Gerda Steyn returned to her record-breaking ways on Sunday, obliterating her own national mark over the 42km distance at the Valencia Marathon in Spain.

The 33-year-old athlete took 11th place overall in 2:24:03, shattering her SA marathon record of 2:25:28 which she had set in Italy in April 2021.

In the process, Steyn also dipped under the qualifying standard of 2:26:50 for next year's Olympic Games in Paris.

Further back in the field, Irvette van Zyl produced one of the best performances of her career. She finished 39th in 2:27:29.

In the men's race, Adam Lipschitz was 56th in 2:13:01 on his marathon debut.

Ethiopian athletes dominated the race up front, with Worknesh Degefa winning the women's contest in 2:15:51 and Sisay Lemma securing the men's title in 2:01:48.

"Congratulations to Gerda , coach and support staff for the tremendous work she has done. Setting and breaking her own record must be a very satisfying fete. 

"May she continue to grow and be an example to others," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. 

* All SA records are subject to standard ratification processes.

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS