Dijana wins back-to-back Comrades Marathon title
He is only the 18th male runner to win the Comrades Marathon more than once.
SOUTH Africa’s Tete Dijana won his second successive Comrades Marathon title on Sunday, crossing the finish line at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in a time of 05:13:58 in a new course record.
The 34-year-old broke the previous record for the best Down Run, set in 2016 by David Gatebe who finished in a time of 05:18:19.
He is only the 18th male runner to win the Comrades Marathon more than once.
Also read : VIDEO: Countdown begins to 96th Comrades Marathon
Fellow Nedbank Running Club member Piet Wiersma from The Netherlands put him under immense pressure right until the finish line but ultimately settled for second in a time of 05:14:01.
The 2019 champion, Edward Mothibi, finished third.
South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, already the record holder of the Up Run time, secured the women’s crown.
She also set a new course record in the Down Run, finishing in a time of 05:44:54.
The previous best was held by Frith van der Merwe in 1989 who finished in a time of 05:54:43.
Steyn was followed by Adele Broodryk and Carla Molinaro who finished second and third respectively.
CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo congratulated Dijana and Steyn on their victories.
“This year’s Comrades Marathon has been nothing short of phenomenal. We are pleased to introduce our 96th Comrades Marathon Champions to the world. We commend these two superb athletes on their Proudly South African performances and take immense pride in celebrating their victories and new Best Times,” Ngcobo said.
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