By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gerda Steyn has spectacularly claimed a record-breaking third consecutive Two Oceans Marathon title in Cape Town on a sunny Sunday morning.
Steyn was simply spectacular, securing her third straight victory at the popular race by storming home in 3:29:42 as she broke the women’s record of 3:30:36 which had been set by Frith van der Merwe in 1989.
After sitting back patiently in a quick contest, the 32-year-old South African launched a late surge to pass compatriot Irvette van Zyl with just two kilometres remaining.
“It was an incredible race, fast from the gun, and there were sparks from the first kilometre,” Steyn said.
“I was a little worried around the marathon (42m) mark because I did not feel very strong, but I kept my faith and I feel so blessed to have won the race today.”
Van Zyl also did well to dip under the previous record, holding on to finish second in 3:30:31. She was well clear of Ehtiopia’s Amelework Bosho, who clocked 3:34:16 in third place just six weeks after winning the Nedbank Runified 50km race in Gqeberha, as the foreign challenge faded in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, there was heartache in a thrilling men’s race for Nkosikhona Mhlakwana, who agonisingly missed out on a maiden title in battle with Ethiopia’s Edndale Belachew.
The man from Howick tried to build enough of a buffer in the last km to keep his opponent at bay, but Belachew’s superior oomph with the finish line in sight was decisive.
He finished in a time of 3:09:05, just a mere three seconds ahead of Mhlakawana’s 3:09:08.