Dijana vs Wiersma: The battle for Comrades Marathon glory
DURBAN - THERE was a moment during the elite athletes' pre race media conference of the Comrades Marathon at a beachfront hotel here on Thursday when Pie Wiersma and Tete Dijana exchanged glances and a smile flickered across both men's faces.
The smiles were fleeting though, coming as they did immediately after Dijana had declared himself not being under any pressure but loudly saying' they have pressure'. He looked at Wiersma when he said that and the Dutchman clearly knew his adversary was playing mind games.
For a significant part of the press conference, the two Nedbank Running Club athletes had not really looked at each other – although Dijana intermittently smiled when Wiersma spoke about his readiness and 'being in the best shape' of his life.
Given the tough nature and the unpredictability of The Ultimate Human Race, it would be folly to think Sunday's 98th running of the world famous ultra marathon between the KwaZulu-Natal cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban would be a two-horse race. Far from it, for there are a few athletes capable of pulling off a victory.
But there can be no denying that Dijana and Wiersma are going to be the main protagonists given what happened two years ago in the last Down Run – from Pietermaritzburg to Durban when Wiersma introduced himself to Comrades with a run so compellingly good he scared the living daylights out of holder and defending champion Dijnana.
Wiersma finished runner-up by less than five seconds in one of the closest finishes in the race's history as Dijana broke the Down Run best time previously held by David Gatebe. Wiersma also ran under that 5:18:19 mark and was gutted to not have won. He made amends last year, albeit in the Up Run when he reigned supreme on an afternoon when Dijana had dizzy spells less and suffered wobbly legs to finish a distant 14th place.
It appears the gloves are off this year, with Dijana eager to chalk up a rare hat-trick of Down Run victories while Wiersma will be out to do a back-to-back.
The Dutchman was in high spirits yesterday as he reflected on how his training has gone out in Kenya which he has made his camp from last year despite having suffered an infection from drinking contaminated water.
Previously a student and juggling running with his studies, Wiersma has since gone full time professional and says this has seen to a remarkable improvement in his running.
He looks leaner and talks a good game: 'To me every year I am out there looking to do better and this year, training has been good. Last year I got an opportunity to become a professional runner and this has made a big difference. I feel that I am better, but there are never any guarantees, I can't say I will win.'
But he definitely wants to, so much so that in addition to training like a madman he has been spending time watching videos of previous races.
'In a way I am a student (of the race),' he admitted. 'Two years ago when I first came here I did not know much about Comrades but last year and this year I did some homework and watched the past races. It is necessary to improve year to year and be the best I can be for every race. I trained to be at the best level I can be and this time my entire year has been very good.'
Warnings to Dijana and the rest of the field don't come as ominous as that, do they?
But the man from Mafikeng was unfazed by it all, Dijana playfully moving the microphone away from him to another Nedbank runner in Onalenna Khonkhobe, who typically took the bait and declared himself ready to smash the field.
'Sunday, I start with the gun. No matter (there is a) pacemaker or not, I am going up front. I am here to learn lots of things but in three years or four years time I will win Comrades back-to-back,' he said to loud applause.
Dijana was not speaking in such bold terms but he flashed a knowing smile as he shared what his plans are for Sunday's race.
'I am so excited to come and fix what happened last year,' he said in reference to the bad run he had in the Up Run. 'I walked and watched the videos (of the race) at home and I heard one of the coaches telling his athletes 'Tete is walking'. But this year, I am not here to walk. And no, I don't have pressure, they have.'
He flashed that toothpaste advert smile of his as he looked towards his far left where Wiersma sat.
The battle lines have been drawn. Who will reign supreme? Dijana or Wiersma? Or will the winner come out of left field in the men's race?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Mokopane athletes shine at 2025 Comrades Marathon
MOKOPANE – Runners from the Potties Athletics Club are beaming with pride after their outstanding performances in the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Their dedication, commitment and year-long training, even through the cold winter months, paid off as they took on the ultimate test of endurance. The 98th edition of the world-renowned Comrades Marathon was run last Sunday, and the down-run route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban attracted 20 972 runners from across the world. South Africa's Gerda Steyn once again dominated the women's race, crossing the finish line in an impressive 05:51:19. In the men's race, fellow South African Tete Dijana made the country proud with a time of 05:25:28. Among the brave were 11 runners from Potties Athletics Club who took on the gruelling challenge: Lesiba Letaha (66) led the Potties contingent with a time of 09:54:54. 'It was tough, just like the previous consecutive years – 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. I received the Robert Mtshali medal this year,' he said. Mogobe Mashishi completed the race in 10:01:28. Cecilia Ferreira ran her fifth Comrades and earned a personal best of 10:25:03. 'The route was far, but everything worked from the second group start to every water point. I did hurt my leg early, but I pushed through. I'm happy to have earned my fifth medal, a bronze,' she said. Sello Mobotja finished his third Comrades in 10:37:29. 'There are challenges along the way, and you never know what to expect. No matter how fit you are, the Comrades will humble you,' he said. Lizanie van Staden completed her first Comrades in 10:53:41. Khomotso Mashishi crossed the line in 10:58:41. Sarie Coetzee, a seasoned veteran, finished her 27th Comrades in 11:09:34. Hope Poopedi completed her fourth Comrades in 11:17:18. 'It was a bit tough this year, but the positive energy from fellow runners made it bearable. I didn't train as much as in previous years, but I finished strong. It's always special being part of the Comrades family.' Liza de Jong earned a Vic Clapham medal with a finishing time of 11:24:35. Tienie van Wyngaard concluded the race in 11:56:42. Viola Mashigo tackled her first Comrades and performed admirably, showcasing her determination and spirit. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
De Bruin plans for silver after success in debut Comrades
With just under 11km to the Comrades Marathon finish line, Alison de Bruin entered the pain cave and relied only on grit and determination to push herself through intense fatigue and discomfort. She couldn't allow herself to quit because it was, after all, 'the ultimate human race'. As this was her debut on June 8, the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) top runner was tested like never before. Despite 'niggles and aches', her stubbornness, tolerance for pain, and loyal support from friends and family – especially her dad – pushed her through. She persevered and ultimately crossed the finish line in Durban 'hurting' at 08:37:53 for a Bill Rowan medal, after a hard slog on the 89.98km downhill course from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. 'I was hurting, but after getting that far, I told myself I had it in the bag. I fought and stayed determined. I pushed in the last 8km. It may not have been the time I wanted, but the support around me pushed me to continue,' she said. After months of training -clocking 1 500km – crossing the finish line outside Moses Mabhida Stadium was 'the most incredible feeling of achievement' for the Rynfield Primary School teacher. 'I was beyond thrilled. After everything I had been through, and the months of training, I had made it. I was overwhelmed, proud, and happy that I achieved it. It might not have been the time I set out for, but I was still delighted,' De Bruin said. Although it's a personal achievement, the athlete ran the race for her father, who has been a pillar of support and inspiration since the day she first laced up her running shoes. 'He is passionate about running. He ran a lot when he was young but cannot do it anymore. I knew he was watching me and incredibly proud of me.' Reflecting on her overall performance, the St Dominic's Catholic School for Girls alumna said said race went according to plan. She was disciplined and maintained a decent 05:15 min/km pace, but nothing could have prepared her for the five major climbs – and their many cousins – on a course that was supposed to be downhill. 'Everyone told me it was the down run. But once I started, I realised it wasn't. It was completely different from what everyone said, so I had to stay disciplined in the first half,' said De Bruin. Now that she has a Bill Rowan medal, she knows what goal to aim for in next year's back-to-back race. 'I have noticed I am stronger on the uphills than the downhills. I am going to push to improve my time. I would love to get a silver medal and would be happy – even if I finish in 08:00. 'I want to improve my time by at least 30 minutes.' Also Read: Also Read: Murder case is again postponed At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Wanderers runner completes emotional 10th Comrades in memory of his father
When Conrad Walters, of Wanderers Club, crossed the Comrades Marathon finish line on June 8, it was not just the end of a race; it was the closing of a deeply personal chapter. This was his 10th Comrades, a milestone he had worked towards for years, but one he almost missed entirely. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race Earlier this year, Walters lost both his father and uncle within days of each other. The grief was heavy. Training fell away. Motivation faded. But one thing stayed with him. He had to run this one for his dad. 'I knew I wasn't in my best shape. I had not trained the way I usually do, but I could not sit this one out,' he said. It was his slowest run to date and, without question, his hardest. He battled stomach issues, muscle cramps, and moments of doubt, but he kept going. 'This was the run I am most proud of,' Walters said. 'It was not about speed; it was about heart.' Having first run Comrades in 2013, he had intended to reach his 10th race in 2023. A severe asthma attack put that on hold, but he returned in 2025, with more grit than preparation, finishing with more emotion than ever before. For Walters, Comrades is not only about the elite runners at the front. It lives in the determination of everyday South Africans who strive to balance work, family, and daily life. It is in the kindness of strangers offering water, food, and cheers along the route, and it is in the unwavering support of those waiting at the finish line.'Sometimes,' he said, 'just getting to the start is the bravest thing you can do.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
