By Adnaan Mohamed
When Gerda Steyn toes the line at the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge on Sunday morning in Johannesburg, it will be the final speed test for South Africa’s golden girl of distance running ahead of her biggest marathon of the year.
The multiple Comrades and Two Oceans champion confirmed she will use the 10km race at Marks Park Sports Club as her last tune-up before the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in two weeks’ time.
For Steyn, renowned for her endurance over gruelling ultra distances, the SPAR race offers the perfect chance to sharpen her speed against the country’s and continent’s best.
“The SPAR race is special because it is women only. I am always in Johannesburg at this time of year and so I always try to run it. The route is lovely, and the spirit is awesome.”
“I love running the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge,” said Steyn.
Her presence adds extra lustre to an event already buzzing with anticipation. While defending champion Glenrose Xaba will chase a clean sweep of five out of five SPAR Grand Prix titles in 2025, much of the spotlight will inevitably fall on Steyn.
The 34-year-old’s ability to bring marathon strength and ultra-marathon grit into the fast-paced world of 10km road racing makes her an irresistible drawcard.
For fans, Steyn’s participation is not just about whether she can crack the podium on Sunday, but about witnessing the careful fine-tuning of an athlete at the peak of her career.
She will be joined by her Hollywood AC teammate and fellow road-running star Irvette van Zyl, a three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion making a return to the series.
With Cape Town looming large, every stride in Johannesburg will be a statement of intent.
Together, they bring both experience and prestige to a sold-out field of 12,000 runners.
The single-lap 10km course through Emmarentia, Greenside, Linden and Parkview, with its steady climbs and long straights, promises to be a fitting stage for Steyn’s final dress rehearsal before the marathon spotlight shifts to the Mother City.
In a field featuring Ethiopian and Kenyan contenders, as well as South African frontrunners like Xaba and Karabo Mailula, the race will be fiercely contested
Yet, for many eyes will be fixed on national icon Steyn using the SPAR challenge not only to test her legs but to inspire thousands of women running alongside her.
