Steyn Aims For Double Victory In 2025

Five-time Two Oceans Marathon winner and three-time Comrades Marathon champion, Gerda Steyn, has set her sights on winning both races in 2025, following her double victory last year.
Steyn’s impressive achievements in running led to her appointment as a new ambassador for Hollywoodbets, unveiled at Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Wednesday.
The Free State-born runner set the Comrades Marathon down-run record in 2023 with a time of 5:44:54, becoming only the fourth woman to complete the race in under six hours.
On April 11, 2021, she broke the South African marathon record with a time of 2:25:28 at the Xiamen Tuscany Camp Elite Marathon in Siena, Italy. She subsequently broke her own record at the 2023 Valencia Marathon, clocking a time of 2:24:03.
Her first major career victory came in the 2018 Two Oceans Marathon, where she finished in 3:39:32. The following year, she triumphed in the 2019 Comrades Marathon in a record time of 5:58:53, becoming the first woman to complete the uprun in under six hours. She also won the 2019 Two Oceans Marathon in 3:31:28. In 2024, she secured her fifth consecutive Two Oceans Marathon victory, breaking the course record with a time of 3:26:54.
“Two races for me this year are Ocean Marathon and Comrades Marathon. Everything I do, every day I spend daily, is to prepare for those races and be the best I possible can be,” she told Sportswire.
“I want to defend my titles. I also want to improve my personal times. I’m trying to push myself and get myself as fit as possible and defend my titles.”
The 34-year-old, who is also a wife, was asked about balancing her demanding career as a runner with her marital responsibilities, given the significant time commitment required from both. Her husband is a pilot, adding another layer of complexity to their schedules.
“I’m fortunate to have an incredibly supportive husband,” she explained. “He’s a passionate runner himself and truly enjoys the sport. He actively participates, not just as a spectator, but as a supportive partner in my daily training. We share this journey together. While his work as a commercial pilot is also demanding, we’ve successfully found a harmonious balance that works for both of us, and I hope we can continue to maintain this equilibrium.”
Hollywoodbets, a leading South African betting company based in Durban, has a strong track record of partnering with prominent South African athletes. Their ambassador roster includes sportscaster Robert Marawa, former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise, and two-time Rugby World Cup winners Makazole Mapimpi and Eben Etzebeth, among others.
Steyn expressed her gratitude for joining this esteemed group. “From an outsider’s perspective, it’s evident that Hollywoodbets has a genuine passion for sport,” she said.
“They demonstrate a deep love for running and are committed to investing in the sport. Becoming part of this team has been incredibly insightful, particularly regarding their community impact. They utilize sporting events to make a positive difference in the community, which is truly admirable. The opportunity to contribute to these efforts is a significant highlight of my career.”
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