Dijana and Steyn make history at 98th Comrades Marathon

Tete Dijana produced a tactical and composed performance clocking 5:25:28 to win the Comrades Marathon Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday 8 June. Dijana who finished in a disappointing 14th place last year - put on a masterclass in the closing stages of the 89.98km race as he passed Onalenna Khonkhobe who had led the race from the start, and then surged away from defending champion Piet Wiersma and 2019 winner and training partner Edward Mothibi in Pinetown with less than 20km to go. 

Despite a fast finish from the Dutchman, Dijana held on for victory and was followed home by Wiersma 5 seconds later. Maxed Elite top runner Nikolai Volkov stormed through the final 10 kilometres, passing Mothibi and his Mr Price Sport teammate Joseph Manyedi to claim the last podium position in a fine 5:29:42. The 37-year-old Dijana made history by becoming only the second South African black male athlete to win the Comrades three times after Bongumusa Mthembu achieved that feat. Speaking at the finish line, Dijana credited his wife for encouraging and motivating him during a difficult period. 

Dijana celebrates a third Comrades victory as Wiersma finishes in a close second to earn a third consecutive podium position. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

"I'm very happy to win the race once again. It is a very special moment for me. I was so sick after the Comrades Marathon last year. My partner decided to stick with me through the tough times," said the elated Nedbank Running Club star who’s three Comrades victories have all come in the Down Run.

"At some stage, she was so worried that I might commit the suicide," said the man who first earned public adoration after winning the 2022 Comrades Marathon while working as a security guard. She managed to remain supportive through that tough period. I would also like to thank my coach Dave Adams  for being able to stick with me and sending the program and making sure I follow everything correctly. Overall I'm very pleased with how with the race went today," he smiled.

Meanwhile Wiersma acknowledged that Dijana was too good on a day and deserves to win the race. "I don't think I struggled today. I did everything according to the plan from the word go. The race was looking good till Dijana decided to take the lead. He was too strong on the day and it was hard for us to catch up with him. I think we must applaud him. He deserves it."

Steyn enjoying a conservative start during the 2025 Comardes Marathon Down Run. Photo Credit: Thami KaQoma.

In the women's race, South African ultra marathon queen Gerda Steyn stunned her legions of supporters with another incredible performance as she breasted the tape first in 5:51:19 to secure the fourth comrades victory of her decorated career. In so doing, the 35-year-old also won The Ultimate Human Race for a the third consecutive time and became the first woman to break six hours on the Down Run twice. 2022 Champion Alexandra Mororzova picked up her second straight runner-up position in an excellent 5:55:56, while debutant Shelmith Muriuki of Kenya made history becoming the first black female runner to finish on the podium when she crossed the finish line in 6:07:56. 

"I'm very happy to win the race. I didn’t start with a blistering pace because I knew it was going to be hard to run a record. At the latter stages, I was bit worried as Alexander was closing the gap. It's good to see her (Morozova) pulling off such performance because it gives the race competition,” she concluded.