Irvette van Zyl eyes a historic Soweto Marathon title

In December, she endured an ankle injury that sidelined her for six months.

However, with an impressive personal best of 2 hours, 26 minutes, 11 seconds from the 2022 Valencia Marathon, the 35-year-old athlete, who is married to former 400m hurdles superstar LJ Van Zyl, has the potential to establish herself as the greatest runner in the history of the Soweto Marathon.

Ethiopia’s Salem Abere Alebachew has also won the marathon three times in a row, but if Van Zyl secures her fourth victory, this November, she will surpass them all. Notably, after representing the Nedbank Running Club for 15 years, she made a switch to the Hollywood Athletics Club on a new chapter in her illustrious career.  

“The injury presented a challenge, but I adapted my training accordingly. Soweto Marathon holds a special place in my heart, and I’m determined to give it another shot. Winning this marathon is no easy feat, and clinching the fourth victory would be an incredible milestone for me. I try to stay focused on my performance rather than getting caught up in record-breaking thoughts. Unfortunately, I missed last year’s race, so I’m eager to make a comeback. My aim is to secure a victory for my new club, the Purple Family. Although I joined them earlier this year, I haven’t had the opportunity to represent them due to my injury, but I still get my monthly stipend. I want to show my gratitude for the trust they’ve placed in me by winning a significant title, and perhaps the Soweto Marathon can be that triumph. Soweto is far away and I have plenty of time to prepare and plan for it, “said Van Zyl during an interview with

Van Zyl takes charge of her training as a self-coached athlete, occasionally partnering with her husband LJ for long runs in race preparation.

“I run faster than him,” joked Van Zyl. “LJ has been a tremendous support in practicing patience and allowing my body to dictate my running. I’m not rushing into anything now,” Explained Van Zyl.

She will race in her first competition for the Purple Family in the Spar Ladies women’s 10km challenge in Durban on Sunday 25 June at the Kings Park Stadium.

On Sunday, 25 June, at the Kings Park Stadium, she will make her debut representing the Purple Family in the Spar Ladies Women’s 10km challenge in Durban.

“After allowing ample time for healing, my club has supported my return to the road. Durban holds a special place in my heart, and my family shares the same sentiment. The Spar race in Durban is approaching, and I’m filled with anticipation, but I won’t make any promises. I’m eager to lace up my shoes and proudly represent my club. However, I understand that it won’t be an easy task to jump in and immediately secure a victory. I’ve missed three Spar races, so I’ll approach the remaining three races, one at a time,” added Van Zyl.