Elroy Gelant, the 2024 Durban International Marathon champion, has made history once again—this time by breaking the long-standing South African men’s marathon record. His remarkable achievement has earned him an additional R15,000 bonus from the Durban International Marathon, which had previously pledged financial rewards for any past winner who could set a new national mark.
Elroy Gelant, the 2024 Durban International Marathon champion, has made history once again—this time by breaking the long-standing South African men’s marathon record. His remarkable achievement has earned him an additional R15,000 bonus from the Durban International Marathon, which had previously pledged financial rewards for any past winner who could set a new national mark.
Gelant, who set a blistering course record of 2:09:33 in 2024, surpassed Gert Thys’ 26-year-old record (2:06:33) with a stunning 2:05:12 at the Hamburg Marathon in April. Reflecting on his achievement, the 37-year-old athlete expressed both pride and gratitude.
“It is just a great honor to be the new South African marathon record holder. It’s something special—something I’ve worked hard for over the years, especially in my transition from track to road running. Everything is finally coming together.
Elroy Gelant
Gelant credited his recent success to a shift in mindset and the confidence gained from competing at the highest level, including the Olympics.
“Last year, the Olympics played a major role in my confidence. I started believing in myself and my abilities, and that made a difference going into the Hamburg Marathon,” he explained.
He also highlighted the Durban International Marathon as a key stepping stone in his career, helping him secure his Olympic qualification. “Running a comfortable 2:09 and setting a course record in Durban gave me a huge confidence boost heading into the Olympics. The race played a major role in my performances.”
Known for its flat, speedy route, the Durban International Marathon has become a favorite among elite and upcoming athletes. Gelant praised the event for providing South African runners with a platform to build their profiles.
“The course is set up for quality times. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local runners to prepare for international races,” he said.
“For me, it helped build my path to the Olympics. Any athlete running 2:10 or 2:11 here can earn invites to overseas races. It’s a great chance to perform well on home soil.”
Gelant confirmed his intention to return in 2026, further cementing his connection with the race that helped reignite his career.
The 2024 Durban International Marathon was a landmark event, with both the men’s and women’s course records falling. In addition to Gelant’s victory, Cian Oldknow dominated the women’s race in 2:29:46, securing the national title and reinforcing her status as one of South Africa’s top distance runners.
With Gelant’s record-breaking feat and the Durban International Marathon’s growing reputation, the future looks bright for South African marathon running—and the event is poised to remain a key fixture on the athletics calendar.