South African ultra-marathon runner Gerda Steyn has already earned R380,000 from her victory at the Two Oceans Marathon in April, but her potential earnings from the Comrades Marathon could push her total to over R1.5 million.
Steyn, known as the Smiling Assassin, is the heavy favourite to win the women’s race at the Comrades Marathon, which takes place next month from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The winner’s prize for the 2026 Comrades Marathon stands at R925,000, with an additional R242,000 bonus for the first South African runner.
Comrades Marathon Prize Money
In addition to the base prize money, Steyn could also earn pace bonuses, hot spot primes, and course record rewards, which have historically pushed her total earnings well beyond the base prize. For example, in 2025, Steyn earned over R1.6 million from her Comrades victory, including all bonuses.
Potential Earnings Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of Steyn’s potential earnings from the Comrades Marathon:
- Winner’s prize: R925,000
- First South African runner bonus: R242,000
- Pace bonuses: variable
- Hot spot primes: variable
- Course record rewards: variable
As noted on the Comrades Marathon official website, the race has a long history of attracting top athletes from around the world, and Steyn is one of the most successful and dominant runners in the field.
With her potential earnings from Comrades, Steyn is on track for a multi-million rand season, cementing her status as the most commercially successful athlete in South African road running.
