Four-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn says she will approach Sunday’s race as though it is her last as she bids to secure a historic fifth title in the Ultimate Human Race.
Speaking at the official Comrades Marathon media briefing at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel on Thursday, Steyn reflected on the challenge that awaits her and the respect she continues to have for one of the world’s toughest ultra-marathons.
“Comrades will always humble you at some point in the journey. I feel like I’m still learning how to run this race. But when I line up this Sunday, I will run this Comrades like it’s my last run,” she said.
The atmosphere at the media briefing was one of excitement and anticipation as some of the world’s top ultra-marathon runners gathered ahead of the 98th running of the iconic race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
At the centre of attention was Steyn, South Africa’s ultra-distance queen and one of the most dominant athletes in Comrades Marathon history.
Dressed in her team colours and greeting fellow athletes and members of the media with her trademark smile, there was little indication of the immense challenge that awaits on Sunday. Yet beneath her calm demeanour lies a competitor who has repeatedly rewritten the Comrades record books.
Steyn first made history in 2019 when she became the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the Up Run, winning in a remarkable time of 5:58:53. She added further victories in 2023, 2024 and 2025, cementing her status as the woman to beat whenever she lines up at the start.
Her 2024 performance remains one of the most memorable in the race’s history. Running the gruelling route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, she shattered her own Up Run record and crossed the finish line in an astonishing 5:49:46.
Despite her success, Steyn insists she continues to approach the race with humility.
As journalists gathered around her during the briefing, it became clear that her motivation extends beyond adding another title to her collection.
She spoke passionately about the Comrades community, the thousands of runners who spend months preparing for race day, and the supporters who line the route from the early hours of the morning until the final runners make their way home.
This year’s race theme, “Ska Fela Moya” – Don’t Give Up – holds special meaning for many participants who will spend hours battling fatigue, pain and self-doubt on the road to Pietermaritzburg.
For Steyn, it is also a reminder of why she continues to return to the race year after year.
A fifth Comrades title would further cement her place among the legends of the Ultimate Human Race. However, judging by her comments ahead of Sunday’s event, her focus remains firmly on the challenge itself rather than the history books.
Sunday’s race will once again test her strength, determination and mental resilience.
But if history is anything to go by, Gerda Steyn will arrive at the start line ready to give everything she has — running every step as though it may be her last.
