Gerda Steyn Reigns Supreme Again with Record-Breaking Fifth Comrades Marathon Triumph

South African distance running sensation Gerda Steyn once again proved why she is regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the Comrades Marathon, producing a dominant performance to secure her fifth title in the prestigious ultramarathon on Sunday.

The marathon star delivered a masterclass over the challenging 85.77-kilometre “Up Run” route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, crossing the finish line well ahead of her rivals and rewriting the record books in the process.

Steyn completed the gruelling journey in an unofficial time of 5:44:53, eclipsing the previous “Up Run” record of 5:49:46 that she herself had established during last year’s race. Her latest achievement further cements her reputation as one of the finest long-distance runners South Africa has ever produced.

Nicknamed the “Smiling Assassin” for her ability to combine a calm, cheerful demeanour with relentless competitiveness, Steyn looked in complete control from the early stages of the race. She set a strong pace from the outset and never appeared under pressure as she steadily extended her lead over the chasing pack.

The victory comes just weeks after Steyn achieved another remarkable milestone by winning the Two Oceans Marathon for a seventh consecutive time. Despite concerns that the demanding race schedule could take a toll on her performance, the South African star showed no signs of fatigue. Instead, she delivered one of the most impressive runs of her illustrious career.

Throughout the race, Steyn demonstrated exceptional endurance, tactical awareness and mental strength as she navigated the notorious hills and demanding terrain that have made the Comrades Marathon one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Her consistent pace and flawless execution left little doubt about the eventual winner long before she reached the finish line.

Behind her, fellow South African runner Nobukhosi Tshuma produced a strong performance to claim second place. Tshuma crossed the line in 5:53:36, nearly nine minutes behind the champion. Another experienced South African athlete, Irvette van Zyl, completed the podium after finishing third in 6:02:30.

The all-South African podium was a fitting celebration of the country’s strength in women’s distance running and highlighted the depth of talent currently competing on the national stage.

Steyn’s latest triumph places her among the most successful women ever to compete in the iconic race. With five Comrades Marathon victories now to her name, she becomes only the second female athlete in history to reach that milestone. The achievement moves her closer to the record of eight wins held by Russian legend Elena Nurgalieva, a benchmark that once appeared untouchable but is now firmly within sight should Steyn continue her remarkable form in the coming years.

In addition to the historic victory and record-breaking performance, Steyn’s success was rewarded with a substantial financial prize. Her outstanding run earned her a total payout of approximately R2 million, making it one of the most lucrative days of her career.

The prize package included the winner’s purse of R925,000, awarded for taking first place in the women’s race. She also received an additional R605,000 bonus for setting a new course record on the “Up Run” route.

Further rewards came through a R550,000 incentive for improving the fastest average pace ever recorded in the event. Steyn averaged an astonishing 4 minutes and 1 second per kilometre over the entire distance, a remarkable feat considering the demanding climbs and relentless terrain that define the Comrades Marathon.

As South Africans celebrate another unforgettable sporting achievement, Steyn’s latest victory serves as further proof of her extraordinary talent and determination. With five Comrades titles, multiple records and an ever-growing list of accomplishments, she has firmly established herself as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the race and a true icon of South African sport.