Johannesburg – Following a thrilling lead at the 2025 Comrades Marathon as the official vehicle partner, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is excited to announce Gerda Steyn as its new brand ambassador for the next three years. Steyn joins the Global Team Toyota Athlete Programme (GTTA), an initiative designed to strengthen athlete support in their quest for excellence. The announcement was made at the 98th Comrades Marathon which took place on Sunday, 8 June 2025 - where Steyn clinched first place.
“Toyota South Africa Motors is proud to support athletes who embody determination, resilience, and a global sporting spirit. To this effect, Toyota’s partnership with Gerda Steyn is a beginning of new and exciting adventures. We look forward to having her join the Global Team Toyota Athlete Programme to represent Toyota on the global sporting stage. Gerda’s achievements and values align with Toyota’s commitment to excellence, endurance and innovative perseverance,” expressed Toyota South Africa’s General Manager: Marketing Communications, Tasneem Lorgat excitedly.
A four-time Comrades Marathon champion, Steyn is one of the most accomplished ultra-marathon athletes in the world, holding records for the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (six times), and Comrades Marathon Down-run and Up-run. A qualified quantity surveyor, Steyn’s running career kickstarted at the Comrades Marathon in 2015 year where she finished in the 56th position. 10 years later, Steyn’s performance displays her kaizen spirit and positive fighter ethos that continue to challenge limits. As part of her ambassadorship, Steyn will be paired with the Toyota Fortuner, a vehicle with an adventurous spirit like hers.
Commenting on her appointment, Steyn enthused, “Toyota needs no introduction and has been a trusted vehicle brand for many years in South Africa. To represent Toyota - pioneers and a leader in the motoring industry - is a massive honour. I look forward to this long-term partnership with a name that stands head and shoulders above the rest. I feel truly proud to be a Toyota ambassador and look forward to the many miles we will spend together between training, racing and commuting in the years to come.”
Steyn’s appointment reaffirms Toyota’s legacy commitment to supporting sports as a tool for nation building and social cohesion - values strongly linked to its historic 21-year support of the Comrades Marathon.
At Toyota South Africa Motors, we believe in the power of sports to create positive change. For more information on Toyota’s brand partnerships, please visit Toyota Community Sponsorships | Toyota South Africa.
