Gerda Steyn determined to reclaim her national title

Xaba set a stunning new mark of 2:22:22 during her debut at the Cape Town Marathon, surpassing Steyn’s previous record of 2:24:03, achieved at the Valencia Marathon in 2023.

Having held the national record for three years and breaking it twice during that time, Steyn is now focused on reclaiming her place at the top.

"I'm not 100% sure about the plans that I have for the end of the year, I always like to do a Marathon at the end of the year, November or December so again I will have to see what my shape is but of course, that is something that I would love to do,” Steyn said.

“I'd love to get the record back, I had the record since 2021 and last year it was broken so I would like to keep the record for a little bit longer than those three years and to get it back. “So, I'll be doing my utmost best and do everything that I can in my power to get the record back. So, I can't say yet where or when it would be but 100% that is something that I'd be focused on."

READ: Irvette Van Zyl set for Comrades Marathon debut

Steyn congratulated Xaba on breaking the national record, stating that it was no surprise to her, given the athlete's relentless work ethic and dedication to her craft.

"Absolutely yes, Glenrose we have seen, everybody was a witness of watching Glenrose grow and become a stronger and stronger athlete. She's proven herself on every single distance from five kilometres to the half marathon and now the marathon,” she added.

“The Cape Town Marathon last year was a really difficult race, the weather conditions were tough but she showed character and she battled through and she ran an amazing race with an amazing time. So, I think that she deserved it, 100%"