Tete Dijana makes up for last year’s errors with an impressive Comrades Marathon victory

In a thrilling finish at the People’s Park near Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, Dijana edged out his Nedbank Running Club teammate Piet Wiersma to take the win.

The former security guard stopped the clocked in 5 hours 25 minutes and 28 seconds ahead of the Netherlands-born Wiersma, who grabbed a second-place finish in 05:25:33, with Nikolai Volkov of Russia taking third place finish in 05:29:42.

The former security guard crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 25 minutes, and 28 seconds, just ahead of Netherlands-born Wiersma, who secured second place in 5:25:33. Russia’s Nikolai Volkov claimed third in 5:29:42.

Representing the North West province, Dijana walked away with over R1 million in prize money—R870,000 for the victory, R500,000 for recording the fastest average speed, and R220,000 for being the first South African across the line.

His triumph comes after a dismal 14th-place finish in 2024, where he was seen walking and taking multiple breaks—the worst performance of his career.

This year, driven by a desire to correct past mistakes, he delivered a commanding and redemptive performance.

“My first 30km was a bit tough, but we had a clear plan coming into this race,” said a smiling Dejana after crossing the finish line.

“No, I wasn’t worried about Piet Wiersma catching me. Around the 1km mark, he was closing the gap, so I accelerated. I noticed in the last 2km that he was starting to struggle. I came here to make corrections, to fix the mistakes I made before — and I did just that.” Dejana was greeted at the finish by multiple Olympic 800m gold medallist Caster Semenya, who handed him a rose. "Last year, I was in peak condition, but I went through a difficult time mentally. I’m grateful that this year I didn’t face the same struggles.

I had a mental breakdown, but my partner stood by me, and I dedicate this victory to everyone who supported me through that dark period.

I was feeling low and frustrated, but today, I’ve reclaimed my title as the king of the down run.

There was a lot of pressure, especially from social media, with people saying I wouldn’t be able to do it again—but I proved them wrong. I was emotional, but the encouragement I received lifted my spirits. This win is for all of you who believed in me. It took time to come to terms with what happened last year, but I’ve come back stronger," said Dijana, reflecting on his 14th place finish in the previous race.

READ: Banyana Banyana striker Hilda Magaia shares recovery update

Dijana, who matched Bongmusa Mthembu’s record as the only South African black runner with three Comrades Marathon titles, dedicated his victory to those who stood by him during tough times.

'I ran this race for the people who supported me when others mocked me for struggling last year. This win is for them,' he said.