Johannesburg, South Africa – Hot on the heels of her electrifying victory at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, ultra-running powerhouse Gerda Steyn has been named Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) newest brand ambassador. The announcement, made during the 98th edition of the iconic race on Sunday, 8 June 2025, marks the beginning of a dynamic three-year partnership that will see Steyn represent TSAM on both local and international stages as part of the Global Team Toyota Athlete Programme (GTTA).
As official vehicle partner of the 2025 Comrades Marathon, TSAM took the opportunity to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to South African sport by welcoming Steyn—a four-time Comrades champion and record-breaking athlete—into its fold. This collaboration is rooted in shared values of excellence, perseverance, and a passion for progress.
“Toyota South Africa Motors is proud to support athletes who embody determination, resilience, and a global sporting spirit,” said Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications at TSAM. “Gerda’s achievements and values align with Toyota’s commitment to excellence, endurance and innovative perseverance. Her inclusion in the Global Team Toyota Athlete Programme signals the start of an exciting journey—both for her and for us.”
A Champion of Endurance and Spirit
Steyn’s running story began a decade ago at the Comrades Marathon in 2015, where she finished 56th. In the ten years since, she has become one of the world’s most celebrated ultra-distance runners, holding records in both the Up-run and Down-run of the Comrades, as well as six titles at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Her meteoric rise and relentless pursuit of improvement echo the Japanese concept of kaizen—continuous, incremental advancement—a philosophy deeply embedded in Toyota’s DNA.
Alongside her athletic achievements, Steyn holds a qualification in quantity surveying—further proof of her discipline and drive. As she steps into this new ambassadorial role, she will be paired with the Toyota Fortuner, a vehicle that mirrors her adventurous spirit and readiness to take on any terrain.
“Toyota needs no introduction and has been a trusted vehicle brand for many years in South Africa,” said Steyn. “To represent a brand that’s not only a leader in the motoring industry but also a champion of athletes is a massive honour. I feel truly proud to be a Toyota ambassador and look forward to the many miles we’ll spend together between training, racing, and everyday life.”
Driving Social Impact Through Sport
Steyn’s appointment adds to Toyota’s rich legacy of supporting South African sport. With over two decades of involvement in the Comrades Marathon alone, TSAM continues to harness the power of sport as a platform for nation building, unity, and inspiration.
The Global Team Toyota Athlete Programme is a strategic initiative that backs athletes from around the world on their journey to excellence, especially as they prepare for major international competitions. Steyn’s inclusion not only boosts the South African representation within the programme but also elevates the profile of long-distance running as a vehicle for positive change.
At Toyota South Africa Motors, sport is more than competition—it’s a catalyst for hope, progress, and transformation. For more information on Toyota’s community initiatives and brand partnerships, visit: Toyota Community Sponsorships | Toyota South Africa.
