Gerda Steyn knows the road to glory can be paved with surprises, and the South African distance-running queen is expecting a fierce fight when the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km fires into life at Nasrec on Sunday at 7:30am.
A whopping 12 000 entrants are expected to turn the occasion into a celebration of running, community and personal achievement. At the sharp end of the elite women’s contest, Steyn faces a compelling challenge from Hollywood Athletics Club teammate Neheng Khatala and UK-born athlete Emma Pallant-Browne.
With back-to-back champion Fridah Ndinda absent, the door to the title is open, but Steyn knows the chasing pack will be eager to sprint through it.
@gerdarun Steyn is chasing @HollywoodbetsJoburg 10km glory! The seven-time @2OceansMarathon and five-time @ComradesRace champion expects a fierce battle at Nasrec, with R40 000 on the line. Can the ultra queen conquer 10km? Sunday, 7:30am. #Joburg10km #HollywoodbetsJoburg10K pic.twitter.com/3G3pr1fc22
— Adnaan Mohamed (@Adnaan1111) October 16, 2026
The seven-time Two Oceans Marathon and five-time Comrades Marathon champion finished second behind the Kenyan last year. Now, the Hollywood Athletics Club star is chasing redemption in the third edition, with R40 000 awaiting the winner.
Despite her formidable résumé and growing confidence over 10km, Steyn refuses to take victory for granted. The 36-year-old played down expectations and warned that the shorter distance can turn a race into a tactical roller coaster.
“The 10km race dynamic is very unpredictable, and I know that there will be strong competition on Sunday. Yes, the previous winner is not here, but there are many other elite runners, so just to finish on the podium will be an amazing achievement for me.”
Her caution is understandable. Marathon and ultra-marathon experience brings endurance, discipline and tactical nous, but a 10km race demands another gear. There is little room to settle into a comfortable rhythm when the pace is relentless and every second counts.
Steyn is embracing that challenge, making shorter races an increasingly important part of her annual programme.
“It’s very exciting for me to line up in yet another 10km race because I always find the 10km race distance so challenging and so different to the marathons and ultra-marathons. These races play a very specific role in my preparation throughout the year.
“You have to challenge yourself at a much faster pace and you have to remain focused during each and every single second of the race.”
Her preparations have also taken a new turn. Steyn has introduced trail running into her training routine as she builds towards a 100km trail race next year, adding a different dimension to the workload of one of South Africa’s most accomplished endurance athletes.
Sunday’s contest therefore offers more than a shot at silverware. It is another opportunity to sharpen her speed, test her racing instincts and build momentum for a demanding 2027 season.
The two-time Olympian also has a message for the 12 000 entrants preparing to take on the event, particularly first-timers who may find the starting line more intimidating than the kilometres ahead.
Her advice is to enjoy the experience, trust the training and savour the opportunity to participate in one of South Africa’s biggest road-running events.
With thousands of runners set to bring Nasrec’s roads alive, Sunday promises a festival of fitness, ambition and personal milestones. At the sharp end, Steyn will have her eyes on the prize, knowing that 10km racing rewards courage, concentration and a well-timed kick.
The ultra-distance queen has conquered some of South Africa’s toughest roads. At Nasrec, the challenge is to make every second count.
