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Can anyone challenge Gerda Steyn 'The Smiling Assassin' at the Comrades Marathon?

Can anyone challenge Gerda Steyn 'The Smiling Assassin' at the Comrades Marathon?

IOL News04-06-2025
DIFFICULT TO PREDICT? Gerda Steyn (pictured), a three-time Comrades Marathon champion and six-time Two Oceans winner, faces strong competition from Irvette van Zyl, who possesses incredible speed and endurance, as they prepare for the Comrades Marathon down run in Pietermaritzburg. Picture: Henk Kruger Independent Media
Gerda Steyn will once again have a massive target on her back when she lines up in Pietermaritzburg for the Comrades Marathon down run on Sunday.
That's for good reason though, as the three-time champion will be difficult to beat if her race goes according to plan.
Last year, Steyn's incredible time of five hours, 49 minutes and 46 seconds (5:49:56) bettered her own 'up-run' record by almost 10 minutes.
'The Smiling Assassin' will also be looking to achieve the 'rare double' of winning the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon in the same year for the fourth time.
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