Ultra-marathon legend Gerda Steyn will return to her roots on October 25 to test her speed against top talent at the inaugural Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10k. Steyn, known as the "Smiling Assassin," has officially committed to running the event in her hometown, marking a special homecoming for the athlete. As the undisputed Queen of Ultra-marathon running in South Africa, Steyn boasts seven Two Oceans Marathon titles and five Comrades Marathon crowns.
Steyn's presence on the starting line brings genuine star power to the event, although she is unlikely to threaten for the title in Mangaung. Her exceptional speed across every distance from 10km to 90km has truly fuelled her dominance in ultra-marathon running. The event, scheduled for October 25, will provide Steyn with an opportunity to meet new faces from the running community, as she typically doesn't cross paths with them at marathons and ultras.
For Steyn, participating in the Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10k feels like a true homecoming—a full-circle moment, especially since she’s never actually raced in the Free State or the Northern Cape. “The Free State is where I grew up and where I went to university. Being part of this first Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K feels like a true homecoming—a full-circle moment," said Steyn.
Steyn recently claimed victory at both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons this year. Following a short recovery period, she tested her grit on the trails at Switzerland’s iconic Jungfrau-Marathon on September 6. Turning her attention back to the road, Steyn explained that stepping down to race 10km in Mangaung provides the ideal change of pace.
According to Steyn, training and racing for a 10km is completely different from the long distances. “There’s no margin for error. You have to be ready to push from the gun, which forces me to stay sharp and focus on speedwork," she noted. Steyn hopes to deliver a strong performance at the Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K, with her goal being to get the absolute best out of herself on race day.
Steyn's decision to participate in the event is also driven by her desire to experience the energy of the crowds and the strong competition alongside her. The event will provide her with an opportunity to assess her current form and gauge her performance against other top athletes. Steyn's homecoming event is expected to draw a large crowd, with many fans eager to see her in action.
The Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10k is set to take place on October 25, with Steyn and other top athletes competing for top honors. With her impressive track record and exceptional speed, Steyn is sure to be a strong contender in the event, despite her claims that she won't be targeting the top spot.
Key points
- Gerda Steyn to run inaugural Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10k on October 25.
- Steyn's participation in the event marks a special homecoming for the athlete.
- The event will provide Steyn with an opportunity to assess her current form and gauge her performance against other top athletes.
