As the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon returns to Cape Town on Saturday, 11 April 2026, the spotlight will fall firmly on Gerda Steyn, who is aiming for a historic seventh consecutive victory.
Despite her remarkable record, Steyn remains grounded in her approach. She avoids focusing on past success, instead treating each race as a new challenge.
“I don’t think about the race as something that I have won six times, because every year is different,” she explains. “A previous victory doesn’t guarantee a future victory.”
Her mindset has been a key factor in her sustained success, with a strong emphasis on preparation and continuous improvement. Steyn is clear that consistency comes from putting in the work year after year, without becoming complacent.
Building Success Through Preparation
Steyn’s journey at the race began in 2016, when she finished 14th in a time of 4:15:44. Since then, she has steadily built her performance to become the event’s course record holder, with a time of 3:26:54.
Preparation remains central to her strategy. Training out of Dullstroom, she has once again focused on ensuring she is ready for what is expected to be a highly competitive race.
As part of her build-up, Steyn completed some of her training sessions with rising athlete Omuhle Kubheka. Rather than viewing younger runners as rivals, she values the opportunity to train together and share experience.
“It makes me extremely excited to see a young, talented athlete like Omuhle being so passionate about running,” she says. “We were all based in Dullstroom, training towards the same goals, so why not join forces and help each other where we can?”
A Competitive Field Awaits
This year’s race is expected to feature strong competition, including athletes such as Irvette van Zyl, Neheng Khatala and Shelmith Muruiki.
Steyn acknowledges the growing quality and popularity of the race, noting that it requires her to be fully prepared for both expected and unexpected challenges on race day.
“The race has grown so much in popularity and in quality so that means I have to make 110% sure that I am ready,” she says.
Her focus remains on controlling what she can — setting clear goals, preparing thoroughly and staying mentally strong.
Chasing a Historic Moment
Steyn’s consistency has made her one of the most recognisable figures in South African running. Her performances have elevated the standard of competition and inspired many within the sport.
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, highlighted her impact, noting that her run of victories has inspired runners across South Africa and beyond. Similarly, General Manager Wade Bromfield praised her consistency, professionalism and passion for the sport.
As race day approaches, the possibility of a seventh consecutive title adds an exciting dimension to the event. For Steyn, however, the focus remains unchanged: preparation, execution and giving her best performance on the day.
