South African superstar Gerda Steyn won her fourth Comrades Marathon at the weekend.
Steyn added her fourth win to her already impressive record as she took another convincing win in 5 hours, 51 minutes, and 19 seconds. This makes her only the second woman (after eight-time winner Elena Nurgalieva) to win the race more than three times.
The 35-year-old Steyn today stands alone as the only South African woman to win the Ultimate Human Race four times.
This was the 98th edition of the iconic ultra between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban, run in alternating directions each year, and this was the 49th edition of the Down Run.
The official distance of this year’s race was 89.98km, and as the event builds up to its much-anticipated 100th edition in 2027, the 2025 race attracted a record field for the Down Run of 22,677 qualifying entrants.
In recognition of her gallant effort, Steyn earned R874,000 for crossing the line first, R500,000 for her average speed, and R220,000 for being the first South African woman across the line, for a total of R1,594,000.
“Today was yet another wonderful experience out on the road at the Comrades Marathon, and to see this race going from strength to strength and to be a part of it is such an honor for me. It’s really special,” said Steyn.
“I’ve spoken a lot about what this race means to me, and today it was cemented once again. The race went well. I set out at a more conservative pace because I really wanted to try and run my optimum race today, and it worked out well.”
Women’s Top 10
- Gerda Steyn [05:51:18]
- Alexandra Morozova [05:55:55]
- Shelmisth Muriuki [06:07:55]
- Irvette Van Zyl [06:11:34]
- Dominika Stelmach [06:12:01]
- Carla Molinaro [06:13:02]
- Jenet Mbhele [06:14:23]
- Caitriona Jennings [06:16:41]
- Courtney Olsen [06:17:47)
- Melissah Gibson [06:19:58]
Additional reporting by Comrades
