Gerda Steyn hits big six in Two Oceans ultramarathon

Gerda Steyn clinched a record sixth consecutive Two Oceans ultramarathon victory after crossing the finish line at the University of Cape Town’s rugby field in a time of 3:29:10 on Saturday.

While Steyn has made her stamp as the queen of the 56km Two Oceans route, she was, however, not quick enough to better her record time (3:26:54) for a fourth time in succession.

She sped into the lead at the start of the race in Newlands and kept it to Muizenberg. She seemed on track for a record-shattering time, but faltered on Chapman’s Peak.

Such is the standard set by the 35-year-old Steyn that she finished more than eight minutes ahead of her closest competitor, Shelmith Muriuki of Kenya, despite not having the perfect second half. Muriuki’s time was 3:37:50.

“To go out with a strategy like that comes with risks, so I also had to keep in mind how I felt and how the second half of my race would play out,” said Steyn.

“In my training, I knew I was in good shape. I really felt strong, and I tried to focus on the hills coming into the race, so I knew I was in shape for the record, and I’m sure I could have done it, and I could still do it in future.

“But I’m not feeling like it was half a win. It wasn’t. I’m 100 percent happy with the result.”

Steyn’s time was the third fastest time in the women’s Two Oceans, with the two fastest belonging to her as well.

Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala finished third in 3:40:39.

In the men’s race, which was a lot more competitive, Lesotho’s Khoarahlane Seutloali won in 3:10:49. South Africa’s Siboniso Sikhakhane was second, with a time of 3:11:17, while compatriot Lucky Mohale claimed third in 3:11:26.

Khoarahlane Seutloali of Lesotho wins the men's event. (Photo: Peter Heeger/Gallo Images)

Heatwave

The Two Oceans half-marathon took place on Sunday, but because of temperatures in the early 30s, the organisers amended the route.

The dog leg in Canterbury Road, below Kirstenbosch, was cancelled, making the route approximately 400m shorter.

A runner competing in the Two Oceans half-marathon died on Sunday; however, details are short at this point. The runner was seen receiving medical attention at Southern Cross Drive in Constantia.

“We can confirm that a fatality occurred during the half-marathon event of the Two Oceans Marathon on the morning of Sunday, 6 April 2025,” the Two Oceans chairperson, Toni Cavanagh, told Daily Maverick. “We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the runner at this incredibly difficult time.”  DM

Two Oceans ultramarathon results

Men: 1 Khoarahlane Seutloali (LES) 3:10:46, 2 Siboniso Sikhakhane (RSA) 3:11:17, 3 Lucky Mohale (RSA) 3:11:26, 4 Nkosikhona Mhalkwana (RSA) 3:11:52, 5 Mphatso Nadolo (MAL) 3:12:08, 6 Lebello Mopenyane (LES) 3:12:44, 7 Lebenya Nkoka (LES) 3:13:06, 8 Lekhotla Pulinyana (LES) 3:13:40, 9 Sithembiso Mqhele (RSA) 3:14:12, 10 Pule Sibeko (RSA) 3:14:56

Women: 1 Gerda Steyn (RSA) 3:29:10, 2 Shelmith Muriuki (KEN) 3:37:50, 3 Neheng Khatala (LES) 3:40:38, 4 Carla Molinaro (GBR) 3:43:44, 5 Dikeledi Majara (LES) 3:46:23, 6 Nobuhle Tshuma (ZIM) 3:51:12, 7 Worke Amena (ETH) 3:51:56, 8 Meseret Biru (ETH) 3:35:18, 9 Landie Greyling (RSA) 3:57:38, 10 Deanne Laubscher (RSA) 3:59:11