Steyn banks R1.2 million for record Comrades run

Cape Town - South African ultra-distance superstar Gerda Steyn is R1.2 million richer after her stunning record-breaking Comrades Marathon victory on Sunday.

Steyn smashed the 13-year-old record of Russia's Elena Nurgalieva (6:09:24) when she stopped the clock in a sensational 5:58:53 in the 'Up run' between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

First place was worth R500 000 while another R500 000 was on offer as an incentive for breaking the record - something Steyn did by more than 10 minutes!

In addition, Steyn pocketed another R200 000 for being the first South African to finish.

Steyn earned around R3 333 for every minute of her run ... which excludes of course all the early morning alarms and training hours she put in completing the Two Oceans and Comrades double this year.

Men's winner Edward Mothibi came home in 5:31:33, outside the existing 'Up' record of 5:24:39 set in 2008 by Russia's Leonid Shvetsov.

Mothibi did however have R700 000 reasons to smile with his winner's cheque and first South African finisher prize.

Top 5 Women's Elite https://t.co/Q4MKib8gxX pic.twitter.com/bYufiDe6uK

— Comrades Marathon (@ComradesRace) June 9, 2019

Top 5 Mens Elite https://t.co/WxEbvqgPEJ pic.twitter.com/LItr3m6gZa

— Comrades Marathon (@ComradesRace) June 9, 2019