South African long distance runner Gerda Steyn reacts after passing the finish line winning and breaking the record in the 89 kilometres Women’s Comrades Marathon in the time of 05:44:54 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban on June 11, 2023. The annual marathon this year attracted close to 18,000 runners from around the world. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Tete Dijana successfully defended his Comrades Marathon crown in record breaking time while Gerda Steyn smashes the women’s mark as well on Sunday 11 June.
South African long distance runner Gerda Steyn reacts after passing the finish line winning and breaking the record in the 89 kilometres Women’s Comrades Marathon in the time of 05:44:54 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban on June 11, 2023. The annual marathon this year attracted close to 18,000 runners from around the world. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Tete Dijana successfully defended his Comrades Marathon crown in record breaking time while Gerda Steyn smashes the women’s mark as well on Sunday 11 June.
Dijana came home in a new record time of 𝟬𝟱:𝟭𝟰:𝟯𝟬 to massive Cheers at Kingsmead.
Also on Sunday, Gerda Steyn smashed records by winning the Comrades Marathon women’s race maintaining an incredible pace throughout.
Olympian Steyn, who had been in the lead for most of the women’s race, easily set a track record of 5:44.54 to win the R500k on offer for the top lass.
Her win ensures that the Comrades titles will both stay in South Africa. Steyn was followed home by compatriot Adel Broodryk.
Tete Dijana finished the Comrades Marathon in 5:14.01 to successfully defend his title as champion.
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As they raced to the finish line at Kingsmead Stadium, Piet Wiersma was Dijana’s lone rival. Wiersma finished in second place just over the shoulder of Dijana.
Dijana finished the grueling ultramarathon and received a check for R500 000 in addition to winning his second Comrades Marathon championship.
Ayanda Ngcobo had the lead for the majority of the race until Drummond where he ran out gas and stopped and being passed by Jo Fukuda of Japan.
Dijana appeared to would soon take charge and then hold the lead throughout the last phase of the race on course for the record. Fukuda led until Pinetown before fading back into a chasing pack .
Edward Mothibi came in third in 05:17.34 behind Wiersma who finished second in 05:14.08.
Nedbank Running Club dominated the men’s podium with all three top runners coming from the famous team.