In an electrifying edition of the historic Comrades Marathon, South African ultrarunners Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn reaffirmed their dominance by clinching victory in the 2025 down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Dijana, who was aiming only for a top-10 finish after placing 16th in 2024, pulled off a sensational comeback to take his third Comrades title in 5:25:28, just five seconds ahead of Dutchman Piet Wiersma in one of the race’s most dramatic finishes to date.
Known as ‘The Flying Dutchman’, Wiersma, who won last year’s race, pushed hard in the final stretch but couldn’t close the narrow gap as Dijana held strong to the finish. Russian runner Nikolai Volkov rounded off the podium in 5:29:42, with seasoned Comrades veteran Edward Mothibi coming in fourth in 5:31:41.
In the women’s race, South Africa’s Gerda Steyn showed why she remains untouchable in ultra-distance road running. Although official times are still to be confirmed, Steyn crossed the line ahead of Russian Alexandra Morozova and Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki, claiming her fourth Comrades crown.
Steyn’s 2025 win adds to her growing legacy, following her record-breaking down run in 2023 and historic up-run time of 5:49:46 in 2024 — the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the uphill route.
Her consistent dominance in the Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades continues to cement her status as one of the greatest ultramarathoners of her generation.
Final top finishers:
Men:
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Tete Dijana (SA) – 5:25:28
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Piet Wiersma (Netherlands) – 5:25:33
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Nikolai Volkov (Russia) – 5:29:42
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Edward Mothibi (SA) – 5:31:41
Women:
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Gerda Steyn (SA) – 05:51:19
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Alexandra Morozova (Russia) –
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Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya) –
As thousands of runners crossed the line and South African flags waved in celebration, the 2025 Comrades Marathon once again delivered a powerful showcase of grit, legacy, and the enduring spirit of the ultimate human race.
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Khoarahlane Seutloali and Gerda Steyn wins 2025 Two Oceans Marathon
Picture: Gallo Images
