Gerda Steyn has spent the past few weeks carving through the French Alps like a master sculptor chiselling away at stone, shaping herself for another assault on South Africa’s most treasured stretch of tar.
The queen of ultra-distance running is preparing to defend her Comrades Marathon Up Run crown on 14 June, and if history is any guide, the road from Durban to Pietermaritzburg may once again find itself playing a supporting role in one of the sport’s great performances.
Steyn’s record book already reads like a marathoner’s fairy tale written in permanent ink. The 36-year-old has conquered Comrades four times, claimed an unprecedented seven consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon titles and shattered records with the enthusiasm of a runner splashing through puddles on a rainy training run.
Her achievements have transformed South African ultra-distance running. The athlete affectionately known as the “Smiling Assassin” owns both the Up Run record of 5:49:46 and the Down Run record of 5:44:54. In 2019 she became the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the Up Run, clocking 5:58:53 and opening a door many believed was bolted shut.
This year presents another tantalising opportunity. The official 2026 Up Run distance of 85.777km is the shortest in recent race history, fuelling speculation that records may once again come under siege.
Steyn, though, remains firmly focused on the process rather than the stopwatch.
“I’m really excited to line up for the Comrades Marathon again this year,” she said from her training base in the French Alps.
“My training so far has gone really, really well. Of course, it’s still ongoing, but all is going according to plan, especially after the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon earlier in April.”
The Hollywood Athletics Club star explained that every kilometre of preparation has been tailored to meet the unique demands of the Up Run.
“This year with it being an upran, my training is also specifically tailored in making sure that I am strong on the uphills but also of course it’s a fast race even though it’s almost 90 kilometers the pace is still fast so I’m trying to work on all areas to be 100% ready for race day.”
Steyn’s rise has impressed generations of runners, including legendary nine-time Comrades champion Bruce Fordyce, who believes her accomplishments have elevated the women’s race into uncharted territory.
“Gerda has redefined what is possible in women’s ultra-distance running,” Fordyce said.
“What she has achieved at both Comrades and Two Oceans is extraordinary. She is not only winning these races, she is changing perceptions about how fast they can be run.”
Fordyce believes Steyn’s consistency may be her most remarkable quality.
“To dominate Two Oceans year after year and then produce record-breaking performances at Comrades requires a rare combination of talent, discipline and mental strength. We are witnessing one of the greatest ultra-distance runners South Africa has ever produced.”
Steyn will arrive at the start line wearing Hollywood Athletics Club’s purple colours for only her second Comrades under the club banner.
“I’m really excited to line up for my second comrades marathon in the Hollywood Athletics purple colors. So that will also be really exciting to share the roads with so many other teammates and club mates.”
As race day approaches, anticipation is gathering pace like a pack surging down Polly Shortts. Steyn remains the athlete everyone is chasing, the benchmark by which dreams are measured.
“It’s going to be a very special day, so all the best from my side to everyone lining up this year.”
The road to Pietermaritzburg has humbled many champions. Yet once again it awaits the Smiling Assassin, knowing full well she may leave another record gasping for breath at the finish.
