Gerda Steyn Smashes Comrades Marathon Record in Historic Performance

Gerda Steyn Smashes Comrades Marathon Record in Historic Performance

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Gerda Steyn delivered a mind-blowing performance at the Comrades Marathon, surpassing her own previous Up Run record by nearly ten minutes. The South African marathon sensation completed the grueling 85.91km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg with a stunning time of 5:49:46. This remarkable achievement reduced her 2019 time of 5:58:53 by a considerable margin, setting a new benchmark in women’s long-distance running.

An Emotional Victory

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of her accomplishment, Steyn described the day as the best of her life. Her triumphant finish not only underlined her supreme endurance and skill but also cemented her place in the history of the Comrades Marathon. Throughout the race, Steyn ran largely unopposed, dominating the women’s field with unmatched tenacity and focus. Her third overall victory in the Comrades comes after previous wins in 2019 and 2023, showcasing a consistent superiority in this iconic marathon.

A Year of Unparalleled Success

The 2024 season has indeed been a year of unparalleled success for Steyn. Earlier this year, she set new course records at both the Om Die Dam and The Two Oceans Marathon. These achievements illustrate her formidable presence in the marathon circuit and highlight her readiness to excel under any competitive circumstances. Heading into the Comrades, she was already a favorite, and her performance did not disappoint.

Building Momentum for the Olympics

As a member of the Phantane Athletics Club, Steyn’s upcoming participation in the Olympic marathon in Paris is highly anticipated. With just two months to go, her recent victories have provided her with substantial momentum and confidence. The world will be closely watching to see if she can replicate her success on the Olympic stage.

Notable Competitors in the Women's Race

In the women’s race, Russian runner Alexandra Morozova secured the second position with a commendable time of 6:05:12. American runner Courtney Olsen followed closely, finishing third in 6:08:09. Despite formidable competition, Steyn’s performance was on another level, underscoring her exceptional prowess and strategic training.

The Men's Race Highlights

The men’s race saw a historic moment as well. Dutch runner Piet Wiersma became the first non-South African winner of the Comrades Marathon since 2011. At just 26 years old, Wiersma’s victory was marked by a finish time of 5:25:00. Initially, it was Lesotho’s Jobo Khatoane who led the race, but he ultimately allowed Russian Aleksei Beresnev to pass. South Africa’s Dan Moselakwe clinched second place, while Degefa Yohannese Lafebo of Ethiopia rounded out the top three.

A Marathon to Remember

The 2024 Comrades Marathon was a memorable event, filled with inspiring performances and historic milestones. Gerda Steyn’s achievement stands out as a testament to perseverance, excellence, and the human spirit’s capacity to push beyond known limits. As she gears up for the Olympics, her fans and the global athletics community eagerly await her next feat.