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Kenya’s long-distance running dominance scaled new heights on June 9, 2025, as Shelmith Muriuki became the first Black woman to earn a podium finish at the prestigious Comrades Marathon, the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. Running in the challenging 89.98 km “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, Muriuki clocked an impressive 6:07:56 to place third a historic moment for both Kenya and African women in ultradistance running.
The women’s race was won by South African star Gerda Steyn, who delivered a commanding performance to finish in 5:51:19, securing her fourth Comrades title. Russia’s Aleksandra Morozova finished second in 5:55:56, while Muriuki stormed into third place in the final stretch, overtaking Polish runner Dominika Stelmach to make history.
This year’s Comrades Marathon was its 98th edition and attracted over 22,000 runners, with the route slightly extended to nearly 90 km. It was the first time the down run concluded at Durban’s People’s Park, adding about two kilometers to the usual distance and raising the stakes for all competitors. The event featured a total prize pool of R7.6 million (approx. $427,000), making it not only a prestigious athletic challenge but also one of significant financial reward.
Muriuki’s achievement is particularly meaningful given the race’s history. Founded in 1921, the Comrades Marathon has often seen white athletes dominate the podium, particularly in the women’s field. Muriuki’s success breaks this pattern and sends a powerful message about inclusivity and rising African excellence in endurance sports. She now stands as a beacon for aspiring ultramarathoners, especially women from across the continent.
The race dynamics were intense. Steyn took the lead just before halfway and never relinquished it, pacing herself brilliantly to fend off her rivals. Morozova struggled with mid-race cramping but recovered to finish second. Muriuki, who had stayed just behind the leading pack for much of the race, timed her surge perfectly in the final kilometers to overtake her competitors and secure third place and a place in the record books.
Her milestone earned celebration from across the athletic and media world. Outlets like OkayAfrica, AllAfrica, and broadcasters like DStv Kenya lauded the performance, calling it a “breakthrough moment” in ultramarathon history. Beyond the finish line, her result symbolizes the steady rise of Kenyan women in global distance running, not just in marathons but now firmly in the ultramarathon space.
Gerda Steyn, who now holds the record for the most wins by a South African woman at Comrades, acknowledged the growing competition. She noted that the top five women finished within 21 minutes of each other, indicating a rapidly deepening field of elite talent.
Final Women’s Podium – 2025 Comrades Marathon:
1st – Gerda Steyn (South Africa) – 5:51:19
2nd – Aleksandra Morozova (Russia) – 5:55:56
3rd – Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya) – 6:07:56
Shelmith Muriuki’s historic run is more than a personal victory, it’s a landmark for African women in endurance athletics. Her podium finish challenges long-standing norms in the sport and inspires a new generation of runners from across the continent to aim higher. As Kenya continues to expand its global running legacy, Muriuki’s Comrades triumph now takes its place among the nation’s proudest athletic moments.