Steyn set the new benchmark at 2:25:28, as she finished ninth at the Sienna Tuscany Camp marathon in Italy.

The reigning Comrades Marathon champion, Steyn, better the record of Colleen de Reuck which she set at 2:26:35 in 1996.

Irvette van Zyl finished 13th in 2:28:40 to become the 13th South African athlete to obtain a qualifying standard for the Tokyo Olympics.

Steyn was delighted with her new South African record, especially after missing out on the record last year.

“Super happy with my time of 2:25:28 and a new national record.”

“Worked really hard and just wanted it so badly after narrowly missing the record time last year.

“There’s a lot that I still want to say about the entire experience but for now it’s time to celebrate personal bests with Irvette van Zyl who also ran a huge PB of 2:28:40.

“Thank you so much to each and everyone who was part of this. My appreciation goes far beyond running 42.2km and also for everyone who believed in me!

“This one was for all of us.”

Elana Meyer’s 2:25:15 at the 1994 Boston Marathon isn't regarded as an official record because it was done on an aided course.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport