Adnaan Mohamed
Four-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn says her preparations for this year’s race are on track as she targets a fifth title and potentially another record-breaking performance in the iconic ultra-marathon on 14 June.
The South African star is currently completing her final training block in the French Alps ahead of the 99th edition of the race, where she will once again start as the overwhelming favourite in the women’s field.
Steyn has dominated ultra-distance running in South Africa over the past decade, building a remarkable record that includes four Comrades victories and an unprecedented seven consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon titles.
The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete arrives at Comrades fresh from another commanding display at Two Oceans in April, where she claimed her seventh straight crown in 3:27:43.
Her achievements at Comrades have been equally impressive.
Steyn won her first title in 2019 in an Up Run record of 5:58:53, becoming the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the route. She added victories in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and currently holds both the Down Run record of 5:44:54, set in 2023, and the Up Run record of 5:49:46, established a year later.
This year’s race could present another opportunity for a fast time.
The official distance for the 2026 Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is 85.777km, making it the shortest Up Run in recent history and potentially opening the door for new records.
Steyn, however, remains focused on preparation rather than predictions.
“I’m really excited to line up for the Comrades Marathon again this year,” she said.
“My training so far has gone really, really well. Of course, it’s still ongoing, but all is going according to plan, especially after the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon earlier in April.”
With the route heading inland to Pietermaritzburg, Steyn has tailored her training to meet the specific demands of the Up Run.
“This year with it being an uprun, my training is also specifically tailored in making sure that I am strong on the uphills but also of course it’s a fast race.
“Even though it’s almost 90 kilometres, the pace is still fast, so I’m trying to work on all areas to be 100% ready for race day.”
Nine-time Comrades winner Bruce Fordyce believes Steyn’s accomplishments have already secured her place among the greats of South African distance running.
“Gerda has redefined what women can achieve at Comrades and Two Oceans. Her records, consistency and professionalism place her among the greatest ultra-distance runners South Africa has ever produced,” Fordyce said.
“To hold both Comrades records and dominate Two Oceans year after year is extraordinary. She has raised the standard for everybody.”
Fordyce also highlighted Steyn’s ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.
“What stands out is the way she races with confidence and composure. She makes world-class performances look effortless, and that’s the mark of a truly exceptional athlete.”
This year’s race will also be Steyn’s second Comrades appearance in Hollywood Athletics Club colours.
“I’m really excited to line up for my second Comrades Marathon in the Hollywood Athletics purple colors,” she said.
“So that will also be really exciting to share the roads with so many other teammates and club mates. It’s going to be a very special day, so all the best from my side to everyone lining up this year.”
Having already rewritten large sections of the Comrades record book, Steyn heads into the 2026 race with another opportunity to strengthen her legacy. The title remains the primary target, though on a shortened Up Run route, the clock may once again become her biggest rival.