Steyn Wins 6th Consecutive Two Oceans Ultramarathon Victory

(The Post News)– South African long-distance runner Gerda Steyn claimed her sixth consecutive title at the Two Oceans ultramarathon on Saturday, finishing the 56km race in a time of 3:29:10.

The race began in Newlands and ended at the University of Cape Town’s rugby field, with Steyn taking the lead early and maintaining it throughout. Although she was on pace to challenge her course record of 3:26:54 set in 2022, she lost momentum on the Chapman’s Peak stretch and ultimately missed out on breaking the record for a fourth time in a row.

Despite this, Steyn finished well ahead of her closest competitor, Shelmith Muriuki of Kenya, who crossed the line in 3:37:50. Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala took third place in 3:40:39. Steyn, 35, noted that her approach was ambitious but calculated. She said her training had gone well and that she felt strong going into the race. While disappointed not to have improved on her record, she expressed satisfaction with the result. Her time is now the third fastest ever recorded in the women’s division of the event—she also holds the two fastest times.

In the men’s race, Lesotho’s Khoarahlane Seutloali emerged victorious in a tightly contested finish, clocking 3:10:49. South Africans Siboniso Sikhakhane (3:11:17) and Lucky Mohale (3:11:26) secured second and third place, respectively. The Two Oceans half-marathon, held on Sunday, was affected by a heatwave, with temperatures reaching the low 30s. As a result, race organisers made a late decision to cut the Canterbury Road dogleg section, shortening the route by approximately 400 metres.

A tragic incident overshadowed Sunday’s race when a runner collapsed on Southern Cross Drive in Constantia and later died. Two Oceans Marathon chairperson Toni Cavanagh confirmed the fatality, offering condolences to the runner’s family and loved ones. Further details have not yet been released.