SPORTS NEWS - Running the race of his life, Tete Dijana timed his performance perfectly on Sunday, breaking clear of defending champion Edward Mothibi in the latter stages to win the Comrades Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal.
Onalenna Khonkhobe took the early lead in the 90km race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, opening a big gap before the sun came up in the morning, and he held on for most of the race.
After rocketing through halfway, however, in 2:25:51 – the fastest time any runner has ever reached Drummond – Khonkhobe’s wheels eventually came off and his brave attempt came to a close when he was passed by fellow South African athletes Mothibi and Dijana with less than 20km remaining.
With less than 10km left, Dijana put in a surge and dropped Mothibi, striding away to win the ‘down’ run in 5:30:38.
The former security guard earned R260 000 in prize money for his victory and an additional R100 000 as the first South African home.
Mothibi, who won the ‘up’ run in 2019, held on to finish second in 5:33:46 and Dan Moselakwe took third position in 5:36:25.
Morozova takes women’s title
Meanwhile, Russian athlete Alexandra Morozova was also rewarded for a well-timed effort, winning the women’s race in 6:17:48.
While debutant Adele Broodryk held the lead throughout the first half, she was overtaken by Dominika Stelmach of Poland before Morozova took control in the latter stages.
Stelmach took the second position in 6:25:09 and Broodryk held on to finish third in 6:26:35 after a brave first attempt at the gruelling ultra-marathon.
Morozova, twice previously a runner-up at this race, has previously not received prize money due to a global ban on Russian athletes. Still, it seemed like she was competing as an individual ‘international’ athlete this weekend and the issue was unlikely to be a concern again.
Onalenna Khonkhobe held the lead for most of the race. Photo: Michel Bega, The Citizen
Results
Men
1 Tete Dijana (RSA) 5:30:38, 2 Edward Mothibi (RSA) 5:33:46, 3 Dan Moselakwe (RSA) 5:36:25, 4 Bongmusa Mthembu (RSA) 5:38:07, 5 Johannes Makgetla (RSA) 5:41:36, 6 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana (RSA) 5:43:28, 7 Joseph Manyedi (RSA) 5:44:57, 8 Solly Manduwa (NAM) 5:46:10, 9 Charles Tjiane (RSA) 5:47:04, 10 Lutendo Mapoto (RSA) 5:47:20
Women
1 Alexandra Morozova (RUS) 6:17:48, 2 Dominika Stelmach (POL) 6:25:09, 3 Adele Broodryk (RSA) 6:26:35, 4 Jenna Challenor (RSA) 6:42:14, 5 Galaletsang Mekgoe (RSA) 6:42:53, 6 Camille Herron (USA) 6:44:29, 7 Helena Joubert (RSA) 6:55:36, 8 Janie Grundling (RSA) 6:59:44, 9 Annerie Wooding (RSA) 6:59:55, 10 Yolande Maclean (RSA) 7:00:19
