Gerda Steyn can often be coy about her racing schedule outside of the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons, which is why it comes as a breath of fresh air that the “Smiling Assassin” will return to her hometown to challenge the speed merchants over 10km.
Steyn has officially committed to running the inaugural Absa Run Your City Mangaung on October 25.
While Steyn is the undisputed Queen of Ultra-marathon running in South Africa—boasting seven Two Oceans Marathon titles and five Comrades Marathon crowns—it is her exceptional speed across every distance from 10km to 90km that has truly fuelled her dominance.
Although Steyn is unlikely to threaten for the title in Mangaung, her presence on the starting line brings genuine star power to the event.
“The Free State is where I grew up and where I went to university. Being part of this first Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K feels like a true homecoming—a full-circle moment, especially since I’ve never actually raced in the Free State or the Northern Cape,” said Steyn.
“I’m sure I will recognise every corner and turn along the route. Racing a 10km also exposes me to a different side of the running community because I get to meet new faces that I don’t usually cross paths with at marathons and ultras. It’s a very special opportunity.”
Steyn once again claimed victory at both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons this year. Following a short recovery period, she tested her grit on the trails at Switzerland’s iconic Jungfrau-Marathon on September 6.
Turning her attention back to the road, Steyn explained that stepping down to race 10km in Mangaung provides the ideal change of pace.
“I always find that stepping down from the ultra and marathon distances to race a 10km is incredibly beneficial. After strong runs at the Totalsports Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons this year, I’ve taken time to recover and am back on the road building my speed,” Steyn noted.
“Training and racing for a 10km is completely different from the long distances. There’s no margin for error. You have to be ready to push from the gun, which forces me to stay sharp and focus on speedwork. On October 25th, I hope to deliver a strong performance at the Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K. I’m looking forward to the energy of the crowds and the strong competition alongside me. My goal is simply to get the absolute best out of myself on race day—that’s all I can ask.”
@MichaelSherman
IOL Sport
