'My talent is a gift from God' - Queen Gerda reigns supreme at Two Oceans

South African running queen Gerda Steyn produced a scintillating run of 3:26:54 to break her Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon record for the second time in consecutive years. The previous feat was 2:29:04 and she shattered her feat by an astonishing 2 minutes with rival Irvette van Zyl (3:29:30) forced to settle for second spot in the third fastest women's Two Oceans finishing time in history and Loveness Madziva (3:28:00) securing an impressive for third position in . 

The 34-year-old Steyn has been in outstanding form over the past two months as she set a new course records on the way to victories at the Vaal Marathon and Om Die Dam 50km race. The Phantane Athletics Club top runner executed her well planned race to the tee, as she grabbed the lead from van Zyl at the 28km to take charge of the 56km race. From then onwards she raced towards a record fifth victory in a row. Speaking after her record-breaking run, Steyn was grateful for the love that she continues to receive from her family and supporters across the country. 

"This victory holds immense personal significance for me, and I’m eager to share it with everyone who supported and cheered me on. Today’s outcome fills me with gratitude," said Steyn, who is also the national record over the standard marathon distance after running 2:24:03 at the Valencia Marathon in December.

 “The victory I achieved wouldn’t have been possible without the crowd's and my family's incredible support. I believe my talent is a gift from God, and sharing it with others is only right. Today, as the crowd cheered and my family, who drove through the night to be here, watched in anticipation, I felt motivated. Their unwavering support means everything to me," she told SuperSport's Thato Moeng moments after crossing the finish line wearing her trademark golden smile.

In the men's race rising star Onalenna Khonkhobe secured a biggest victory of his career to outclass the field with 3km to go. Khonkhobe who is coached by Pio Mofokeng covered the 56km distance in a time of 3:09:30. His teammate at Nedbank Running Club Lloyd Bosman, who earlier this year won the Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon, followed him home in 3:09:58. Defending champion Givemore Mudzinganyama of Entsika AC took the last podium position thanks to a 3:11:13 finish.