Steyn crossed the finish line in 3:26:54. As far as victories go, she has now surpassed Monica Drogemoller and Elena Nurgalieva, each of whom previously won the race four times.

In the men’s race, another Central South African took the gold.  Onalenna Khonkhobe from Klerksdorp finished the race in 3:09:30 and with it won his first Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Khonkhobe made his debut last year, but finished in sixth place after he stumbled and fell.  He dominated the 22nd Dis-chem Half Marathon this year, driving speculation that the Taung-born Khonkhobe could be South African ultra-racing’s next big thing.

Another South African, Lloyd Bosman from George came second in 3:09:58, followed by previous winner Givemore Mudzinganyama from Zimbabwe in 3:11:13. This was Bosman’s second Two Oceans Ultra.  He finished 12th in last year’s race.

In the women’s race, Two Oceans veteran Irvette van Zyl finished second in a stunning time of 3:29:30 – the third fastest time ever by a woman.  Loveness Madziva came third in 3:38:00.

The top 10 men are:

• Onalenna Khonkhobe (RSA) – 3:09:30
• Lloyd Bosman (RSA) – 3:09:58
• Givemore Mudzinganyama (Zimbabwe)– 3:11:13
• Lebello Mopenyane (Lesotho) – 3:11:21
• Mphatso Nadolo (Malawi) – 3:11:35
• Lebenya Nkoka (Lesotho) – 3:12:33
• Degefa Lafebo (Ethiopia) – 3:12:47
• Khoarahlane Seutloali (Lesotho) – 3:13:50
• Pule Sibeko (RSA) – 3:14:21
• Lyno Muchena (Zimbabwe) – 3:14:41

The top 10 women are:

• Gerda Steyn (RSA) – 3:26:54 (new course record)
• Irvette van Zyl (RSA) – 3:29:30
• Loveness Madziva (Zimbabwe) – 3:38:00
• Jenet Mbhele (RSA) – 3:41:08
• Carla Natalia Molinaro (Great Britain) – 3:42:17
• Andrea Pomaranski (USA) – 3:44:28
• Caitriona Jennings (Ireland) – 3:46:47
• Adele Broodryk (RSA) – 3:47:50
• Zinhle Shabalala (RSA) – 3:53:39
• Steph Mccall (Great Britain) – 3:55:48

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger