Fresh from his fourth Comrade Marathon title, Gerda Stan tested her boundaries by sitting with us to reflect a race, intensified her attention, and strengthened her love for ultra-destination running.
From near the boom of inspiration, the South African running star opens about the power of high, pressure and flexibility.
How Guarda again conquered the ‘Param Human race’
Gerda Stan strengthened her heritage as South Africa’s Ultimate Road Warrier, in an exciting 2025 edition of the iconic Ultra for its fourth peers marathon title. Clocking an impressive down run from Petermaritzburg to Durban on 5:51:19, Stan did not just win – she escaped in history books as the first South African woman to claim four Comrade titles.
From morning humidity to Thundering Cheers on the Finnish line, Stan attacked a brilliant race. Holding back in the early stages, she moved beyond the ground by halfway, smooth and incredible through the valley of a thousand hills. With every kilometer, his leadership grew – and so there was a roar of support from fans across the country.
Russian rivals Alexandra Morozova and Shelmith Muriuki of Kenya bravely chased, but could not match Stan’s dominance. When she crossed the line in Durban, she took up arms and smiling happily, she was not just a winner – she was a national icon.
With winning in 2019, 2023, 2024 and now 2025, Gerda Stan is no longer pursuing legends – he is one. But in addition to strengthening his legacy in Ultra-Marathon running and Anaws of South African Sports, his unique success in this event inspires athletes and fans worldwide.
After her victory, Stan expressed her gratitude for the support of the South African people and reiterated her dedication to inspire the next generation runners.
Q&A: There is a complete breakdown of his special interview with us below.
How did you like to cross the finish line once again as Comrade Champion?
This was a huge moment for me. I have dreamed about it for so long, and the finish line was really special to cross the first place again.
Did this year’s race plan or faced the expected challenges there?
As I planned, it came to a great extent. I had a race strategy in my mind and its purpose was to follow as closely as possible. However, it is important to remember that winning the race is a priority; You should not allow a race plan to override. I monitored the trick and strategy of my rivals in the race and adjusted my strategy accordingly. Finally, I crossed the finish line in the first place and achieved a time about the time I have targeted. Overall, I am very happy.
What was the most difficult moment for you during the race, and how did you push through it?
Late in the race, as we landed in Fields Hill, I heard that the woman from another place was shutting down this difference. This was a challenging moment for me. This was when I recalled Omo’s slogan, ‘Be unbeatable.’ This inspired me to focus and motivated me to do everything in my power to maintain my leadership and remain unbeatable.
Was there a specific turn where you felt that the fields are within the victory that after scaring in the Hills?
Honestly, it remained in all ways to eliminate my mind. However, it inspired me to focus and ensure that I did not celebrate or decent very quickly, as I was still in a highly competitive race.
How did this year’s colleagues compare your precious experiences?
I have participated in colleagues eight times and won it four times. I am often asked whether this repetition is being made or if I am very comfortable and perhaps decent. However, I cannot explain wooing in addition to saying that every year, Comrade Marathon seems larger and more meaningful. It has become an integral part of my daily life and mentality that has more importance than the final each year. This victory is more meaningful than any other race that I have ever won in Comrade.
What kind of mental preparation is done in a race like comrades?
This is a long day on the road, so you have to prepare your mind to be positive throughout the race. You need to train yourself to remain optimistic and need to understand that even when facing difficulties, you can get up from failures and recover. This type of mental strength and self-confidence will take you far beyond physical strength. This is an important aspect of success in ultra-ringing.
How did you inspire such a demand during long training months?
Inspiration is nothing with which I struggle. I am lucky that I get to run as my profession. Running is something I like to do, and I want to run every day. Sometimes, it is challenging to get out of the door if the weather conditions are not ideal. However, my deep passion for this game and inspires the knowledge participating in comrades and only keeps meaning for more people than myself and my immediate family inspired me and kept me inspired.
How is knowledge that you inspire thousands, perhaps millions, other people feel you? Does it add pressure to you?
This is a feeling beyond the remedy. I do not consider it as additional pressure; I see it as an honor. This gives me an opportunity to set an example for young people aspiring to become athletes or for someone who just wants to run as a hobby. As the winner of this race, it is your responsibility that you are exemplary for those who see you.
How are you feeling physically and emotionally after such a monumental attempt?
Physically, I have a strange thing at this time (laughing). However, emotional jubilee relieves physical pain in many ways. It is not rare to experience something in this way, but I try to cherish and appreciate it in all small and big ways.
What do you see for you the next few days of recovery?
The days after a race are often quite busy because there are many events that I have to participate and honor the obligations. But all this is part of the work and parcel, so I am not complaining at all. Once the dust freezes, I will enjoy some downtime to celebrate with my family properly, because I do not get many family social activities when I am running and training.
Who has been the biggest supporter in your journey for this victory?
A person who stands out of the head and shoulder over the rest is my husband. He shares my passion to run, but he sacrifices all his time to support himself and ensures that I have everything that I need to perform my best.
Is there anyone you want to dedicate this victory?
On the finish line, I said that this victory is for every person who supports me – everyone is cheering for me, my husband, my parents, my extended family and my friends. I am not sure they fully feel how much their support means in my support and eventually, for my success.
With this achievement in the bag, what is the next major challenge for Garda Stan?
As long as I can probably do in comrades, to remain unbeatable. After that, I would like to run another marathon later this year – perhaps Sveto Marathon, because I have never done it before. It has not yet been confirmed by 100%, but once I have recovered from this companions, I want to start training for a race towards the end of the year.
Send Gerda Stan to your messages of congratulations …
Leave a comment below, or send WhatsApp To 060 011 0211,
Subscribe To South African Website newspapers and follow us WhatsApp, Facebook, X And Blue sky For the latest news.