Gerda Steyn sets record with sixth consecutive win at Two Oceans ultra-marathon

Long-distance running sensation Gerda Steyn dazzled the crowds once again on Saturday, securing her sixth consecutive victory at the prestigious Two Oceans ultra-marathon in Cape Town.

With an electrifying performance, the celebrated athlete finished the challenging 56km course in an impressive time of 3:29:10, reaffirming her status as a dominant figure in women’s ultra-distance running.

From the outset, it was clear that Steyn was in formidable form. Taking the lead immediately, she maintained a commanding advantage throughout the race, outpacing her competitors and maintaining a brisk pace that subsequently shattered expectations. Although Steyn’s finishing time was just over two minutes shy of her own race record of 3:26:54, set last year, her accomplishment remains monumental.

Steyn, now holds the three fastest times ever recorded by a woman in the Two Oceans ultra-marathon, a testament to her extraordinary talent and determination.

At 35 years old, Steyn has firmly established herself as not only the best women’s ultra-distance runner in South Africa’s history but also as a worldwide icon in the sport. Her accolades include being a two-time Olympian and securing the title of Comrades Marathon champion on three occasions, underscoring her remarkable prowess across various distances and terrains.

In the women’s race, Shelmith Muriuki from Kenya finished a distant second in a time of 3:37:50, while Neheng Khatala of Lesotho, last year’s Soweto Marathon champion, crossed the line in third place in 3:40:38. Steyn’s closest competitors could only watch in awe as she once again displayed her unrivalled endurance and skill on the high-stakes course.

The men’s ultra-marathon also showcased intense competition, with Khoarahlane Seutloali of Lesotho, a teammate of Steyn at the Hollywood Athletics Club, seizing victory. Seutloali completed the race in 3:10:46 following a strategic battle among a pack that broke away from the main group before the 50km mark.

 In the closing moments of the race, he managed to create a narrow lead, allowing him to clinch the win. Siboniso Sikhakhane finished closely behind in second place, clocking 3:11:17 as the first South African to cross the finish line. Former South African half-marathon champion Lucky Mohale made a notable Two Oceans debut, securing third place with a time of 3:11:26, rounding off a thrilling day of race action in the Mother City.