigger than just me. The Comrades is bigger than any runner who lines up for the race – it inspires a nation and everyone is glued to the television on race day.”
“Being part of the Comrades is nothing but a huge honour.”
- The 99th version of the Comrades marathon will be decided on Sunday and the first group of athletes will already start at 05:00.