Gerda Steyn set a new up-run record at the Comrades Marathon, earning a total of R2.3 million in prizemoney for her fifth overall victory and fourth consecutive win. Picture: Comrades Marathon/Facebook
Image: Comrades Marathon/Facebook
Gerda Steyn stormed to victory in record time in the Comrades Marathon women’s race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Steyn set a new up-run record as she crossed the line in a time of 5:44:53. It was the fourth title in a row for Steyn, and her fifth win overall in the Ultimate Human Race.
Taking second was Nobukhosi Tshuma in a time of 5:53:36, followed by Irvette van Zyl in third in 6:02:30.
Steyn finally edged ahead at the four-hour mark, as she broke away from Nobukhosi Tshuma.
For her win, Steyn earned a first place prize of R925,000, another R242,000 as the first South African and a whopping R605,000 for the new race record. In addition Steyn was awarded a further R550,000 for the fastest average pace record. That all adds up to an incredible R2.3m for the Smiling Assassin.
1 Gerda Steyn 5:44:53 (R2,322,000)
2 Nobukhosi Tshuma 5:53:36 (R464,000)
3 Irvette van Zyl 6:02:30 (R334,000)
4 Shelmith Muruiki 6:06:38 (R168,00)
5 Naomi Robinson 6:07:55 (R131,000)
6 Loveness Madziva 6:09:54 (R76,000)
7 Courtney Olsen 6:11:20 (R66,00)
8 Dikiledi Majara 6:12:29 (R58,000)
9 Jenet Mbhele 6:13:08 (R49,000)
10 Carla Molinaro 6:14:04 (R39,000)