The Phalula twins, Lebogang and Diana-Lebo, were second and third, in 34.09 and 34.10 minutes respectively.
Van Zyl – who won the Cape Town leg of the race in April – led from the start. She and the Phalulas broke away at about 3km and Van Zyl opened up a sizeable gap at 6-7km.
“I wanted to run behind someone else because it was so windy, but it was very pedestrian at the start, with no one willing to take the lead,” Van Zyl said.
“So the twins and I went ahead and we ran together for quite a long way.
“There was a bit of an uphill between six and seven kilometres and I was able to break away then. At that stage, the wind was coming from the side, so it wasn’t too bad. The last two kilometres along the beachfront were tough because the wind was in your face. I was a bit worried, but then I realised everyone would have the same problem.
“I am so happy to have won in Port Elizabeth. I’ve always hated the PE race because I’ve never been able to win here before.
“I almost felt like crying when I crossed the finish line because it was like a dream come true,” Van Zyl said.
Van Zyl said she had taken things easy after the London Marathon, so she did not really feel the effect of the marathon in her legs.
“I’m running well at the moment because I’m a mother,” she laughed.
“Louis is eight months old today, and LJ [her 400m hurdler husband] and I are very happy and relaxed. I think we are in a better routine because of the baby.
