Record-breaking glory for icons Steyn, Kusche

GERDA Steyn described winning a fifth consecutive Comrades Marathon title as “nothing but an honour” after producing another masterclass on the road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg yesterday, as South Africa dominated both the men’s and women’s races.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The South African star cemented her status as the dominant force in women’s ultra-marathon running by claiming victory in a blistering 5:44:53, breaking her own Up Run record in the process and adding another chapter to an already remarkable Comrades legacy.

Reflecting on her achievement after the race, Steyn said she was proud to see months of hard work come together on one of the biggest stages in world ultra-running.

“Its an honour for me to sit here again and to come away with a new course record,” she said.

“It's what I've been working for and what I've been dreaming about since the start of the year — actually since the last time I ran Comrades last year. To have it all come together like it did (yesterday) is nothing but an honour.”

Steyn was also quick to acknowledge the many people who had played a role in her success, from her support team to the fans who lined the route.