“You can throw anything at your body, as long as you prepare for it and you train hard. It’s your mind that you need to conquer.” — Gerda Steyn, 2025 Comrades Marathon Womens’ Champion
Gerda Steyn stands as one of the most accomplished and inspiring figures in ultramarathon history, having secured her fourth Comrades Marathon title in 2025—a feat that cements her legacy as South Africa’s “Queen of Marathon Running” and makes her only the third woman in history to claim four or more victories at the storied event.
Her journey is a testament to relentless preparation, tactical brilliance, and above all, the power of mental fortitude. The Comrades Marathon, often touted as the “Ultimate Human Race,” is an iconic challenge that tests the limits of both body and spirit. For Steyn, victory at this level requires more than peak physical conditioning; it demands mastery over one’s mind.
From Preparation to Historic Dominance
Steyn’s 2025 triumph was more than just another win. Crossing the finish line in 5:51:19, she captured her third consecutive Comrades title and became a symbol of sustained excellence. Her rise reached a new zenith in 2023, when she obliterated the Comrades Down Run record with a time of 5:44:54, becoming only the fourth woman ever to complete the race in under six hours—a pace that left spectators in awe.
Behind these numbers lies a story of methodical preparation. Steyn is renowned for her disciplined approach to training and her willingness to push the boundaries of endurance. She exemplifies the philosophy that the body can be trained to withstand almost anything—a truth she underscores in her quote: “You can throw anything at your body, as long as you prepare for it and you train hard. It’s your mind that you need to conquer.”
Conquering the Mind
Steyn’s insight speaks to a deeper truth about peak performance—an understanding shared by the sport’s greatest champions. Physical capacity can be continually extended through rigorous and innovative training, but the true battle is fought within. It is the mind that determines whether an athlete can rise above pain, fatigue, and adversity when the stakes are highest.
Her victories are not just the result of outpacing her rivals; they reflect her unique ability to adapt, to endure, and to remain resilient in the most grueling conditions. Steyn’s commitment to mental strength as the ultimate differentiator is born from experience, forged in the crucible of ultramarathons where every runner faces moments of self-doubt and exhaustion.
The Ultimate Human Race as a Personal Journey
For Steyn, the Comrades Marathon has become more than a competition—it is a personal odyssey of growth and self-discovery, shaping her not only as an athlete but also as a person. Her continued dominance over multiple years reveals a philosophy that goes beyond “doing your best.” It is a mindset of continually seeking new frontiers for performance, not being satisfied with current limits, and—most importantly—cultivating the mental resilience to conquer them.
Gerda Steyn’s achievements and her perspective on conquering the mind serve as inspiration far beyond the world of running, illustrating the limitless potential that can be unlocked when preparation meets unwavering mental resolve.
