By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Tim Feirreira, Tobias Ginsberg
Seen Here: Gerda Steyn on the way to her seventh Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD victory. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
In a gripping display of endurance, tactical discipline, and sheer willpower, the women’s marathon delivered a dramatic yet decisive finale as Gerda Steyn surged to victory, crossing the line in 03:43:00 to claim top honours in a fiercely contested race.
Steyn’s performance was a masterclass in race management. Maintaining a controlled and measured pace through the early and middle stages, she remained composed within the leading pack before executing a perfectly timed surge in the closing stretch. Her ability to conserve energy and accelerate when it mattered most proved decisive, allowing her to break clear and stamp her authority on the race in the final kilometres.
“I trusted my pacing and waited for the right moment to make the move. In a race like this, timing is everything,” Steyn reflected after her victory.
Hot on her heels was Neheng Khatala, who secured second place with a time of 03:43:43. Khatala delivered a strong and disciplined performance, staying within contention throughout and pushing hard in the closing stages, but ultimately fell short of matching Steyn’s late acceleration.
Seen Here: Arthur Jantjies on the way to his first Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD victory. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Completing the podium was Courtney Olsen, who crossed the line in 03:44:40 to take third place. Olsen showcased impressive consistency and endurance, remaining competitive throughout and ensuring a tightly contested podium separated by less than two minutes.
The race itself was characterised by shifting dynamics, with no clear frontrunner in the early stages. Instead, a tactical battle unfolded, as the leading athletes carefully balanced pace and positioning. As the kilometres wore on, the intensity escalated, culminating in a thrilling closing segment that tested both physical limits and mental fortitude.
Seen Here: The elite men’s field in action during the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
This edition of the marathon will be remembered not only for its dramatic finish but also for the depth of competition among the leading runners. With all three podium finishers delivering sub-3:45 performances, the race underscored the growing standard and competitiveness in women’s long-distance running.
For Gerda Steyn, the victory marks another significant milestone, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most formidable marathon runners on the African circuit. Meanwhile, Khatala and Olsen’s performances highlight a competitive field that promises even more compelling contests in the future.
As the dust settles, the race stands as a powerful reminder of marathon running at its finest—where patience, precision, and perfectly timed execution define champions.
Seen Here: The Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD Race Village at the ground of the majestic UCT.. Photo Credit: Tim Feirreira
