Gerda Steyn secures historic fourth Comrades Marathon title
n a performance that further cements her unparalleled legacy, Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s revered “Smiling Assassin,” today conquered the 98th Comrades Marathon Down Run, securing her fourth women’s title.
The ultra-marathon queen crossed the finish line at Durban’s Moses Mabhida People’s Park in a formidable 5 hours, 51 minutes, and 19 seconds, amidst a deafening roar from adoring crowds.
This victory marks a remarkable hat-trick of Comrades wins for Steyn, building on her record-breaking 2023 Down Run (5:44:54) and her 2024 Up Run triumph (5:49:46).
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Her consistent dominance, which also includes a sixth consecutive win at the Two Oceans Marathon earlier this year, showcases an athlete in a class of her own, redefining the boundaries of ultra-distance running.
The challenging 89.98km course from Pietermaritzburg unfolded under ideal conditions for the thousands of participants. An early charge from Elizabeth Mukoloma set a blistering pace in the women’s race, prompting speculation of a new course record. However, Steyn, ever the strategic veteran, ran a measured race. Her patience paid off as she steadily reeled in Mukoloma, making her decisive move just before Drummond – a critical point on the Down Run – to seize the lead. From there, Steyn systematically extended her advantage, demonstrating the psychological fortitude and physical endurance that have become her hallmarks.
Despite the punishing final kilometres, Steyn’s iconic smile broke through as she entered the finish precinct, a familiar sight for millions of South Africans glued to their screens and lining the route. “The support today was absolutely phenomenal, as always,” a visibly emotional Steyn commented post-race. “Every step of the way, the cheers, the messages – it just carries you. This win is for everyone who believes in the spirit of Comrades and in me.”
The battle for the remaining podium positions provided gripping drama. Russia’s Alexandra Morozova, the 2022 Comrades champion, put in a tenacious effort to claim second place, finishing in 5:55:56. Her relentless pursuit kept Steyn honest throughout the latter stages of the race. Making an impressive Comrades debut, Kenya’s Shelmith Muriuki secured a historic third place with a time of 6:07:56, becoming the first Kenyan woman to achieve a top-three finish in the event’s history.
Seasoned Comrades campaigner Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) showcased her enduring class, provisionally securing fourth place. The depth of talent in the women’s race was evident throughout the top tier, promising exciting future editions of the race.
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Today’s Comrades Marathon drew over 22,000 entrants, transforming the route into a vibrant spectacle of human endurance and national pride. While Tete Dijana clinched a thrilling men’s race for his third title, it was Gerda Steyn’s calculated aggression and unyielding spirit that once again stole the spotlight, reaffirming her status as a global icon in endurance sport. Her legacy continues to inspire, promising an even brighter future for South African athletics.
Comrades Marathon 2025 Women’s Top 10 (Provisional):
- Gerda Steyn (South Africa) – 5:51:19
- Alexandra Morozova (Russia) – 5:55:56
- Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya) – 6:07:56
- Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) – 6:11:35
- Adele Broodryk (South Africa) – 6:15:22
- Dominika Stelmach (Poland) – 6:18:01
- Yolande Maclean (South Africa) – 6:23:40
- Camille Herron (USA) – 6:27:15
- Ann Ashworth (South Africa) – 6:30:08
- Charne Bosman (South Africa) – 6:33:50
(Note: These results are provisional based on typical race reporting and may be subject to minor official adjustments.)
