When it comes to conquering South African roads, few names echo with as much reverence as Gerda Steyn. With her trademark smile and unstoppable cadence, she’s turned pain into poetry and hills into triumph. Now, as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon eyes its historic ascent to World Marathon Major status, the Queen of the road is calling on the nation’s runners to follow her—step for step—on a journey of transformation.
This isn’t just another training plan. It’s Gerda’s Gospel—a 14-week blueprint of physical power and mental mastery, designed to help runners of all levels chase personal bests and play a part in a defining chapter of African running history.
A Plan Forged in Grit and Glory
Having dominated both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon with a combined ten victories, Steyn knows the road better than most. She understands that marathons aren’t won with just miles in your legs—they’re conquered with belief, discipline, and a plan you can trust when the lactic acid starts whispering doubts.
“Training for a marathon is as much about mental preparation as it is physical,” says Steyn.
“With the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon training plan, I’ve created a programme that supports runners every step of the way, from their first training run to the finish line.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey and to help more South Africans believe in their potential to go the distance.”
Her plan is not just about splits and schedules—it’s a ritual of resilience, a steady drumbeat guiding runners from week one’s nervous first steps to the final glorious kick down the Sea Point promenade.
More Than Miles: A Holistic Marathon Manifesto
Gerda’s plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution scribbled on the back of a bib number. It’s a holistic, expertly-curated programme available exclusively through the adidas app to adiClub members. Redeemable through points, the training plan opens the gates of elite knowledge to everyday athletes.
From tempo runs to recovery days, mental fortitude to fuelling strategies, it’s designed to prepare the body and calm the mind—helping runners avoid the infamous “wall” that waits somewhere beyond 30 kilometres.
Whether you’re a wide-eyed first-timer chasing that magical sub-5 or a seasoned speedster with podium dreams, Gerda’s gospel has something for every soul brave enough to toe the line.
Lacing Up for Legacy
This year’s Cape Town Marathon is no ordinary race. It’s a continental crusade, a push to make Cape Town Africa’s first World Marathon Major. But for that to happen, the race must see 15,000 finishers cross the line on 19 October 2025.
Enter adidas, the marathon’s technical sponsor, which has paired Gerda’s gospel with an irresistible call to action: the Run for Africa initiative. All runners who start, run, and finish the full 42.2km in adidas Running footwear will earn a R2,000 voucher—an incentive designed to reward not just speed, but spirit.
“Run for Africa is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action to unite, uplift and inspire runners across South Africa and beyond,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa.
“As we work toward World Marathon Major status in 2026, we want every runner to know they’re not just chasing a finish line—they’re part of something historic.”
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Adizero Boston 13 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Edition
Completing the package is the newly launched Adizero Boston 13 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Edition—a shoe as bold as the ambition behind it. Draped in lucid red, it carries a map of the Cape Town route on the insole and a flame logo that mirrors the fire in the hearts of those running for something greater than themselves.
Retailing at R3,299, the Boston 13 is available at select adidas stores and online. But as powerful as the gear may be, the magic lives in the mileage—and in Gerda’s plan that prepares runners to handle every bump, blister, and breakthrough.
To further drive race participation, adidas is proud to continue its Run for Africa initiative for the third consecutive year.
All runners who start, run, and finish the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 19 October 2025 in adidas Running footwear will receive a R2,000 adidas online voucher.
This bold initiative underlines adidas’ belief in the power, resilience, and potential of the African running community.
Answer the Call
The road ahead is paved with purpose. And as Gerda Steyn leads from the front—torch held high, stride unwavering—she invites runners to follow in her footsteps. Because this is more than a race. It’s a movement. It’s a mission. And with the Queen of the Road as your guide, it just might be your moment.
So sign up. Lace up. And show up.
Your marathon journey starts now—with Gerda’s Gospel lighting the way to Cape Town’s date with destiny.
How it works:
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Enter the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 19 October 2025.
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Start, run, and finish the marathon in adidas Running footwear.
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Receive a R2,000 adidas voucher to use online at adidas.co.za (*Ts & Cs apply).
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