Win with a smile. Gerda Steyn is the queen of the Two Oceans Marathon. (Photo: Johann Gresse/Maroela Media)
Gerda Steyn blew 36 cherries on her birthday cake in March, but if you look at her latest running performance, it seems that there is still a lot of fire left in her marathon sails.
The Bothaville native collected her seventh Two Oceans title on Saturday morning when she won the magnificent race in a time of 3:27:43.
According to Steyn, she knows that she is getting older and she does not necessarily have a crystal ball ready to see how long she will be on top of the wave, but currently she feels good; actually very good.
Gerda Steyn won the Two Oceans Marathon for the seventh time. (Photo: X/Two Oceans Marathon)
“I feel stronger than ever and there are definitely a few years left in me,” she told journalists in the media tent after her success.
“When I won my first title at the time, I never thought that I would win the race seven times. However, I am going to take things one year at a time. If seven titles maybe become eight titles and eight titles maybe nine, then I will undoubtedly have a tenth victory in my sights.”
Steyn pulled away again like an express train and she was on course to improve her own record of 3:26:54.
“The main goal was to win the race and I did everything I could to get it right. I was aware of the pace I had to run to break the record, but overall I’m very happy with my performance and time.”
According to the seven-time champion, the support of marathon lovers gives her wings. Old habit echoed the cries of “Gerda, Gerda” again in the streets of Cape Town, while the more enthusiastic supporters even jogged a little with her.
“Early in the race – when it was still dark – I often heard my name. This (performance) means so much more to others and it excites people. I just want to give them my best.”
Steyn ran back again to wave to the spectators after she broke the winning ribbon.
“I still felt good in the darts of the race. When everything goes according to plan, your body is full of adrenaline and you want to prolong the moment for as long as possible.”
Arthur is the hero of Hopetown
Arthur Jantjies is the winner of the men’s race with a blistering time of 3:09:25. The somewhat unknown ultramarathon participant (although he has already won a few half-marathon golds)’s strategy was excellent and he beat Onalenna Khonkhobe by more than 40 seconds.
“I have no complaints – the race was beautiful. I have my fellow participants for good show taken care of,” he said.
“This is the first major title for my hometown of Hopetown. To win the Two Oceans is a very big thing for someone who comes from a small town.”
The brilliant Arthur Jantjies. (Photo: Johann Gresse/Maroela Media)
Moreover, it was hardly Jantjies’ second ultra – he had earlier been sixth at the City to City marathon.
“It was okay that people didn’t really know who I was. You fly under the radar and there’s not much pressure on your shoulders; a perfect opportunity to run amok like a waffer cannonball in the dart box!
“I trained, ate and slept leading up to the race. That’s all I know.”
Mans:
- Arthur Jantjies: 3:09:25
- Onalenna Khonkhobe: 3:10:00
- Blessing Blessings Waison: 3:11:13
- Dennis Kipkosgei
- We have one
- Sphamandla Lord
- Face Mask
- Malixole Kalideni
- Nadolo gift
- Msawenkosi Mthalane
Women:
- Gerda Steyn: 3:27:43
- Margaret Jepchumba: 3:33:31
- And Bhakso Tshuma: 3:38:34
- Shelmit Muriuki
- Rholex Jelimo Kogo
- Mildred Kinyanja
- Bize Negasa
- Don’t give up
- Courtney Olsen
- Loveness Ponds.