Gerda Steyn, Two Oceans Ultra Marathon record-breaker, focused on 5th consecutive win

Clarence Ford speaks to Gerda Steyn, who broke records in last year's Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.

The 56-kilometre Ultra Marathon is on 13 April, while the 21-kilometre Half Marathon is on 14 April.

Both races start in Claremont along Main Road and Dean Street, and finish at UCT's upper campus rugby fields.

The Ultra is scheduled to start at 5.15am, while the Half Marathon is set to for a 6.15am start.

In last year's Ultra Marathon, Steyn set a new course record of 3:29:06.

In last year's 96th Comrades Marathon, Steyn won the women’s race in a record time of 5:44:56, ten minutes less than her winning time in 1989.

After crossing the finish line last year, Steyn still had enough energy to run an extra lap for the crowd - another record. 

The world-famous professional runner and four-time Two Oceans competitor, is warming up for an unprecedented fifth successive win, as well as preparing for the Paris Olympics in August.

"I've been practicing and training for this race since the beginning of this year. I have been 100% focused on preparing myself to be ready on Saturday for this specific race and this specific course. And hopefully it will all come together on the day where I will run to the best of my abilities and do what I've been practicing."

- Gerda Steyn, professional marathon athlete

For Steyn, mental training is key.

"The mental side of running the Two Oceans and Comrades is often very similar, but I think that ultra mindset is important to practice whether you're aiming for the cut-off or the win. You have to have that mental strength to conquer the route."

- Gerda Steyn, professional marathon athlete

If you're also gearing up for this weekend's races, Steyn shares some champion-making advice.

"Remember to take it easy in the first half of the race. The second part of the race is much more challenging with the hills waiting for us. So keep your energy for the later stages of the race, and don't forget to enjoy it. It's a very special race and I'm very privileged to be part of it."

- Gerda Steyn, professional marathon athlete

These roads are scheduled for closure to accommodate the race.

For more race info, see https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/.