'The route will be tough and that suits me' - Gerda Steyn to race Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

After a record-breaking performance at the Comrades Marathon in June, Gerda Steyn is back in training and sharpening up her speed. The darling of South African road running and the queen of ultra marathons is in a different phase of her physical preparation as she turns her attention to shorter distance events. The Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans record holder has confirmed her participation in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10km series.

'I'm very excited to share the news that the next time you'll see me racing will be at the first ever Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. It's going to be an awesome day on the beautiful streets of Tshwane. So I hope to see many of you there. Join me and come and have a great time. There's still time to train and there's still time to enter. So get your race number ready and join me on the 27th of August! See you there," she smiled.

Gerda Steyn in action during the 2022 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. Photo Credit: Felix Dlanga

Although the woman who also holds the national 42,2km record (2:25:28) is better known for exploits over the longer distances, her 10km pedigree is not to be underestimated. A 32:24 10km performer at her best, the 33-year-old has enjoyed success during this particular 10km series. In 2019 she placed third (34:30) on a hilly course at the Joburg leg of the series. And with the Absa TSHWANE 10K expected to be just as challenging, Steyn is confident of upsetting one or two of the speedsters.

"It is a great honour for me to be invited. I know the route will be tough and that suits me, so I will be hoping to be competitive on 27 August," said the Adidas top runner. Steyn will line up against 31-minute 10km athlete Glenrose Xaba, Lesotho’s three-time National Record Holder, Neheng Khatala and Ethiopia’s Debash Desta who boasts a half marathon best of 71:01 and is the owner of a 32:14 10km clocking.

The lover of all things Jacaranda. Steyn will relish the opportunity to run through the Jacaranda City. Photo Credit: Supplied.

Managing Director of Stillwater Sports Michael Meyer, who is also the founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, is encouraged by the depth they have been able to assemble for the women's field of the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. "In true Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series form the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K will boast fantastic racing in both the men’s and women’s elite fields. We’re excited that Gerda will line up for her first RUN YOUR CITY Series race of the year. We look forward to welcoming her and all the other elite, category and social runners (and walkers) to the Series’ debut in Tshwane."