Gerda Steyn has claimed a staggering R1 644 000 from her victory in the 2025 Comrades Marathon, making it one of the most lucrative days of her athletic career. The “Smiling Assassin” secured not just the winner’s cheque of R874 000, but also bonuses including R550 000 for the fastest average pace, R220 000 as the first South African athlete to finish, and R50 000 for reaching the Cell C hot spot first.
Her performance led her to complete the nearly 90 km “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in 5 hours 51 minutes 19 seconds, earning her fourth Comrades title—three of which have come consecutively. The total payout marks a significant increase in the Comrades prize purse, which reached R7.605 million this year, almost double last year’s amount.
Beyond her financial windfall, Steyn’s dominance continues to define ultra-marathon running in South Africa. Her strategic pacing and strength on the course reaffirm her status amongst the sport’s elite, with recent wins and record-setting times solidifying her legacy.
