‘It’s a moment I’ll never ever forget’: Gerda Steyn on setting a new record at the Two Oceans Marathon

As she battled up a steep hill, she thought of throwing in the towel. Her legs felt like jelly, her body ached and every inch of energy felt drained away at that point.

But giving up wasn’t an option for Gerda Steyn. She’d waited two years to take part in the Two Oceans Marathon after the 2020 and 2021 races were cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. She pushed through the pain and conquered that hill in Hout Bay, Cape Town. And it’s a good thing she did.

Not only did the long-distance runner defend her 2019 Two Oceans Marathon title – she set a new record, becoming the first woman to complete the race in under three and a half hours.