Steyn and Dijana Lead the Field at 2025 Comrades Marathon

Durban, South Africa – June 8, 2025

Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana delivered composed and tactical performances to win the 2025 Comrades Marathon, as over 22,000 runners took on the iconic 89.98km “down” run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The 98th edition of the race was contested under clear skies, with a record prize purse of R7.6 million and a slight course extension compared to previous down runs.

The annual event, widely regarded as South Africa’s premier ultramarathon, alternates directions each year. This year’s “down” run concluded at the new finish outside People’s Park, rather than Kingsmead Cricket Stadium.

Dijana Claims Third Title After Strategic Chase

South Africa’s Tete Dijana returned to winning form in the men’s race, finishing in 5:25:28 to secure his third Comrades title. After finishing 14th in 2024 due to health issues, the 37-year-old ran a measured race that saw him gradually close a substantial early gap set by frontrunner Onalenna Khonkhobe.

Khonkhobe opened with a bold strategy, clocking the first 5km in 14:54 and extending his lead to more than seven minutes before struggling with cramps and ultimately withdrawing. The chase pack, which included previous champions Piet Wiersma (Netherlands), Edward Mothibi, and Bongmusa Mthembu, remained patient as they reeled in the early leader over the final third of the race.

Dijana, training alongside Mothibi, surged ahead with just over 15km remaining. Wiersma responded strongly, and the finish line mirrored their close contest from 2023. Dijana held off the Dutch runner by five seconds. Russia’s Nikolai Volkov completed the podium in third.

Speaking after the race, Dijana acknowledged the challenges of last year’s performance and expressed appreciation for the support he received. “I was very down after last year. This time, I ran not just for myself but for those who supported me through that time,” he said.

Top 10 – Men’s Race

Tete Dijana (South Africa) – 5:25:28
Piet Wiersma (The Netherlands) – 5:25:33
Nikolai Volkov (Russia) – 5:29:42
Edward Mothibi (South Africa) – 5:31:41
Joseph Manyedi (South Africa) – 5:32:09
Alex Milne (UK) – 5:34:08
David Gatebe (South Africa) – 5:34:30
Bongmusa Mthembu (South Africa) – 5:35:48
Gordon Lesetedi (South Africa) – 5:36:22

Vasilii Korytkin (Russia) – 5:38:59

Steyn Wins Fourth Comrades Title with Consistency

In the women’s field, Gerda Steyn maintained her position as the top performer, clocking 5:51:19 to earn her fourth Comrades title and third consecutive win. The South African athlete, who is based in the UAE, took control of the race just before the halfway point and managed her pace well over the challenging second half.

Early race leader Elizabeth Mukoloma of Zambia set a fast pace in her Comrades debut but faded to a top-20 finish after being overtaken on the climbs to halfway. Russia’s Alexandra Morozova briefly narrowed the gap to Steyn in the final quarter of the race but was unable to maintain the challenge over the closing kilometers. Steyn’s time was faster than her 2023 victory on a shorter course, though it did not surpass her own down-run record of 5:44:54.

Kenya’s Shelmith Muriuki placed third, becoming the first Black woman to reach the Comrades women’s podium. South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl, running her debut Comrades, finished in a strong fourth place.

“I’m very pleased with the result,” said Steyn. “The field was strong and the course tested us again this year. I’m grateful to be part of this race and proud of the consistency over the years.”

Top 10 – Women’s Race

Gerda Steyn (South Africa) – 5:51:19
Alexandra Morozova (Russia) – 5:55:56
Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya) – 6:07:56
Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) – 6:11:35
Dominika Stelmach (Poland) – 6:12:02
Carla Molinaro (UK) – 6:13:03
Jenet Mbhele (South Africa) – 6:14:24
Caitriona Jennings (Ireland) – 6:16:42
Courtney Olsen (USA) – 6:17:48
Melissah Gibson (UK) – 6:19:59

Comrades 2025: Strong Performances and Memorable Moments

This year’s edition was run over a slightly longer course than in previous “down” runs, with the new finish line contributing to the extra distance. The course retained the traditional challenge of the “Big Five” hills and was contested at a steady pace by both the men’s and women’s fields.

With a record-breaking prize pool and growing international participation, the Comrades Marathon continues to hold its position as a major fixture on the global ultrarunning calendar. The 2025 edition delivered competitive racing, strategic breakthroughs, and notable individual performances that reflected the enduring prestige of the event.