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Can we keep up with Gerda Steyn?

The Comrades Marathon 2023 winner set a new best time for females.

What can you do in about five hours and excel so brilliantly at that your name is renowned for it?

If you are Gerda Steyn the answer to this would be quite simple – it’s completing the Comrades Marathon 2023 in the new best female time.

The former Risidale resident crossed the finish line in a time of 05:44:54 and did this with the help of her essentials – comfortable gear, a lot of nutrition, and loved ones to support her along the way.

Gerda Steyn crosses the Comrades Marathon 2023 finish line.
Gerda Steyn crosses the Comrades Marathon 2023 finish line.

Setting this new standard was not without its challenges as she struggled to find her rhythm a little bit in the first 20km.
“But I warmed up well after that and was fortunate enough to not have any extremely difficult times during the race,” she said.

Throughout the race, all that kept repeating in Steyn’s mind was ‘keep going’, a reminder of the hours spent training and the sacrifices she made to get to this particular moment. Through it all, the one constant was how much she loved running.

During the race, she said of the many highlights was the incredible feeling of knowing and hearing so many people wanting her to do well. “I am very appreciative of all the support I received from spectators and even fellow runners.”

It’s the sheer beauty of running, and the challenge of the Comrades which had played a big part in her finding her passion for this sport, and taking on this ‘ultimate human race.’ Though she did not take part in the sport as a little girl, she hoped to be an inspiration for young girls to start running.

Gerda Steyn raises her trophy.
Gerda Steyn raises her trophy.

For fellow female runners, she hoped to inspire them of the joy running could bring into their lives. “It is much more than just a sport, it is also lifestyle and brings about wonderful friendships, appreciation for what your body can do and makes you want to live a healthier life in general.”

Steyn has plans to run another marathon at the end of the year to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

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