South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon delivered another masterclass in endurance and national pride on Sunday.
With record-chasing elites, age-defying legends and a fiercely contested finish in the men’s race, the 2025 Comrades Marathon wasn’t just a test of stamina—it was a celebration of discipline, resilience and the spirit that defines South Africa at its best.
Here’s how the champions rose and the road revealed character.
Men’s Champion: Tete Dijana (37)
Hailing from Mahikeng, North West, Dijana claimed his third Comrades title with a 5:25:28 finish. [enca.com]
Dijana was previously crowned champion in the 2022 and 2023 down runs, he rebounded from a 14th-place “up” run in 2024. [IOL.co.za]
In a tactical duel, Dijana pulled away in the final 8.5 km, sealing victory by just 5 seconds over defending “up” champion Piet Wiersma—who crossed in 5:25:33. [IRunFar.com]
Russia’s Nikolai Volkov secured third in 5:29:42. [capetownetc.com]
Women’s Champion: Gerda Steyn (34)
Originally from South Africa and now based in the UAE, Steyn achieved her fourth Comrades title—three consecutive “down” victories (2023–2025).
She finished in 5:51:19, stretching her dominance on the route. Her history includes winning in 2019, 2023, and 2024 (up run record). Steyn surged ahead just before halfway, weathering visible fatigue in the final sections to hold off competitors. [IRunFar.com]
Other Podium Finishers
Men’s 2nd: Piet Wiersma from the Netherlands (37), defending champion—continuing his high-level form. [capetownetc.com]
Men’s 3rd: Nikolai Volkov (Russia), 5:29:42
Women’s 2nd: Alexandra (Aleksandra) Morozova, racing under neutral status, clocked 5:55:56; she battled cramps early on.
[run247.com]
Veteran & Age Milestones
Johannes Maros Mosehla, aged 83, finished in 11:47:27—extending his record as the oldest Comrades finisher. [enca.com]
Louis Massyn celebrated his 50th Comrades, crossing near the 11-hour mark. [wikipedia.org]
Women’s 3rd: Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya), 6:07:56. [run247.com]
This year’s race on Sunday 8 June delivered a landmark Comrades featuring veteran dominance, tight finishes and inspiring age-defying performances—setting the stage for future duels as the ultramarathon world resets for 2026.
