ELITES
Gerda was awarded her Blue number for winning the Ultra three times
While Gerda Steyn is incredibly proud of her six wins in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, she is just as proud to be a member of the Two Oceans Marathon Blue Number Club.
BLUE NUMBER
Pride
As one of South Africa’ s most accomplished long-distance athletes, including six victories in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon( TTOM) Ultra and three course records, Gerda Steyn highlights a more personal TTOM milestone as one of her proudest: Earning her place in the prestigious Two Oceans Blue Number Club( BNC). Despite her remarkable list of achievements on the road, she says that joining the BNC nevertheless stands out as a deeply meaningful honour in her running journey.
“ Receiving my Blue Number at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon was my first ever permanent race number, so it was a huge honour,” she shares.“ Not many people know that winning an event three times also qualifies you for a Blue Number. I would still like to run ten Two Oceans Ultras, but receiving my Blue Number means that I am invested in the race in the same way as those who have completed it ten times or more.”
“ Being part of the BNC reminds me that running is deeply rooted in me, and that I am in it for the long term,” she continues.“ It shows that I have held onto something for many years and didn’ t give up when it got tough. No matter life’ s circumstances, I’ ve continually been drawn back to that
Two Oceans start line, which has become a constant, teaching me life lessons and pushing me to improve. You also hear so many inspiring stories from other BNC members that you can’ t help but feel part of something special.”
Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, Chris Goldschmidt, says that the TTOM NPC is incredibly proud to count Steyn as a BNC member.“ Gerda is affectionately known by many nicknames – from The Smiling Assassin to The Darling of South African Road Running, The Queen of SA Running, The People’ s Champion, and Sunshine Lady. Each name tells a story of her talent, her dedication, and the joy she brings to the sport, but beyond the titles, what truly stands out is the way she has captured the hearts of runners and fans across the country. Her remarkable achievements on the roads are matched only by the inspiration she provides to the running community.”
According to Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the TTOM, Steyn is an iconic BNC member.“ Gerda embodies the spirit that defines the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Her consistency, humility, and record-breaking performances continue to raise the bar for the sport, and inspire every runner who lines up on race day.”
MUTUALLY INSPIRING
Reflecting on her six victories in the TTOM Ultra, Steyn recalls one of her many unforgettable moments.“ If I had to single out one, it would be crossing the finish line in first place for the very first time in 2018. It was an incredible experience and a pivotal moment in my career. It made me believe I could be a winner and showed me that my running could positively impact the community. It was overwhelming, but I remain grateful for that first win.”
Steyn’ s approach to the TTOM Ultra has evolved over the years, yet the excitement remains the same.“ I am still learning, and seeking ways to improve, but mentally, I’ ve grown from being terrified of the challenge to being confident in myself because of my past experiences. I always remind myself not to get too comfortable; every year is different, and past performances don’ t guarantee future results.”
For aspiring BNC members, Steyn offers this advice:“ Keep working toward your goals, because the BNC is a symbol of dedication and commitment to yourself and those who support you. Community has always been a big part of my running journey. Even as a professional, being part of a running community remains meaningful. A Blue Number represents longevity and the possibility of continuing to run if you take care of yourself.”
On that, Steyn says she is incredibly inspired by those BNC members with more than 40 medals in the Ultra, and those runners who have reached 25 or 26 medals in the Half since it was first run 26 years ago. She is also inspired by the 70-year-olds and 80-year-olds in the BNC that continue to take part year after year.
“ Achievements like these are beyond imagination,” says Steyn.“ They tell a story of decades of running through work, family and life responsibilities, yet year after year, they return to this one special race. They are the true heroes of the Two Oceans Marathon! BNC members inspire everyone around them, and they should never underestimate the significance of what they have achieved. So, to those still working toward BNC status, never doubt your ability to achieve your goal. The BNC has a place for everyone, and the journey is filled with incredible, often life-changing moments.”
For more on Gerda Steyn’ s remarkable achievements in the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, click here to read our interview with her in a recent edition of the TTOM Oceans Current digimag.
Images: Action Photo SA, Two Oceans Marathon
14 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026