Comrades champ Steyn opts for 5km run in Durban

Double Olympian Gerda Steyn, the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon champion will be in the field for the Boxer Super Run in Durban tomorrow.

The Boxer Super Run promoters Stillwater Sports announced this week that South Africa’s marathon champion Steyn had entered the 5km road race. She will use the Durban hit out as a training exercise but she could be R20 000 richer by the time she crosses the finish line at Blue Lagoon Park, Durban.

Men and women winners will each bag the R20 000 winner’s purse. Steyn has a formidable 5km personal best of 15:45 and this shows she’ll be a strong contender for line honours tomorrow.

“'The Boxer Super Run aligns perfectly with my training plans,” said Steyn. “I’m thrilled to be part of this event. A 5km road race is a fantastic concept for social and elite runners in South Africa, and I’d love to see it grow from strength to strength.”

“I enjoy that the 5km is somewhat unfamiliar territory for me. This will make it a fresh challenge and a great way to gauge my fitness.

“My goal will be to run a strong race and compete at my best. I don’t have a specific time in mind. I’ll assess the weather, and how my body feels on the day but I’ll give it my all!"

Lee-Ann Pillay of sponsors Boxer Superstores said the event had enjoyed a massive boost with the South African athletics icon in the field.

“We are excited to welcome Steyn, a true South African running icon, to the Boxer Super Run in Durban, ” said Pillay

“With her impressive achievements, from winning the 2024 Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons to competing at the Paris Olympics, Steyn’s participation adds prestige to the event. We can’t wait to see her in action and know that her presence will inspire runners to give their best on race day.”

The race starts in Durban at the Snell Parade via Lagoon Drive. The elite women start at 9.45 am, followed by elite men at 10 am.