“What a day!” is how Gerda Steyn described her 2025 Comrades Marathon victory, sensational South African ultramarathon runner showing why she is widely regarded as the queen of her sport, after the gifted South African long-distance runner earned her fourth Comrades win on Sunday, 8 June 2025.
In true Steyn fashion, as she neared the finish line, she had a huge smile on her face and even threw a rose into the crowd. She wrapped up her third win in a row, coming in at 5:51:19, solidifying her status as the star of ultramarathons in Mzansi.
Since her first win in 2019, Steyn’s name has become synonymous with the world-renowned race and this year would be no different as she was well aware that being the defending champion would come with pressure.
However, she continued in her good vein of form and took the lead at the 2:42:37 mark, her pace per kilometre was impressive clocking at 3:45 heading to the four-hour mark of her race. Her victory also sees her become the first runner to win the race with three different running clubs.
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Speaking on SuperSport after her spectacular race Steyn basked in the success of the day. “What a day out on the road, I was taken away by the amazing support from the crowds, and the support I received is something I can’t put into words.”
“My run was dedicated to all those who supported me, my friends, family, volunteers, and supporters. I hope that with my God-given talent, I can inspire young girls to aspire and one day take on running, not to say that it needs to be professional but running as a sport, something that she loves.”
“When it comes to the race it went according to plan, I am very pleased to have bettered my pace from a few years ago, it was an excellent day and thank you to everyone involved.”
2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Comrades Marathon Champion, Gerda Steyn
Steyn finished more than three minutes faster than 2022 champion, Russia’s Alexandra Morozova, with Kenya’s Shelmith Muriuki rounding out the podium with her finish twelve minutes later.
It was a successful day for South Africa’s female runners as Irvette van Zyl and Jenet Mbhele also secured gold medals. Van Zyl finished her race in fourth place, coming in a time of 6:11:35, while Mbhele was seventh with a time of 6:14:24.
Steyn was followed by Russian athlete Alexandra Morozova, who came in second across the finish line in 5:55:56. Shelmith Muriuki of Kenya rounded up the final podium place with her time of 6:07:56.
2025 Comrades Marathon Elite Finisher Results
1. Gerda Steyn (RSA) 5:51:19
2. Alexandra Morozova (RUS) 5:55:56
3. Shelmith Muriuki (KEN) 6:07:56
4. Irvette van Zyl (RSA) 6:11:35
5. Dominika Stelmach (POL) 6:12:02
6. Carla Molinaro (GBR) 6:13:03
7. Jenet Mbhele (RSA) 6:14:24
8. Caitriona Jennings (IRE) 6:16:42
9. Courtney Olsen (USA) 6:17:48
10. Melissah Gibson (GBR) 6:19:49
Main Photo Caption: “What a day!” is how Gerda Steyn described her 2025 Comrades Marathon victory, the sensational South African ultramarathon runner showing why she is regarded the queen of her sport after she raced to her fourth Comrades win, in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, on Sunday, 8 June 2025. Photo: Pierre Tostee / Gerda Steyn
