Gerda Steyn shatters record to win fifth Two Oceans title

Versatile long-distance runner Gerda Steyn delivered in spectacular fashion on Saturday, producing another historic victory at the Two Oceans ultra-marathon in Cape Town.

Steyn, the pre-race favourite, completed the 56km route in 3:26:54, shattering her own course record of 3:29:06 which she set last year.

She also became the first athlete to win the popular annual race five times.

“I had a plan set out in my mind coming into the race, but in the later stages of the race I didn’t focus on the time and the clock so much. It was all about just getting to the finish line, which is always the first goal,” Steyn said afterwards.

“I didn’t know exactly how big a lead I had, but I had a fair idea that I was ahead of my previous best time, so it was a real bonus when I stepped on the grass at the finish and saw it still showed 3:26 on the clock… so to break the record is a real privilege for me and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity.”

Van Zyl fights hard

Launching a brave effort, Irvette van Zyl pushed Steyn for most of the way, and while she lost touch in the closing stages, she held on to finish second in 3:29:30.

Van Zyl, who fell shortly after the start but managed to get back up and regain her rhythm, became only the second woman in the history of the gruelling event to dip under the 3:30:00 barrier.

Zimbabwean athlete Loveness Madziva was well off the pace in third position, crossing the line in 3:38:00.

Khonkhobe triumphs

In the men’s race, Onalenna Khonkhobe triumphed in 3:09:30, becoming the first South African to win since 2019.

Lloyd Bosman, who was caught in the battle for the line after making a late break, held on to finish second in 3:09:58.

Defending champion Givemore Mudzinganyama took third position in 3:11:13.

Though he was lying fourth at the standard marathon (42km) mark, South African road running star Stephen Mokoka, who was tipped to challenge for victory on debut, did not finish the race.