'I knew there was something special in me' - Gelant breaks 26-year-old SA 42km Record

Where most athletes his age are slowing down, Elroy Gelant is only getting faster. The 38-year-old three-time Olympian broke new ground on Freedom Day when he laid waste to the 26-year-old marathon record of 2:06:33 run by the great Gert Thys to win the 1999 Tokyo Marathon in Japan. Gelant clocked 2:05:33 to grab fourth position at the Haspa Hamburg Marathon to eclipse Thys' mark by almost a full minute.

Gelant in action at the Killarney Race Course in Cape Town in 2021 before representing South Africa in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo Credit: Cuan Walker.

"It's truly rewarding to see the fruits of all the early mornings and hard work. I'm grateful for the result, and I knew there was something special within me after last year's 11th position at the challenging Paris Olympics," he told #TheTopRunner after his historic run in the German city, which followed his victory during last month’s Bashir's Run 21km race in Belgium in a personal best 60:22.

It's a performance that’s been two years in the making from Boxer Athletic Club top runner whose career as an elite athlete dates back to 2003. After losing form and fitness during the Covid lockdown, the North West University lecturer briefly entertained thoughts of retirement. But a chance meeting with an ex-offender in his hometown of Pacaltsdorp near George where the gangster told Elroy how inspired he was to watch him compete in the final of the 5000m at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Gelant resolved to try again.

Gelant lost fitness and gained weight after the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and briefly considered retiring from competitive running. Photo Credit: Supplied.

His road back to the highest level began with the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia in March, which was followed by his inclusion alongside Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Precious Mashele in the South African team that won the team bronze medal in the 21km race at the World Road Running Championships in September 2023. Then Gelant won both the national marathon and half marathon titles last year before setting a 27:47 10km lifetime best to win the 2024 Absa Run YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. 

"It reflects the discipline, hard work, and determination that I've cultivated over the years," said the Potchefstroom based top runner who is coached by Jean Verster. He explains that being able to run faster than ever before as he approaches 40 years of age has a lot to do with his mindset and focus on recovery.

Gelant crosses the finish line in fourth place at the Hamburg Marathon on 27 April to set a new SA Record. Photo Credit: Rhyn Swanepoel.

"My recovery is crucial to my success. I focus on proper rest, nutrition, and active recovery techniques to bounce back quickly from hard racing. It's all about finding the right balance between pushing my limits and allowing my body to recover effectively."

Pausing to reflect on a day which has been celebrated by the country’s entire running community, Gelant believes that his new 42,2km SA record mirrors the underlying drive towards world class performances that has been characteristic of South African road running in the post-coved era. “I’m excited that we are raising the standard for marathon running in South Africa, but overall, I am deeply grateful for today's remarkable performance.”