What it’s like to run with Comrades and Two Oceans legend Gerda Steyn

Five-time Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn gave a small group of media, including the author, a rare opportunity to join her for a memorable rooftop run in Sandton during Discovery’s Two Oceans Marathon sponsorship announcement. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL

It’s not every day you get to run with someone who has won five Comrades Marathon and seven Two Oceans Marathon titles, but Thursday was that day for me.

I was privileged to be part of a small group of media who joined Gerda Steyn for a 750m jog around the track on the roof of the Discovery building in Sandton.

We had gathered there as Discovery was announced as the Official Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor of the Two Oceans Marathon.

I’ve always been something of a fanatical runner, and I even had the chance to duel with Comrades legend Bruce Fordyce about a decade ago at the Zoo Lake Time Trial on a few Saturday mornings.