Ultra-marathon queen Gerda Steyn to run Absa Run Your City 10km race

Notably, Steyn secured her position as an unparalleled SA marathoner by clinching an unprecedented fourth successive victory in the 56km Two Oceans race in Cape Town as she also broke her own record in a time of 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 6 seconds in April.

Demonstrating her prowess once more, she obliterated a long-standing 24-year-old record held by Frith van der Merwe since 1989, as she completed the demanding 87km Comrades Marathon down-run in June in an astonishing 5:44: 54, beating the previous time by just under 10 minutes.

The 33-year-old now shifts her focus towards conquering the shorter distance race in Tshwane, for which she has received a special invitation from the organisers.

"I’m excited to be in Tshwane for the 10km for the first time ever. It’s a great honour for me to be invited and I know the route will be tough, and that suits me, so I hope to be competitive on race day,” Steyn told SABC Sport.

"I find great appeal in challenging myself against fellow runners in a shorter race, distinct from the marathon or ultra-marathon. I’ve adjusted my training program to align with the 10km distance.

"I’m eagerly anticipating the experience's pleasure and the camaraderie with fellow runners along the course."

In the upcoming race, she will contend with Tshwane’s local champion Glenrose Xaba and the likes of Neheng Khatala from Lesotho, Docus Ajok from Uganda, and Debash Desta from Ethiopia.