Gerda Steyn gears up for the Two Oceans Marathon

The 35-year-old, one of the country’s most accomplished long-distance runners, has already claimed five victories—more than any other athlete in the history of the race.

Now competing for Hollywood Athletics Club, Steyn is the clear favourite to secure another win at the iconic ultra-marathon in Cape Town on April 5.

Steyn says she’s pleased with her preparations so far and has perfected the art of conquering the 56km ultra-marathon, approaching it with a relaxed mindset.

"My preparations for the Two Oceans ultra-marathon are going really well. I'm pleased with where I am at the moment in terms of my fitness. I'm exactly where I plan to be at this stage and there are five and a half weeks left of training and I'm planning to just continue in the way that I've been training until now. So, very, very excited for the 5th of April," Steyn said.

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In an interview with SABC Sport, the two-time Olympian shared that she used her victory at the Pirates Half-Marathon in Johannesburg, where she clocked 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 20 seconds last month, as part of her preparations for Oceans.

She made an impressive debut by conquering one of South Africa's toughest 21.1km races, sending a strong message to her competitors ahead of the upcoming ultra-marathon.

"This year was the first time that I raced the Pirates 21km and I thoroughly enjoyed the race from start to finish. It's known as Joburg's toughest 21km race because of the hilly course and for me that is my favourite type of course,” she added.

“I always enjoy some really hilly courses, I just find that it makes it a lot more interesting. So, my experience was wonderful. I was also very pleased to win the race, and it was all part of my preparation towards the Two Oceans."