RUN247
Search
shop
RUN247 / Running News / Comrades Marathon: Gerda Steyn eyes second record

Comrades Marathon: Gerda Steyn eyes second record

Olly Green
Reporter
Updated on
SHOP
PERFORM BETTER, RECOVER FASTER
DISCOVER MORE

With the 2023 Comrades Marathon fast approaching, attention turns to the start list and potential favourites for one of the toughest ultra running races in the world.

This year is a ‘down’ race with an official race distance of 87.7km – the current women’s record was set by British runner set by Frith Van der Merwe in 1989, when she ran a 5:54:43.

But is this the year that record will finally be broken? While the men’s field features the 2022 winner, a packed women’s race sees one competitor tipped for greatness as runners gun for an array of prizes.

Advertisement

Steyn seeks history

Gerda Steyn already has the ‘up’ women’s record, a 5:58:53 set in 2019, but now she has the chance to secure the ‘down’ record to go along with it.

She did not compete last year, focusing on the New York Marathon, but found time to take another of Van der Merwe’s long-standing records when she ran Two Oceans 2022 in a time of 3:29:45 – this year she returns to seek the Comrades title once more.

Gerda Steyn at the 2019 Comrades Marathon
Gerda Steyn at the 2019 Comrades Marathon. [Photo credit: Comrades Marathon]

She’ll face competition from another previous winner, Ann Ashworth who won in a time of 6:10:03 in 2018.

Adele Broodryk, a Nedbank runner, came third on her Comrades debut last year and will be another strong contender – she has now won the Om Die Dam Marathon two years in a row after picking up the 2023 title.

Advertisement

No Herron

American ultrarunner Camille Herron was set to be one of the biggest names running at the race – she won the Comrades Marathon in 2017 and is a true legend of the ultrarunning scene.

This year she has already set the 48-hour record for the furthest distance ran on track, but she has pulled out of the Comrades Marathon as she wants to fully focus on Western States later this month.

Russian Alexandra Morozova was last year’s winner in the absence of Steyn, but she’ll be hoping she can prove she can win even with the favourite present. She previously finished second in 2017 and 2019, while she came third in 2018. 2022 runner-up, Poland’s Dominika Stelmach, also returns.

Ireland’s Caitriona Jennings is another notable name. She earnt the final spot on the podium in 2019 and the Donegal woman has a score of impressive podium finishes over the past year.

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.

THE SBRX Show

In episode 1 of our new SBRX Show we sit down with ultra runners and coaches Kim and Jayson Cavill to get their take on the Barkley Marathons and triathlon & trail running gear reviews, training tips and more

Latest Running News

Fernanda Maciel celebrates FKT Seven Summits 2024 photo credit Red Bull content pool
Fuelled on an instant noodle, Brazilian ultrarunner sets another incredible FKT on Seven Summits quest
Jasmin Paris climbing Barkley Marathons loop three 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Jasmin Paris’ Barkley Marathons feat is shortlisted for ‘Moment of the Year’ award
Judith Wyder Mallorca by UTMB 2024 photo credit UTMB
Runner safety the top priority as storms force cancellation of Mallorca by UTMB races
David Roche Javelina Jundred 2024 photo credit Aravaipa Running
“Your favourite runner’s favourite runner” – FANTASTIC footage as David Roche earns Golden Ticket for Western States
Lazarus Lake Barkley Marathons
“There is no winner in a tie,” says Barkley Marathons guru Laz Lake – but understands Belgian trio’s call at Backyard Ultra Team Championships
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...