From elite champs to everyday heroes, the 2025 Comrades Marathon once again lived up to its title as the “Ultimate Human Race.” Over 22,000 runners braved the 89.9km down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday — the biggest field in the race’s 98-year history.
Two-time defending champ Tete Dijana made a triumphant return, crossing the finish in 5:25:27. The North West-born security guard-turned-running sensation had battled food poisoning last year, but came back strong to claim his third title. On the women’s side, Queen Gerda Steyn proved her dominance yet again, winning her fourth Comrades in 5:51:18. The Free State-born road warrior is based in Dubai and known for her speed, grace and infectious positivity and is fast building a legacy as one of South Africa’s greatest athletes.
Dijana pocketed R1.576 million, and Steyn took home R1.626 million, both a total for their wins across various categories.
But the true spirit of Comrades lies with the masses. First-time runners described it as “forced meditation” and “an emotional cleansing.” For some, like Johannesburg novice Daniel Matusse, it was about remembering a late parent. Others, like newbie Fortunate Djokozela from Kimberley, ran to prove to himself that the impossible could be done even when everything hurt. “I started cramping at 50 km, but pulling out was never an option, even if I had to walk here for the full 12 hours,” he told reporters.
And history was made: Johannes Mosehla (83) became the oldest person ever to finish the Comrades, smashing his own record from last year. The retired teacher from Limpopo finished with minutes to spare, his steady stride a lesson in perseverance. Meanwhile, Louis Massyn, 74, crossed the line for a record 50th time, a feat unmatched in Comrades history. That’s half a century of ultra-marathoning — bonkers.
It wasn’t perfect. One runner briefly went missing (she was found safe), and critics slammed the chaotic finish and botched gun start. “The race deserves better,” one column argued, pointing to Comrades’ growing pains ahead of its 100th edition in 2027.
Still, no deaths were reported, and over R6 million was raised for charity. Not bad for a Sunday jog.
