Dijana clinches third Comrades Marathon title in nail-biting finish

The streets of Durban reverberated with cheers on Sunday as Tete Dijana secured his place in the annals of sporting history, winning his third Comrades Marathon title with an outstanding time of five hours, 25 minutes, and 27 seconds (5:25:28).

In a thrilling showdown, Dijana managed to outmaneuver defending champion Piet Wiersma, who finished just six seconds later in 5:25:33, while Nikolai Volkov rounded off the podium in third at 5:29:42.

This year's marathon was marked by a historic twist, as the elite runners were dispatched 15 minutes ahead of the rest of the field. This innovative approach was aimed to mitigate congestion issues that have historically plagued the marathon's start.

However, the very first half of the race saw several runners attempting to assert their dominance early on, only to burn out as they pushed their limits too soon. The real battle unfolded as Dijana took the lead with 16 kilometres remaining, showcasing his endurance and tactical prowess.

As the runners approached the daunting final 8.5 kilometres of the iconic down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, the atmosphere became electric. Dijana had carved out a 44-second lead over Wiersma at that critical point, a lead that widened to 51 seconds with just 4 kilometres to go.

The crowd's anticipation mounted as spectators were treated to a masterclass in pacing and resilience.

Earlier in the race, Onalenna Khonkhobe made waves by launching a significant break, leading the pack with an impressive eight-minute gap over Mbuti Mollo by the two-hour mark.

However, as the race wore on, signs of fatigue became evident for Khonkhobe. Approaching the two-and-a-half-hour mark, he suddenly slowed to a walk, clutching his left hamstring and visibly cramping.

Though he attempted to regain his stride, Khonkhobe's commanding lead began to slip away as he struggled against physical limitations.

As Khonkhobe vacillated between walking and running, his lead narrowed dramatically, revealing the brutal reality of the marathon.

Mollo also fell victim to the marathon's merciless demands, slowing down significantly as the chasing pack drew closer.

At the fuelling station, after a brief pause for a snack, Mollo, too, found himself unable to maintain his earlier pace, underscoring the fierce competition throughout the field.

In the end, the Comrades Marathon delivered yet another unforgettable chapter in its rich legacy, with Dijana's victory testament to the sheer determination and athletic excellence that defines this world-renowned event.

Runners, spectators, and enthusiasts alike left with memories that will echo for years to come, marking a quintessential moment in South Africa’s sporting calendar.

DAILY NEWS