Steyn’s remarkable running journey has unfolded like a perfectly paced ultra, patient beginnings, relentless consistency, and a finishing strength that leaves spectators breathless.
With six Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon victories and three course records, she has mastered the art of winning. Yet the honour that resonates deepest is not measured in minutes or medals, but in colour: blue.
Despite multiple victories and course records, Steyn describes receiving her Blue Number, her first permanent race number, as one of themost meaningful honours of her career.
Gerda Steyn TTOM Blue Number 6067 by Adnaan Mohamed
“Receiving my Blue Number at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon was my first ever permanent race number, so it was a huge honour,” says Steyn. “It means that I am invested in the race in the same way as those who have completed it ten times or more.”
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, praised Steyn’s impact on the sport.
“Gerda is affectionately known by many nicknames: from ‘The Smiling Assassin’ to ‘The Darling of South African Road Running,’ ‘The Queen of SA Running,’ ‘The People’s Champion,’ and ‘Sunshine Lady.’ Each name tells a story of her talent, her dedication, and the joy she brings to the sport,” says Goldschmidt.
“Beyond her many nicknames and titles, what truly stands out is the way Gerda has captured the hearts of runners and fans across the country. Her achievements are matched only by the inspiration she provides to the running community.”
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon General Manager Wade Bromfield added:
“Gerda embodies the spirit of this race. Her consistency, humility and record-breaking performances continue to raise the bar and inspire every runner who lines up on race day.”
“Being part of the BNC reminds me that running is deeply rooted in me and that I’m in it for the long term. No matter life’s circumstances, I’ve always been drawn back to this one start line.”
Chery South Africa has announced the renewal of its sponsorship of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, extending the partnership for an additional three years from 2026. The renewal follows four successful years of collaboration and coincides with the fourth anniversary of Chery’s relaunch in South Africa.
The partnership has played a key role in the continued growth and success of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, with Chery South Africa serving as the Official Vehicle Partner. Chery’s fleet supports event logistics and operations across all host cities, contributing to a seamless race experience from build-up week through to race day.
“We are proud to welcome them for another three years as we continue to deliver world-class running events across South Africa.”
Wade Bromfield and Verene Petersen by Ray van Breda
Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, says the brand is excited to continue the journey. “Over the past four years, we’ve built a strong partnership and created memorable experiences for runners and Chery owners alike. We look forward to further strengthening our connection with the running community and the cities we celebrate.”
Chery at Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by David-Sullivan
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series features five major 10km races in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg. The renewed partnership will continue to focus on innovation, performance and enhanced runner and supporter experiences.
In a touching tribute on Mother’s Day, Kabelo Maluadzi delivered a performance to remember, winning the 10th edition of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K on Sunday.
The 27-year-old from Alexandra stormed through the streets of the Mother City in a blistering 27:49, crossing the finish line on Lower Long Street to the cheers of thousands lining the route.
Running in perfect, windless conditions, Kabelo led a sold-out field of 15,000 participants who set off from Marine Drive in Milnerton. The former South African cross-country champion made his intentions clear early on, surging to the front and dictating the pace.
His closest challenger, Kamohelo Mofolo of Lesotho, stayed within striking distance and finished just four seconds behind in 27:53. Veteran South African distance runner Stephen Mokoka claimed third in 28:06, while national marathon record-holder Elroy Gelant, still recovering from setting a new SA record of 2:05:36 in Hamburg, took a respectable fourth in 28:08.
Kabelo, emotional at the finish, revealed the personal significance of the win.
“My mom passed away when I was still young. I was thinking about her as I crossed the line. This is the best gift I could give her,” he said.
After finishing 20th in last year’s edition due to injury, he knew this was his chance to shine. “I’m fit now, and I believed anything was possible.”
For being the first man across the line (R30 000) and breaking the 28-minute barrier (R40 000), Kabelo – the Boxer Athletics Club standout — coached by Richard Mayer — takes home a total of R70 000.
The women’s race saw Glenrose Xaba prove her dominance once again, winning in 32:00. Despite a challenging middle section between 3km and 5km, Xaba kept her composure and powered ahead of Ethiopian Selam Gebre, who finished second in 32:13. South Africa’s Lebo Phalula, at 40 years old, showed she’s still a force to be reckoned with, securing third in 32:50.
Glenrose, who also pockets R70 000 for winning the women’s race and finishing under the 32:08 incentive mark, dedicated her victory to all mothers, saying, “This is for the moms who do so much for their children. We can’t always run fast times, but I’m happy I could perform in a strong field today.”
The race, now firmly established as one of South Africa’s premier 10K events, once again showcased the continent’s elite talent in a celebration of endurance, resilience, and heartfelt moments.
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES, South Africa’s premier road running series, is raising the stakes for 2025 with a massive combined prize purse of R1 610 000.00 and groundbreaking incentives designed to inspire top performances from SA athletes.
Since launching in 2015, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES has transformed road running in South Africa, bringing five world-class 10km events to five vibrant cities. The 2025 season kicks off in Gqeberha in April, followed by Cape Town in May, Durban in July, Tshwane in August, and wraps up in Johannesburg in September.
Big Rewards for Big Efforts
“We believe that a strong prize purse not only rewards dedication but also motivates athletes to push their limits,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “We’re proud to announce a total prize purse of R1 610 000.00 for 2025, with each of the five events offering R322 000 in prize money.
From this, R252 000.00 is dedicated to the Open Category—R126 000.00 for the Top 10 Open Men and R126 000.00 for the Top 10 Open Women. The winners in each city will take home R30 000.00, with R25 000.00 for second place and R20 000.00 for third.
An additional R70 000.00 is allocated for Age Category prizes, rewarding the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+ age groups.”
Game-Changing Athlete Incentives
On top of the prize purse, Stillwater Sports has introduced an exciting SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule for 2025, rewarding standout performances at all five races.
For men, bonuses kick in for finishing times under 28 minutes, with a massive R200 000.00 payout for breaking the 27-minute mark. Women can start earning bonuses for times under 32:08, with a R200 000.00 incentive for breaking 30:23.
To raise the stakes even higher, any South African athlete who breaks the national 10km record at the time of the race will earn an extra R50 000.00 bonus. The current SA records stand at 27:35 (Precious Mashele, 2023) and 31:12 (Glenrose Xaba, 2024), both set at Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES events. The R50 000.00 will go to the fastest time recorded.
“The standard of South African road running is reaching new heights at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES,” adds Meyer. “In 2024, we paid out R610 000.00 in SA Athlete Incentives, and we’re determined to keep raising the bar in 2025. Our goal is to reward outstanding performances and elevate the level of competition in South African middle-distance running.”
A Star-Studded 2025 Lineup
To keep the momentum going, Stillwater Sports has been actively recruiting top talent for the 2025 series. One of the biggest announcements so far? Global running sensation Adriaan Wildschutt will make his series debut at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 13 April 2025.
Wildschutt captured the world’s attention in August 2024 when he finished 10th in the Olympic 10 000m final, smashing his own SA record with a time of 26:50.64. With four national track records to his name, he’s now setting his sights on the SA 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.
“We want to empower South Africa’s elite athletes to build successful careers without having to race overseas,” says Meyer. “These incentives will help attract top talent and inspire incredible performances throughout the 2025 series.”
SA 10km Champion Glenrose Xaba agrees, saying the series’ incentives push local athletes to perform at their best. “These rewards are linked to performance times, which is key for us. The better my time, the better my chances of competing internationally. Breaking my own record would be a dream come true—I’d be the happiest woman alive.”
Making his series debut, Wildschutt shares her enthusiasm: “These incentives are a great motivator. When I was starting out, financial support like this made all the difference. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES offers some of the best incentives in SA road running, which sets it apart.”
Mark Your Calendar: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES
Sunday 13 April 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Sunday 11 May 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
Sunday 13 July 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Sunday 24 August 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
Wednesday 24 September 2025 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Running for a Cause
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) as the official charity partner. Since 1931, CANSA has been at the forefront of cancer research, education, and support. Runners can contribute to this important cause by donating when entering any of the events online.
