The Nedbank Running Club is poised for greatness heading into this year’s Comrades Marathon down run. With two champions and many gold medalists in the team, they are ready to paint the finish line green!
The men’s contingent is possibly the strongest in the field. Defending champion and record holder Tete Dijane, and 2024 up run winner Piet Wiersma, will both be vying for glory on race day. Though they are team mates, they will be competitors come race day, with no holes barred as they both attempt to win – Piet to win both the up and down titles, and Tete to defend his title.
We asked Piet to reflect on his last down run and his feelings about taking second place: “Tete was the better runner on the day. I could have gone earlier, but I didn’t, and that is racing.” Reflecting on his win from last year, Piet explained how it changed his life and how winning the race gave him the freedom to live and train as a runner. “Winning the race allowed me to live as a runner, Comrades changed my life.”
Defending down run champion Tete Dijana has a massive weight on his shoulders and he will be marked from the start gun, but he is prepared for the pressure that comes with this. “I’m physically and mentally prepared for this year’s Comrades,” said Dijana. “My focus has been on staying consistent and injury-free, and I’m feeling strong.”
“It comes with a lot of pressure, but it’s about how you handle the pressure from your opponents,” he explained. “For me, I won’t put pressure on myself. I do what I have to do and run what I have to – I don’t allow the pressure to get to me.”
There is a big possibility that Nedank will be able to claim the top three spots in the men’s race this year, with Edward Mothibi preparing to make a major statement at the 2025 edition of the iconic ultra.
Edward, who famously won the race in 2019, is hungry for another big performance – this time on the down run, where he already boasts an impressive résumé with a second and third place finish.
“I’m feeling confident this year. The training has gone well and I am looking forward to getting onto the podium,” Mothibi said, his calm confidence a hallmark of his elite racing career. Known for his strength and focus on the more punishing climbs of the up run, Mothibi has shown that he’s equally dangerous when gravity is on his side. With two podiums already on the down run, many expect him to be one of the top contenders in this year’s showdown.
The women’s team for this year’s race is also incredibly strong and includes Dominika Stelmach, Alexandra Morozova, Jenna Challenor and Landie Greyling. The women are not only aiming for the podium, but for the seven other gold medals up for grabs.
Dominika Stelmach is poised to make a significant impact at the 2025 Comrades Marathon. With a history of strong performances, including a second place finish in 2022 and multiple gold medals, Stelmach’s experience on both the up and down runs, positions her as a formidable contender.
As she prepares for the 2025 down run, Stelmach remains focused on her goal. “I would like to win Comrades – like most of the top contenders – it is my dream. Finishing in the top three would be incredible, and I will do everything I can to achieve this.”
Stelmach is not only a seasoned international athlete but also a proud ambassador for the Nedbank Running Club. As one of the club’s elite international members, she brings valuable global experience to the team. Her discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship make her a role model for younger athletes and a key figure in the club’s success on the ultra-distance stage.
Landie Greyling, who made a name for herself on the global trail running scene, is no stranger to long distances, but Comrades presents a unique new challenge. “It’s a down run and a completely different race,” she said. “It’s my first time running a down Comrades – I’ve got the experience of the up run, but that’s about it. So it’s a complete gamble, but it’s something that at this stage of my career I can take, and I’m really excited to see what I can do.”
The team is poised for an incredible race, and while anything can happen on race day, the depth of the team means we are sure to see many exciting performances
