Marathon superstar Gerda Steyn shares her plans for next season

At 33 years old, this marathon sensation proudly represents the Phantane Athletics Club and has enjoyed a remarkable year in the world of sports.

She claimed victory in both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons, setting new record-breaking benchmarks.

Her triumph in the demanding Two Oceans 56km ultra-marathon saw her finish in 3:29:06 beating her 2022 performance by an impressive 39 seconds.

Then, in June, she shattered the 34-year-old record set by the legendary Frith Van der Merwe in the challenging 87km down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Steyn set a blazing new course record, crossing the finish line in 5:44:54, eclipsing the previous mark of 5:54:43.

“I’ve already embarked on my preparations for the upcoming year, focusing on the marathon. While 2023 has undoubtedly been a standout year for me, it’s now time to shift my gaze towards 2024. I’m delving into questions like what I aspire to accomplish, which races I aim to conquer, and the targets I’ve set for myself. Naturally, the foremost goal is to defend my titles in the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons, which necessitates early preparation and a rigorous fitness routine. Commencing with participation in shorter-distance races is the ideal starting point, as it allows for sustained running without the need for extended breaks. These shorter courses significantly contribute to enhancing endurance,” Steyn revealed during her conversation with SABC Sport.

Last month, Steyn clinched a ninth-place position at the Absa Run Your City 10km event in Tshwane, hosted at the iconic Union Buildings.

Furthermore, she demonstrated her prowess with another top-10 finish in the Hollywoodbets Durban Summer 10km race, a mere three weeks ago.

On Heritage Day, she’s gearing up to put her endurance to the test again, this time in the ABSA Run Your City Joburg 10km race. The starting point for this exciting challenge is at Mary Fitzgerald Square starting and finishing in Newtown on Sunday at 8 a.m.

It presents yet another opportunity for Steyn to engage in fierce competition with the ultimate goal of finishing the event stronger.

“I’m aiming to cross the finish line somewhere better than ninth place,” Steyn joked with a smile. “While I may not be in contention for the top sport, I’m determined to deliver a strong performance in the face of formidable competition. This race is an integral component of my preparations for the upcoming marathon season. My goal is to push my limits in the upcoming year, and I have full confidence that diligent preparation will enable me to achieve that,” Added Steyn.