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Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon
By Adnaan Mohamed

The 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon has all the ingredients of a classic.

Defending champions Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn return to lead a star-studded elite field on Sunday as 21,677 runners tackle the 85.777km Up Run from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

With nearly all of last year’s top-10 finishers back on the start line and a record prize purse on offer, the race is poised to deliver another compelling chapter in the history of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon.

The only absentee among the top 20 men and women from the 2025 race is women’s runner-up Alexandra Morozova, leaving an elite field packed with proven performers and ambitious challengers.

Race director Sue Forge expects another fiercely contested battle.

“All the signs are that this should be another thrilling race, not just in terms of proven gold medallists, but also with the addition of a number of very fast marathoners and ultra-marathoners from both South Africa and abroad, including world-class 100km competitors. We’re looking forward to seeing who claims the podium spots and a share of the biggest prize purse in the history of the Comrades Marathon.”

The elite athletes will compete for a share of R8.21 million, including incentives and bonuses, with both the men’s and women’s winners earning R925,000.

“We have made sure that the top contenders in the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon have 8.2 million reasons to give everything they have on the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” Forge said.

“This race has always produced world-class performances, and this considerable prize purse reflects the status of both the race and the elite field we have running this year.”

Dijana targets rare company

Tete Dijana Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

Dijana arrives as the man to beat.

The three-time champion claimed victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025, yet has never won an Up Run. A victory on Sunday would not only complete that collection, it would move him level with four-time winner Alan Robb and into a tie for third on the all-time men’s winners list.

Standing in his way is Dutch rival Piet Wiersma, winner of the most recent Up Run in 2024 and runner-up to Dijana in both 2023 and 2025.

Their rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of modern Comrades racing and could once again shape the outcome.

Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu also has history within reach. The veteran owns 11 gold medals and sits level with Bruce Fordyce on that list. Another gold medal would move him alongside Alan Robb with a record 12.

The men’s field is strengthened further by former winners Edward Mothibi and David Gatebe, while Nikolai Volkov, Joseph Manyedi, Alex Milne, Gordon Lesetedi and Vasilii Korytkin all return after gold-medal performances in 2025.

Several newcomers add intrigue.

South African hopeful George Kusche has attracted considerable support after finishing 12th last year, while Onalenna Khonkhobe’s impressive performances over the past 12 months have elevated him into podium discussions.

Internationally, much attention will focus on World 100km champion Aleksandr Sorokin, American record-holder Charles Lawrence and French 100km specialist Guillaume Ruel.

Steyn eyes fifth crown

Gerda Steyn Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

If Dijana is chasing history, Steyn is pursuing legacy.

The South African star has dominated women’s ultra-distance running in recent years and arrives full of confidence after securing a seventh consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title.

Having won Comrades in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Steyn stands one victory away from becoming only the second woman in history to reach five wins.

Only eight-time champion Elena Nurgalieva has won more.

Yet the women’s race appears deeper than ever.

Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki impressed with third place on debut last year and is widely viewed as a serious contender. Irvette van Zyl enters the race after breaking the Loskop 50km course record, while Dominika Stelmach, Carla Molinaro, Caitriona Jennings, Courtney Olsen, Jenet Mbhele and Melissah Gibson all return after earning gold medals in 2025.

Adele Broodryk’s return adds further quality after she missed last year’s race, while Galaletsang Mekgoe and Jenna Challenor will be eager to force their way back into the gold-medal positions.

Zimbabwean debutant Nobukhosi Tshuma is another athlete generating interest after finishing third at this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.

Strongest field in years

The elite men’s field consists of 97 athletes, while 34 women have earned elite status.

Together they form one of the strongest line-ups assembled for the race in recent years.

For Dijana and Steyn, Sunday offers an opportunity to strengthen already impressive legacies. For the chasing pack, it presents a chance to alter the narrative.

By late afternoon in Pietermaritzburg, the 99th Comrades Marathon will have produced new heroes, fresh storylines and perhaps another piece of history on South Africa’s most famous road.

Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s bustling streets will swap weekday traffic for running shoes on Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September, when the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K brings the curtain down on the five-race series. From Lilian Ngoyi Street to Rahima Moosa Street, Jozi will echo with the sound of chasing feet and national pride.

Men’s showdown

The men’s race promises fireworks with South Africa’s Precious Mashele (27:35) determined to strike gold on his favourite kind of course.

“Joburg is never easy … the air is thin, the climbs are tough. But those are the races that bring out my best,” Mashele said.

His main rival is Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:41), who has swept the last three races in Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane. A fourth straight victory would crown him series king.

But Thabang Mosiako (27:45) is also in red-hot form after winning last weekend’s Hollywood Joburg 10K. He believes his hill and speed work have prepared him perfectly.

The 28-year-old is also eyeing next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon debut, making this race an important test.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

They’ll be pushed hard by Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw (28:03) and Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi (27:52), both with the pedigree to spoil the South African party. With so much sub-28 pace, the men’s crown may only be decided in the final lung-busting metres.

Women’s battle

In the women’s race, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:53) starts as favourite, her strength on the climbs making her a natural fit for Jozi’s altitude.

“I love hard courses. They test not just the body, but the spirit,” Khatala said.

Her closest challengers include South Africa’s Cacisile Sosibo (32:54), Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora (32:55) and Kenya’s Naomy Jerono (33:28). Expect a close contest, with the decisive move likely on the punishing final stretch down Rahima Moosa Street.

Comrades stars add intrigue

Adding extra spice are Comrades Marathon champions Tete Dijana and Edward “Slender” Mothibi, both trading ultra-distance armour for 10km sharpness. Reigning Comrades Champion Dijana admits he’s using Joburg to test his speed.

Reigning Comrades Champion Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“The body is recovering well after Comrades. I use these 10km races to sharpen the legs,” he said.

Race founder Michael Meyer believes their presence underlines the event’s prestige:

“When you see Comrades champions lining up against 10km specialists, it speaks to the depth of our sport.”

A Heritage Day celebration

While the elites chase records, thousands of recreational runners will share the same course, painting the streets red and turning it into a moving tapestry of endurance and unity.

On a day celebrating South Africa’s heritage, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be a festival of speed, spirit and pride, as Jozi plays host to one last, spectacular showdown.

Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets are about to become a purple river of determination as 8,000 runners lace up for the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on Saturday.

At the front of this human tide will be two giants of the long road, Comrades champions Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana, swapping ultra-endurance for the short, sharp burn of 10 kilometres.

Gerda Steyn Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Steyn, the undisputed queen of South African distance running with four Comrades and six Two Oceans crowns, will don the purple of the host club, Hollywood Athletic, as she tests her mettle against speed merchants like Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula and Ntsoaki Mohlahlu.

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k Women’s Elite Field Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

For her, this race is less about medals and more about sharpening her blade for October’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“This course isn’t flat as a pancake, it’s more like a stack of flapjacks with some tricky layers in between,” Steyn smiled.

“It teaches you to manage effort, race dynamics and strategy rather than just staring at your splits. Those are the lessons I’ll carry into Cape Town.”

On the men’s side, three-time Comrades Down Run winner Tete Dijana admits he’ll be running on foreign turf. Against the jet-heeled Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Cwenga Nose, the Mafikeng marvel is realistic:

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Male Elite Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“I don’t have their speed, 10km is their playground. My time is only 32 minutes, slower than Glenrose Xaba! But racing them gives me strength. If they ever come to Comrades territory, I’ll show them who’s boss,” he chuckled.

At a lean 38kg, Dijana carries more grit than bulk, his focus firmly fixed on defending his Comrades throne.

“Among men, you can’t dance between marathons, Two Oceans and Comrades in one season. Only someone like Stephen Muzhingi managed that. I won’t gamble, I’ll always choose Comrades.”

Saturday’s 10K may be a sprinter’s stage, but with distance icons Steyn and Dijana on the line, the city will witness two ultra-legends trading their long-distance strides for shorter, sharper tactical duels.

TRACN4 Elands Marathon Attracts Nedbank Running Club’s Best

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on TRACN4 Elands Marathon Attracts Nedbank Running Club’s Best
Mpumalanga’s most scenic marathon is back. The TRACN4 Elands Marathon, hosted by the Nedbank LVCC Running Club and sponsored by Trans African Concessions (TRAC), takes place on Saturday 1 March 2025.

Set against the breathtaking Elands Valley, this event is a key qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, making it a must-run for South Africa’s endurance runners.

Nedbank Running Club will be sending their best:

This year’s race promises thrilling competition, with top Nedbank athletes headlining the event. Tete Dijana, double Comrades champion, and Dan Matshailwe, the first South African and second-place finisher at the 2024 Comrades Marathon, will take to the starting line, adding prestige and excitement to the event. Joining them will be a host of aspiring Nedbank Running Club members and those hoping to qualify for Comrades.

Mandla Nxumalo of the Nedbank LVCC Running Club expressed excitement about the event’s economic benefits, urging out-of-town runners to secure accommodation early. The 2025 event is expected to attract an even larger field than previous years, featuring some of South Africa’s top road runners.

Key Details:

The 42.2km marathon starts at 05h30 from Laerskool Oosterlijn in Emgwenya (formerly Waterval Boven) and winds through picturesque landscapes, including the historic Waterval Boven Tunnel. Runners finish at the Sappi Skills Training Centre in Ngodwana. The entry fee for the 42.2km race is R420.

For those looking for shorter distances, there’s a 21.1km half marathon starting at 06h00 near the Fortis Malaga Hotel (R270) and a 10km route starting and ending at Sappi Skills Training Centre (R130). Both these races will provide a memorable running experience for all who take part.

Entry fees include the R60 for bus transport to the start, providing seamless logistics for participants. All distances also qualify for Vitality Points, adding extra incentive for fitness enthusiasts.

TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo:

Runners can kick off their experience by attending the TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo, on 28 February 2025 at Astron Energy Millys on the N4. Open from 11h00 to 20h00, the expo will be the hub for runners to collect their race numbers and explore the various brand activations and promotions. If you are unable to collect from Millys, your race number can also be collected at LVCC in Mbombela.

Where to Enter:

Online registration is open until 16 February 2025, with no late entries accepted. Participants can update their entries, or do substitutions, upgrades, or downgrades. Visit www.elandsmarathon.co.za for more details.

Whether you are running to qualify or for the love of the sport, the TRACN4 Elands Marathon is the ultimate challenge in one of South Africa’s most scenic regions.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 082 801 3600.

Nedbank running club fields most competitive Comrades field to date

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Nedbank running club fields most competitive Comrades field to date

The Nedbank running club’s famous green Nike vests have dominated running events around the country, and even more so, the Comrades Marathon, dubbed the ultimate human race. 2024 is no different and at this years Comrades Marathon, the club has a record 48 athletes entered under elite status and will be looking for more than just a win.

“Without a doubt, this is the strongest and most competitive team we have ever had at the Comrades Marathon,” says Nick Bester, National team manager of the Nedbank running club and former race winner. “Besides having the defending champion of both the up run and down runs, we have multiple Comrades gold medallists that will take part this year as well as some very interesting novices who can perhaps spoil the party on the day.”

Leading the team will undoubtedly be the duo of Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi. Coming into this year’s race, Mothibi is the defending up run champion with the race last going up to Pietermaritzburg in 2019, whilst Dijana has won the last two Comrades down runs back-to-back, which included last year’s record-breaking run. The two train together and are known as the happy bunch with gold medallist teammates Joseph Manyedi, Dan Matshailwe and Johannes Makgetla also returning this year.

Also returning will be Piet Wiersma. Referred to last year as the unknown dutchman, the youngster of the team finished 2nd on debut, only 3 seconds behind Dijana and this year has focussed solely on the Comrades Marathon, having prepared for the race in Kenya. “This year we have had athletes focussing on the race from all different corners of the globe,” said Bester. “Tete and the other guys had their base in Dullstroom for the high altitude and Piet chose to train in Kenya for the bulk of his Comrades prep.

Giving a serious attempt at Comrades this year will be Onalenna Khonkhobe who made a name for himself leading the 2022 Comrades Marathon all the way to Fields Hill. He has since grown in stature and this year was the runaway winner of the Two Oceans Marathon. Throw in Russian debutant Nikolay Volkov amongst many other Nedbank stars who will be in action, and the 2024 Comrades Marathon will be a treat for viewers watching at home on TV and for spectators along the route.

In the women’s race, South Africa’s Adele Broodryk leads the Nedbank running club challenge. Debuting in 2022, Broodryk finished 3rd and in last years race improved by one spot to not only finish 2nd, but run an amazing 5:56, to become the 3rd fastest female ever on the down run. Teammates Deanne Laubscher, Galaletsang Mekgoe and Slindile Chili will be looking to join Broodryk amongst the top 10 finishers on the day.

There is also an extraordinarily strong Nedbank running club international contingent coming down which will be led by Polish athlete Dominika Stelmach who is a multiple Comrades Marathon gold medallist. Ireland’s Caitriona Jennings finished on the podium at her debut Comrades up run in 2019 and will be looking for another repeat of that after a strong 7th place at this years Two Oceans Marathon. Running her first Comrades this year will be American Andrea Pomaranski who has been taking training advice from Bester. With a 2:31 marathon best and two sub 2:35 marathon finishers in 2024 already, Pomaranski looks to do something big on 9 June.

‘I worked intensively with Andrea and especially on her overall strength to make sure she can manage the uphill’s which will be complemented by her incredible speed as an Elite marathoner. What impressed me from her is that Andrea is listening and did do all the strength and cross training according to the program and reduced her total running mileage per week. I am expecting Andrea to be up there with the leaders on race day! ‘said Bester

“We have assembled the best possible team to date for this years Comrades and thanks to all of our sponsors, we have given all the athletes all they need in terms of preparations and camps, so all that is left now is the athletes to do their part and once again paint the streets green on 9 June,” said Bester.