The year 2023 has proven to be remarkable for University of the Free State (UFS) alumna, Gerda Steyn, with another feat added to her long list of achievements. Steyn, recently named UFS Alumnus/Alumna of the Year, broke a long-standing Comrades marathon record on Sunday 11 June 2023, when she won the 96th edition of the gruelling ultra-marathon – the world's biggest, oldest, and most renowned race. Steyn won the Comrades down run in a record time of 5 hours, 44 minutes, and 54 seconds, beating the down-run record previously held by Frith van der Merwe. This is Steyn’s second Comrades win – she also won the race in 2019. 

One of ten alumni award winners during the 38th UFS Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, Steyn was named the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna of the Year at the event held on the Bloemfontein Campus on 20 May 2023. This is the highest honour bestowed upon an alumnus and celebrates someone who inspires fellow alumni, current students, and the community. 

Steyn, who has been training in France in preparation for the Comrades marathon, had her parents, Pieter and Trudie Steyn, proudly accept the award on her behalf. Her father expressed delight in returning to the Callie Human Centre ten years after his daughter graduated inside the venue. 

In a heartfelt video acceptance speech, Steyn attributed her success to the university's unwavering commitment to excellence, which provided her with a strong foundation to build her career as an elite athlete. She expressed gratitude to her alma mater for granting her and thousands of alumni worldwide the opportunity to learn important life lessons, such as self-belief, seizing opportunities, and appreciating what South Africa has to offer. Steyn mentioned that despite studying to become a quantity surveyor, working for a few years, and then leaving her job to become a professional athlete as a marathon runner, she continues to utilise the skills she acquired at the UFS. Reflecting on her time as a resident of the Soetdoring residence, she emphasised the valuable lessons of teamwork, independence, and hard work. Steyn also extended her appreciation to her parents, who travelled from Bothaville to represent her, stating: “It is not only me breaking the tape. I have only made it to this point because of so many influences in my life – the biggest being my parents.”