Nobuhle Tshuma Challenges Gerda Steyn At The Two Oceans Marathon

CAPE TOWN - Nobuhle Tshuma did not flinch. With Gerda Steyn to her left, the Entsika Athletic Club starlet threw down the gauntlet to the darling of South African road running.

This race is not all about Gerda, the South Africa-based Zimbabwean athlete said to rapturous applause.

Its also about me against myself. Anything can happen in a race. Why should we have fear and say 'Gerda is here shes gonna win.' No! I am not gonna do that.

It was a breath of fresh air really, Tshumas boldness breaking the somewhat monotonous nature of road races where Steyn is involved the rest of the athletes often being afraid to rate themselves as capable of challenging the 'Smiling Assassin'.

Tshuma has shown herself to be a competitive runner in the ultras with last years edition and then going on to get gold fifth place in her maiden Comrades Marathon later in the year.