Gerda Steyn

Pfarelo Mathada Photos by SMacPix
Event Photographers

And the winners are…
Nedbank Running Club’s Pfarelo Mathada won Om die Dam men’s race in 3:01:03, but the big surprise came from South African road-running queen Gerda Steyn who finished her first Om die Dam race 3:16:16, breaking a 30-year record set by the legendary Frith van der Merwe.The 34-year-old Phantane Athletics Club runner won the Vaal Marathon title two weeks ago in another course record 2:43:50. “I’m pleased with my performance. I think everything went according to the plan and it was such a joy to run the race for the first time,” said an elated Steyn. She finished in tenth place overall.
Mathada was closely followed by Entsika AC’s Siya Mqambeli (3:05:35) and Eluid Biwott (3:05:40). Steyn’s closest contenders came in 20 minutes later, Carol Smith (3:37:24) and Cobie Smith in third place (3:39:38).
3 175 athletes entered the 50km race, and 1 850 joined the 8km fun run.