Steyn banks R1.2m with record-breaking Comrades Marathon victory

Gerda Steyn set a new Comrades Marathon record on Sunday. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Gerda Steyn set a new Comrades Marathon record on Sunday. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Published Jun 10, 2019

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JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s Gerda Steyn won R1.2m with her record-breaking up-run victory in the Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

Steyn stopped the clock in 5 hours 58 minutes 53 seconds, smashing the up-run record over 10 minutes faster than the 6:09:23 of Russian Elena Nurgalieva in 2004.

The 29-year-old’s hefty payday comprised a first prize of R500,000 plus a R500,000 incentive for breaking the up-run record; in addition to the prize for the first South African which was another R200,000.Steyn was also an incredible 18:48 ahead of second-placed Alexandra Morozova of Russia. 

A shout out to these two champ!! Thanks for all the great training! Time to tackle the big one!! @nedbanksport @ActionPhotoSA pic.twitter.com/WBJ1IU6WWi

— Gerda Steyn (@gerdarun) June 8, 2019

“I can’t believe it. I can’t even feel my legs at the moment,” Steyn said. “I feel blessed and grateful for my race today.

“Last year I was so focussed on my plan, and this year I took it the way I felt, and when I realised the record was on I knew that’s where my race was really starting.

“I gave it my all and left everything on the road.” 

African News Agency (ANA)

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