Cape Town - South Africa’s Gerda Steyn impressed at the Two Oceans Marathon on Saturday when she won the women’s ultra-marathon.
Steyn finished with a time of 3:39:31.
She was followed by Poland’s Dominika Stelmach (3:41:56) and South Africa’s Charne Bosman (3:45:20).
An amazing run from @GerdaSteyn_ who won the Women's Race for the #OMTOM2018 Ultra Marathon. pic.twitter.com/Mu2x88pxsS
— Two Oceans Marathon (@2OceansMarathon) March 31, 2018
"I really can't describe how I feel, except that this is a dream come true,” said Steyn, who was running just her second Two Oceans.
“I woke up this morning not planning to win, but just to run my best and stick to my plan. To win today is such a special moment in my career.”
The day didn't start too encouragingly for Steyn, though, with the runner having to deal with a few niggles before hitting her stride.
“At the start I lost some time and I panicked a little bit. Then at 20km I was not feeling well at all. Thankfully I recovered from there and could then focus on the racing.”
She also managed to focus on Stelmach, who was tantalisingly close in the lead position as Hout Bay neared.
"Dominika was running really well. But coming down Chappies I could see her, and from then she was always in my sights. When I caught her we had a quick chat, and I congratulated her on a great run - and then I just put my head down. At that stage I said to myself, 'no looking back, just run straight to the finish.'"
In the men’s ultra-marathon, Kenyan Justin Kemboi Chesire won with a time of 3:09:21.
He was followed by Lebenya Nkoka of Lesotho (3:10:29), while South Africa’s David Gatebe finished third (3:11:12).
In the half-marathon, South Africa's David Manja (01:04:07) won the men’s race, while Nolene Conrad (01:16:17) won the women's race title.
#OMTOM2018 Half Marathon Top Men:
— Two Oceans Marathon (@2OceansMarathon) March 31, 2018
1. David Manja (01:04:07)
2. Namakoe Nkhasi (01:04:14)
3. Bernard Kipkemoi (01:04:17) pic.twitter.com/11HtGx4gNK
#OMTOM2018 Half Marathon Top 3 Women:
— Two Oceans Marathon (@2OceansMarathon) March 31, 2018
1. Nolene Conrad (01:16:17)
2. Betha Chikanga (01:16:42)
3. Susy Chemaimak (01:17:01) pic.twitter.com/LaAa2ehffM
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