A seventh Two Oceans title beckons for Gerda Steyn in Cape Town. (Photo: Provided/Action Photo)
With the clock counting down to the 55th edition of the Two Oceans ultramarathon, all eyes are once again on Gerda Steyn.
South Africa’s long-suffering sweetheart, who celebrated her 36th birthday in March, will attempt to win this magnificent race for the seventh time when she lines up at the starting point in Newlands early on Saturday morning.
Steyn’s dominance began in 2018 with a winning time of 3:39:31. In between there was a record time of 3:26:54 (in 2024) and last year she broke the record again with a time of 3:29:11.
And every dear victory was celebrated with her characteristic broad smile.
“I’ve done it before and I believe I can do it again,” the 36-year-old star told members of the media in Cape Town.
“However, I will never rest on my laurels simply because I have won the race six times. I know I will have to give 110% because every athlete has been persuaded to win.”
Steyn followed a brand new strategy last year when she put her opponents under great pressure early on with her nimble pace.
“There is always a risk involved, but as a former winner you are always afraid that your opponents have already become accustomed to the way you approach a race,” she said at the time.
She can expect another fierce attack on Saturday from well-known opponents such as Irvette van Zyl, Neheng Khatala and Shelmith Muruiki.
But Steyn’s own preparation work does not look bad at all: She won, among other things, the 32 km of the tough Sunrise Monster race in Pretoria in a time of 2:06:56; about 16 min ahead of her nearest rivals.
“I have respect for the other athletes and I suspect that this race will not be a one-woman show. There are incredible participants and I will have to be on my toes. However, I will throw everything into the fight to achieve my goal.”
- The ultramarathon starts at 05:15 on Saturday.
2025’s top female contestants:
- Gerda Steyn (3:29:11)
- Neheng Khatala (3:40:39)
- Majara Tears (3:46:24)
Steyn’s winning results:
2025: 3:29:11
2024: 3:26:54
2023: 3:29:06
2022: 3:29:45
2019: 3:39:28
2018: 3:39:31