Running News Daily

Dijana and Steyn Triumph Again at 2025 Comrades Marathon

South African stars Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn solidified their places among the world’s best ultra runners with commanding victories at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, held Sunday, June 8. Dijana, now a three-time champion, won the men’s race in 5:25:27, edging out defending champion Piet Wiersma by just five seconds in a thrilling repeat of last year’s finish.

 

Steyn claimed her fourth Comrades title, joining elite company as only the second woman to win the race more than three times. Her time of 5:51:18 put her nearly five minutes ahead of runner-up Alexandra Morozova.

 

Race Distance and Pace

• Distance: 89.98 kilometers (55.9 miles)

• Tete Dijana’s average pace:

• 3:37 per km

• 5:50 per mile

• Gerda Steyn’s average pace:

• 3:54 per km

• 6:17 per mile

 

Innovations and Historic Field

 

The 98th edition of the Comrades, run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, featured a record Down Run field of 22,677 qualified entrants. For the first time in event history, organizers introduced a split start for safety and improved flow, with two groups starting 15 minutes apart.

 

The new finish line on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, adjacent to Durban’s People’s Park, added a festive atmosphere with expanded hospitality and club support zones.

 

Elite Race Highlights

 

In the men’s race, Onalenna Khonkhobe led early before Dijana surged with 20km to go. Dutchman Piet Wiersma closed the gap late, but Dijana stayed strong to win in a near repeat of 2023.

 

“I came prepared and stuck to my race plan. When I saw Piet closing, I pushed and opened the gap,” said Dijana.

 

Nikolai Volkov finished third in 5:29:41, followed by Edward Mothibi and Joseph Manyedi. South Africans claimed six of the top 10 spots.

 

In the women’s race, Elizabeth Mukoloma led early, but once Steyn took over, the outcome was never in doubt. Despite a late surge from Morozova, Steyn pushed ahead to win by nearly five minutes.

 

“It’s always an honor to be part of this race. I ran conservatively early to run my best race today—and it paid off,” said Steyn.

 

Kenya’s Shelmith Muriuki, in her Comrades debut, finished third, while Olympic marathoner Irvette van Zyl impressed with a strong fourth-place debut.

 

Building Toward the 100th

 

Comrades General Manager Alain Dalais praised the success of this “dress rehearsal” for the 100th edition in 2027:

 

“We’re thrilled with how well the split start worked and with the positive feedback on the new finish zone. We’re on the right path.”

 

Dalais also celebrated personal milestones, including Louis Massyn’s 50th Comrades finish, making him the first runner to earn a Quintuple Green Number.

 

Top Finishers

 

Men’s Top 3:

1. Tete Dijana – 5:25:27

2. Piet Wiersma – 5:25:32

3. Nikolai Volkov – 5:29:41

 

Women’s Top 3:

1. Gerda Steyn – 5:51:18

2. Alexandra Morozova – 5:55:55

3. Shelmith Muriuki – 6:07:55

(06/09/2025) Views: 194 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron