<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very excited to take part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K, especially because it will be the first time since 2019 (due to the pandemic) that this race will be hosted in Joburg on National Heritage Day,\u201d says Steyn. \u201cI cannot think of a better day to celebrate its return. I took part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July, and that just whet my appetite for the Jozi race.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to have a South African athlete of Gerda\u2019s caliber choose to continuously return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series,\u201d says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.\u00a0 \u201cGerda is one of SA\u2019s most popular runners and does get invited to many of the worlds bigger, high-profile races, so for her to choose to race in the Series is a great honor and shows just how important the Series is to both international and South African athletes alike. We are both excited and proud to welcome Gerda to the start line in Joburg on National Heritage Day ready to #RunYourCity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The course record holder of both the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon Up-Run, Steyn dreams of going faster over the standard marathon distance. Although she would have been aiming to get closer to the 33-minute mark when she lined up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July, the marathon specialist hung in for tenth place in 33:53.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to run faster over 10km and 21km in order to improve my marathon time,\u201d confirms Steyn. \u201cMy main objective is to get under the 2:25 mark. The marathon is very important to me, and I do feel like I still have a few years of bettering my time on the marathon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ultra-marathon star will therefore be racing the New York Marathon in November for a third time as she aims to improve over the standard marathon by facing world class competitors. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be an important part of that preparation, where she is likely to be more dangerous over the hilly course.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is challenging to keep my speed, so even though I train for marathons, I continue doing speed workouts,\u201d admits Steyn. \u201cI love doing the speed workouts because it pushes me out of my comfort zone which tends to be the endurance side of running. This is what pushes me and keeps my mind strong. There is always something more to aim for and it is enjoyable. It\u2019s very important to enjoy the process and enjoy the work that you put it. Race day should be the cherry on top because you\u2019ve already put in all the work. When it comes to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, race day is always enjoyable, and that\u2019s what makes it South Africa\u2019s number one series. I can\u2019t wait to take part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steyn will face tough competition from the likes of Glenrose \u2018Supercharge\u2019 Xaba, Cacisile Sosibo, Lebo Phalula, Lebogang Phalula, Kesa Molotsane and Lesotho\u2019s national record holder over 10 000m, 10km and the half marathon, Neheng Khatala.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
EVENT INFORMATION<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n