Gerda Steyn put in a brilliant performance to finish second in a time of 35:51at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km on Saturday. She now turns her attention to the Cape Town Marathon. Thathe Msimango chatted to her.
At the front of a sold-out field of 8 000 at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km race, Gerda Steyn delivered a sensational debut, finishing in an impressive time of 35:51 on Saturday, 13 September. She secured second place, finishing behind Fridah Ndinda, who successfully defended her title with a time of 35:17.
Leading up to the race, Steyn surprised many by stepping down from her preferred long-distance events to compete in a shorter distance. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as the hilly and challenging Johannesburg course suited her perfectly. The 35-year-old Steyn, who occasionally trains in the city, performed exceptionally when it mattered most.
After the race, Steyn expressed her delight with her performance, noting that it would contribute to her training for the upcoming Cape Town Marathon, scheduled for October 19.
💜 Fridah Ndinda has done it again! The first female runner has powered through the finish line at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km 🏃♀️🔥#HollywoodbetsJoburg10km #HWBJoburg10km pic.twitter.com/4UElXoxBtp
— Hollywood Athletics Club (@HWAthleticsClub) September 13, 2025
“I had a wonderful experience in Johannesburg this morning. It was my first time running the Hollywood Joburg 10km, and it exceeded all my expectations. The route was very challenging, but it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves. I’m very pleased with my result. Finishing in second place gave me a significant morale boost. My main goal today was to focus on my performance rather than my time or pace. I will carry this achievement forward as I continue my preparations for the Cape Town Marathon,” said an elated Steyn.
In addition to Steyn, Hollywood Athletics Club female athletes dominated the top ten. Rutendo Nyahora delivered a strong performance, clocking 39:03 in seventh place against a competitive field. Long-distance specialist Melinda Jansen Van Vuuren followed closely, finishing eighth just six seconds later. Meanwhile, Melissa Jansen Van Vuuren rounded out the top ten with a time of 40:03.
In the men’s race, 40-year-old Stephen Mokoka showcased a remarkable performance, finishing third with a time of 30:03. This marks a significant improvement from his seventh-place finish last year. Mokoka is also deep into his preparations for the Cape Town Marathon, where he is targeting his fourth title.
