Gerda Steyn won the Two Oceans Marathon last year in a record time. (Photo: Twitter. )
Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s golden long-breather, is in Cape Town and ready to successfully defend her Two Oceans title.
The 33-year-old athlete ran away with the laurels last year, as it were, when she won the marathon in a spectacular time of 3:29:42. She simply also improved Frith van der Merwe’s record of 3:30:36; a record that has stood since 1989.
Actually, organizers can only launch a campaign to name one of the Cape Town streets after Steyn: She was also first across the finish line in 2018 and in 2019.
“I’m going to do my best to come up with a similar performance. My preparation went well and I am now even more excited about the race,” she said.
Steyn will compete in the colors of Phantane Athletics Club and she hopes to inspire young and upcoming athletes to greater heights.
“It’s exciting for me to be part of the club – its colours [groen en goud] always stand out to me. Although Phantane doesn’t necessarily have many members, they do incredible work and I’m proud to be part of the setup.”
Cape Town showing off today ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/Vd5chNbTMU
— Gerda Steyn (@gerdarun) April 10, 2023
Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl. (Photo: Provided.)
However, last year’s runner-up, Irvette van Zyl, will miss the marathon with an injury. This is a setback for athletics fans because she was last year in a fierce battle with Steyn wrapped up
“It is sad for me that Irvette cannot participate; I enjoy running against her because it makes me perform at a higher level,” said Steyn.
“Still, I try not to focus so much on the other athletes – I try to always give my best. However, I am sure that Irvette will soon be on the road; ready for next year’s Two Oceans!”
56 km: Saturday at 05:10
21.1 km: Sunday at 06:30
