Cape Town's Two Oceans Marathon: A Showdown Between Gerda Steyn And Irvette Van Zyl

CAPE TOWN - THE MOTHER CITY excitedly awaits! As it prepares to host one of its crown jewels in sports - the TotalSports Two Oceans Marathon - Cape Town road running is abuzz with excitement, anticipating yet another stellar showing from the countrys darling of the road.

Gerda Steyn has made her name synonymous with that of the ultra marathon fondly referred to as the Worlds Most Beautiful Marathon after five years of incredible running in the 56km event. A winner in all of the last five editions of the race, the Smiling Assassin has run record times in the previous three as she cemented her status as ultra runnings golden girl. She is expected to win the race yet again, and in record time too.

Perhaps more intriguing about this years edition taking place on Saturday t is whether she and Irvette Van Zyl will produce yet another run for the ages as they did back in 2022 when they both shattered the long-standing record set before Steyn was born and Van Zyl was just two years old.

Frith Van Der Merwes 3:30:36 time from 1989 was previously thought of as an unbreakable but Steyn and Van Zyl ran such an incredible race three years ago they left those whod made that pronouncement eat humble pie as they crossed the finish line in 3:29:49 and 3:30:31 respectively.

It remains one of the most thrilling womens races in Two Oceans history, Van Zyl showcasing her renowned r climbing strength by cresting the notorious Constantia Nek ahead of her rival. Steyn is a fighter though and she dug deep to take the lead from her adversary who hit the wall in a big way, going on to win the race. She repeated the feat the following year 2023 as she sliced off a good 41 seconds from the time.