Tete Dijana targets Comrades comeback after disappointing Up Run

The Comrades Marathon Association has confirmed that the historic 100th edition of the race will take place on 13 June 2027, with the Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Dijana, who made his Comrades debut for his new club, Hollywood Athletics Club, went into the race as one of the favourites after his high-profile move from Nedbank Running Club.

Having won the Down Run three times, many believed he could finally add an Up Run victory to his impressive record.

Instead, the North West-born runner endured one of the toughest races of his career, finishing 51st in 5:59:36.

His teammate and close friend, Edward Mothibi, also fell short of expectations.

The 2019 Up Run champion finished 11th in 5:30:03, narrowly missing out on a place in the top 10.

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With both runners joining Hollywood Athletics Club in a widely publicised move in January, expectations were high, but neither were able to produce the result they had hoped for.

Speaking to SABC Sport for the first time since the race, Dijana admitted he made costly mistakes but remains determined to bounce back.

"I'm recovering well and focusing on coming back stronger. My preparations went well, but race day just was not my day. I accept that I did not perform well and I made a few mistakes. My plan is to correct those mistakes and return much stronger when the Up Run comes around again. Right now, my focus is on defending my Down Run title next year. I was disappointed after the race, but I've chosen to move on and start preparing for the title defence," said a disappointed Dijana.