South African ultra-distance runners Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn once again reinforced their elite status by winning the 2025 Comrades Marathon on Sunday.
Dijana, the champion in both 2022 and 2023, crossed the finish line first with a time of 5:25:28.
Gerda Steyn added a fourth victory to her remarkable record, finishing strongly in 5:51:19.
This achievement makes Steyn only the second woman, after eight-time winner Elena Nurgalieva, to claim more than three wins in the race’s history.
A Historic and Innovative 98th Edition
The 2025 race marked the 98th running of the iconic Comrades Marathon, an ultra-distance event alternating between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban each year.
This year was the 49th edition of the Down Run, covering an official distance of 89.98km.
As the event builds towards its centenary in 2027, the 2025 race attracted a record 22,677 qualifying entrants.
In response to the large field, the Comrades Marathon Association introduced the event’s first-ever split start to improve safety and reduce congestion at the start line.
Group 1 runners started at 05:45, with Group 2 following at 06:00, a slightly later start than the traditional 05:30.
This new timing also allowed runners to benefit from better lighting conditions during the early kilometres, particularly on the challenging Polly Shortts hill descent.
Both groups retained the 12-hour cutoff to complete the race.
Another notable innovation was a new street finish on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, complemented by a festive hospitality and club area near People’s Park.
Thrilling Elite Races
In the men’s race, Onalenna Khonkhobe led for much of the course but was overtaken with less than 20km remaining.
Tete Dijana surged ahead but faced a determined challenge from 2024 winner, Dutchman Piet Wiersma.
Dijana had to push hard to maintain his slim lead and ultimately secured victory by a mere five seconds, finishing in 5:25:27 to Wiersma’s 5:25:32.
“I came prepared and stuck to my race plan,” Dijana said after the race.
“In the last 10km, I saw Piet was closing, so I accelerated and opened the gap, and I felt like I was in control.”
Nikolai Volkov powered through the final stages to clinch third place with a time of 5:29:41.
Other top finishers included 2019 champion Edward Mothibi in fourth (5:31:40) and Joseph Manyedi in fifth (5:32:08).
South African runners featured prominently, with six locals in the men’s top ten and three in the top five.
Women’s Race Highlights
In the women’s competition, Zambian athlete Elizabeth Mukoloma led until just after halfway.
Gerda Steyn then took command and never relinquished her lead.
Former winner Alexandra Morozova fought through cramps to close the gap but finished nearly five minutes behind Steyn at 5:55:55.
Kenyan newcomer Shelmith Muriuki secured third place in her Comrades debut, finishing in 6:07:55.
Steyn said, “Today was yet another wonderful experience out on the road at the Comrades Marathon, and to see this race going from strength to strength and to be a part of it is such an honour for me.
“It’s really special.”
“I set out at a more conservative pace because I really wanted to try and run my optimum race today, and it worked out well.”
Olympic marathoner and former 50km world record-holder Irvette van Zyl made an impressive Comrades debut, finishing fourth in 6:11:34.
Poland’s Dominika Stelmach rounded out the women’s top five in 6:12:01.
Three South African women made the top ten, including Jenet Mbhele who finished seventh in 6:14:23.
Looking Ahead: A Successful Dress Rehearsal for 2027
Comrades Marathon Association General Manager Alain Dalais reflected on a successful event.
“We are really happy with the way the split start worked so well, with both start groups clearing the start line within six minutes.”
“We’ve also received a lot of positive feedback about the new street finish, and we look forward to building on these aspects as we prepare for 2027.”
Dalais called the 2025 race a “dress rehearsal” for the 100th edition in 2027.
“While every race will have things that we can improve on, we are happy with the innovations introduced this year, and feel we are on track for an even better Down Run in 2027.”
He congratulated all runners, from winners Dijana and Steyn to finishers across all experience levels.
Dalais also praised the incredible efforts of the race organising committee, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone involved in making the event possible.
Men’s Top 10 Finishers
- Tete Dijana – 05:25:27
- Piet Wiersma – 05:25:32
- Nikolai Volkov – 05:29:41
- Edward Mothibi – 05:31:40
- Joseph Manyedi – 05:32:08
- Alex Milne – 05:34:07
- David Gatebe – 05:34:29
- Bongmusa Mthembu – 05:35:47
- Gordon Lesetedi – 05:36:21
- Vasilii Korytkin – 05:38:58
Women’s Top 10 Finishers
- Gerda Steyn – 05:51:18
- Alexandra Morozova – 05:55:55
- Shelmith Muriuki – 06:07:55
- Irvette Van Zyl – 06:11:34
- Dominika Stelmach – 06:12:01
- Carla Molinaro – 06:13:02
- Jenet Mbhele – 06:14:23
- Caitriona Jennings – 06:16:41
- Courtney Olsen – 06:17:47
- Melissah Gibson – 06:19:58
All times are per the Comrades Marathon Association official release.