Johannesburg’s legendary Pirates 21k brings gees and grit to the streets

Runners braved steep climbs and wet conditions to conquer Johannesburg’s toughest half-marathon, the Pirates 21k.

February 21, 2025

Naziya Davids-Easthorpe 2 minutes read

The start of the Pirates 21k, powered by Medshield, race. Photo: SMacPix

Rain, relentless hills, and a record-breaking crowd set the stage for the 47th Pirates 21k, powered by Medshield, known as Johannesburg’s toughest half-marathon. On Sunday, February 16, over 4 000 runners gathered at Pirates Club in Greenside to tackle the legendary 450m climb over Northcliff Hill, famously dubbed: ‘Over The Mountain’. With the honk of the horn from Pirates legend Geoff Davies, the race was on.

Gerda Steyn wasted no time establishing dominance in the women’s race, leading from start to finish. With defending champion Irvette van Zyl absent, and multiple-time winner Emma Pallant withdrawing last minute due to injury, Steyn cruised to victory in 01:18:20, just 20 seconds shy of the course record. Rutendo Nyahora, a past Pirates 21k winner, secured second place, finishing four minutes later.

Women’s race winner Gerda Steyn. Photo: SMacPix

The men’s race was a thrilling battle, with the top four runners finishing within a minute of each other. Lesotho’s Tsépo Ramashamole took the crown in 01:08:21, missing the long-standing 2003 record by just a minute. Last year’s winner, Onalenna Khonkhobe, who later triumphed at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, finished fourth in 01:08:57. Meanwhile, Comrades Marathon champion, and Medshield ambassador, Bongmusa Mthembu put in a strong performance, finishing 13th with a time of 01:15:58.

Lebenya Nkoka and Gerda Steyn were crowned king and queen of the mountain, as the first runners to summit Northcliff Hill, earning well-deserved bragging rights and prize money.

First and second place in the men’s category, Tsépo Ramashamole and Khoarahlane Joseph Seutloali. Photo: SMacPix

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At the finish line, Pirates Club’s famous ‘gees’ was in full force. Hot102.7FM amplified the race-day energy, with radio host Simon Parkinson adding to the fun by running the race himself, giving live commentary while encouraging his fellow ‘Hot Bus’ participants across the line.

Chairperson of Pirates Road Running Ryan Mills, ladies winner Gerda Steyn, and race director Joani Bijzet. Photo: SMacPix

“It was an incredible day,” said Pirates Road Running chairperson Ryan Mills. “With over 250 volunteers, making this one of the biggest events on the calendar. We can’t thank them enough.”

Race director Joani Bijzet echoed the sentiment. “Pirates members step up every year with pride and passion. There’s truly no race like this.”

Three-time Comrades winner Bongamus Mthembu. Photo: SMacPix

From steep climbs to electrifying finishes, the Pirates 21k once again proved why it remains one of Johannesburg’s most challenging and beloved races.