Cian Oldknow says she is on Cloud Nine after her sensational run to write herself into the history books, laying down the second-fastest South Afircan marathon finish at the Zurich Marathon de Sevilla on Sunday, 18 February 2024. Photo: CianOldknow on X

It was a day to remember for Cian Oldknow at the Zurich Marathon de Sevilla. She clocked a time of 2:25:08 in the Spanish race on Sunday, 18 February 2024, where she became the second-fastest South African woman to run a marathon, and to top off a fantastic day she also ran an Olympic qualifying time as she finished in 15th place. 

The Women’s race was won by Ethiopian Azmera Gebru, who finished in a time of 2:22:13. 

“I did it, I did it, I did it! 2:25:08 for the Sevilla marathon. Olympic Qualifying time and second fastest SA lady ever! Currently sitting on cloud nine (with a very ouch bum- good work for showing up). So so blessed and overwhelmed with all the love and support!! Still feels a bit surreal and soaking it all in! Will have more to say when I find more words!!”, said a very proud Oldknow in an Instagram post after her sensational run.

Oldknow wasn’t the only one who had some blistering pace in Seville, as Meline Rollin finished seventh in the women’s race to bag a French national record when she completed the race in a time of 2:24:12, and Argentina’s Florencia Borelli claimed 8th place to secure a South American record of 2:24:18.

The 27-year-old runner sees herself in good company when it comes to the best female marathoners in South Africa, as Gerda Steyn remains at the top of the rankings. After Oldknow’s heroics on Sunday, she pipped Irvette van Zyl’s best, who now moves down to third fastest. 

Social media was abuzz with congratulations for Oldknow, who certainly lived up to her nickname ‘Ms. PB’. Fans and runners alike lauded her for what they termed a ‘phenomenal’ race. 

None other than marathon queen Gerda Steyn was full of praise for Oldknow who commented on her recent Instagram post after the race … “Seriously proud of you Cian!! And so well deserved!! Hello Paris!!!!!”

While Mzansi’s other top marathon runner Dominique Scott, lauded Oldknow for her performance. ‘Amazing!!!!! Congratulations Cian!!!! Marathon world, look out!!!’, she also commented. 

Nolene Conrad echoed their sentiments saying: “Wow Cian, that is a phenomenal achievement, enjoy cloud 9, you deserve it! Proud of u.”

It was much of the same on social media platform X where Oldknow was on the receiving end of many more congratulatory messages. 

‘CONGRATULATIONS!!! Wishing you everything of the best moving forward, wrote Kristen Redman. 

‘You are indeed in a league of your own! Well done and continue flying our flag high’, said @Sady_Says and that opinion continued as many posts conveyed praise for Oldknow after a magnificent run, and with the Olympics around the corner, this could be a big year for the up and coming marathon star. 


Photo caption: Cian Oldknow says she is on Cloud Nine after her sensational run to write herself into the history books, laying down the second-fastest South African marathon finish at the Zurich Marathon de Sevilla on Sunday, 18 February 2024. Photo: CianOldknow on X

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