Mahikeng native Tete Morena Dijana claimed his third Comrades Marathon title over the weekend.

Dijana crossed the finish line in a time of five hours, 30 minutes, and 38 seconds, from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban, with more than 22,000 runners lining up in what was the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The official distance for 2025 was 89.98 kilometres.

He’s now a three-time Comrades winner: 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Dijana, who’s with the Nedbank Running Club, will look back with great pride after quitting his job as a security guard at the North West University to pursue running.

He’s R1.6 million richer: R870,000 for the victory, R500,000 for recording the fastest average speed, and R220,000 for being the first South African across the line.

Netherlands-born Piet Wiersma came second in 5:25:33, while Russia’s Nikolai Volkov claimed third in 5:29:42.

Dijana has opened up about his mental struggles leading up to the Comrades.

“Last year, I was in peak condition, but I went through a difficult time mentally. I’m grateful that this year I didn’t face the same struggles,” he said.

“I had a mental breakdown, but my partner stood by me, and I dedicate this victory to everyone who supported me through that dark period.

“I was feeling low and frustrated, but today, I’ve reclaimed my title as the king of the down run.”

Top 10 men:

1. Tete Dijana (South Africa) 5:25:28
2. Piet Wiersma (Netherlands) 5:25:33
3. Nikolai Volkov (Russia) 5:29:42
4. Edward Mothibi (South Africa) 5:31:41
5. Joseph Manyedi (South Africa) 5:32:09
6. Alex Milne (Great Britain) 5:34:08
7. David Gatebe (South Africa) 5:34:08
8. Bongmusa Mthembu (South Africa) 5:35:48
9. Gordon Lesetedi (South Africa) 5:36:22
10. Vasili Korytkin (Russia) 5:38:59