OPINION: SA women’s marathon running is set for a resurrection

South African women's marathon running has experienced a lull in recent times. In the forthcoming 2026 season, only one South African woman, Annie Bothma, is projected to complete the distance in under 2:40:00, having claimed the national title in Durban with a time of 2:27:46. The nation's top two marathon runners, Glenrose Xaba and Cian Gerber, have chosen to concentrate on shorter distances this year.

Xaba, currently holding the SA record, opted to prioritize shorter races, while Gerber was sidelined due to multiple injuries that had plagued her career for nearly two years. As we look ahead to the 2027 campaign, both athletes are poised to make a strong comeback in the marathon. Glenrose Xaba plans to compete in the Cape Town Marathon, which has recently been upgraded to World Marathon Majors status after her debut victory in 2024, setting a national record of 2:22:22.

This race will present a formidable challenge against a world-class field, but if the conditions are favorable, Xaba could be a contender to break the 2:20:00 barrier. Cian Gerber, on the other hand, has faced frustrations in the past couple of years. Despite achieving third place at the Olympic Games in Paris with a time of 2:30:29, an injury sidelined her for an extended period.

Recently, Gerber has returned to action, gradually improving her 10km times and winning the Amsterdam Half-Marathon in 1:11:26. Now, Gerber is targeting a return to the Seville Marathon next season, aiming to demonstrate her strength over the 42km distance once more, and based on her impressive performances, she is likely to make a significant impact in 2027.

Gerda Steyn and Irvette van Zyl, former SA record holders, have shifted their focus towards ultra-marathon distances and remain capable, but it is uncertain if either will compete for the South African team at the upcoming World Championships or the 2028 Olympics. However, with Xaba and Gerber setting their sights on the marathon in 2027, and Bothma displaying promising potential on the global stage, South African women's marathon running is poised for a notable resurgence.