The stage is set for an unforgettable Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon on Saturday 11 April, and all eyes are on defending champion Gerda Steyn, a six-time winner who returns with quiet confidence and absolute focus. 

Steyn holds the ultra-marathon women’s course record with a time of 3:26:54…

Steyn holds the Two Oceans Marathon 56km ultra-marathon women’s course record with a time of 3:26:54, set in 2024. She has dominated the event, winning six consecutive titles (2019-2025), and is considered one of the greatest performers in the race’s history.

While Steyn’s past victories speak volumes, she made it clear at today’s press conference that each race is a new race for her and she treats it accordingly.  “Despite my previous experience, I go into each race treating it with respect for the course and for the other runners taking part.”

But don’t mistake that for complacency. Steyn (Hollywood Bets AC) is locked in and every ounce of her preparation geared towards one goal: executing her plan and fighting for another win against what promises to be a world-class field. “I believe I can do it again, and I’ll do whatever I can to achieve my goal.”

There’s a powerful mix of ambition across the elite field:

• Neheng Khathala (Hollywood Bets AC) is ready to use her training in Lesotho’s relentless hills to her advantage, aiming for a smart, podium-worthy run.
• Nedbank Running Club’s Deanne Laubscher is looking forward to racing on Saturday and is eager to see how her race unfolds after a surprise top 10 and sub-4 last year. She claimed the last gold medal with her 10th position in a time of 3:59:11 last year and reflects a deep love for what she calls a “fun, joyous event.”
• In the men’s race, defending champion Joseph Manyedi is taking a bold approach, planning to go out hard with the leaders, while others like Onalenna Khonkhobe return with unfinished business and redemption on their minds.

Off the road, there’s good news for runners too:

• Full refunds guaranteed if the race is cancelled for some reason, or a free entry to the 2027 event.
• Totalsports extends its partnership for another five years.

It’s all building towards a weekend where strategy, heart, and resilience will collide on one of the most iconic courses in the world.

READ MORE ON: elite field two-oceans-ultra-marathon