We fought and we did it – Steyn after breaking SA women’s marathon record

Steyn fought to claim SA record

JOHANNESBURG, April 12 (ANA) – Gerda Steyn on Sunday said she was highly motivated to make the SA women’s marathon record her own.

Steyn set a new SA mark of 2:25:28 with her ninth place in the Xiamen Marathon and Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race in Siena, Italy, on Sunday.

The 31-year-old beat the previous record held by Colleen de Reuck of 2:26:35, which she set at the 1996 Berlin Marathon.

Steyn said in a facebook post: “Happiness all round in Siena!! We ran and we fought and we DID IT!!!

“Super happy with my time of 2:25:28 and a new NR!”

The reigning Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon champion has had to contend with race cancellations and constantly changing racing calendars, on her way to her record-breaking exploits.

“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!!”

Steyn was joined by compatriot Irvette van Zyl at the race, who also clocked a personal best with her time of 2:28:40 as she claimed 13th position.

Steyn continued: “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 PB’s with Irvette van Zyl who also ran a huge PB of 2:28:40.”

Both Steyn and Van Zyl achieved Olympic qualifying times as they ran under 2:29:30. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman