'This victory comes at the right time' - Dijana confident of Comrades success after win at Elands Marathon
Following a sensational 2:18:18 to clinch a victory at the Elands Marathon, two-time Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana says his preparations for this year's race are on track. Dijana won the race hosted in Mpumalanga on Saturday 1 March with his former training partner Joseph Manyedi following him home in a close second place in 2:18:45, while Manoni's Philani Nkomo rounded out the top three in 2:21:09. The 37-year-old Down Run record holder (5:13:58 set in 2023), says he chose the Elands Marathon because it is perfect preparation for this year's Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
"I'm very happy to win the race. Since the race is a down run this year, I needed to find a race with a similar course. I ended up coming to this race because it has more downhill. I'm quite happy with the time I achieved as the race had some wonderful athletes including Manyedi, Gordon Lesetedi to name but a few," explains Dijana who is coached by Dave Adams.
After his performance this weekend, the Nedbank Running Club star is confident of placing in the top 10 once again at The Human Ultimate Race. Last year, he experienced cramps in the latter stages of the Up Run and he ended up struggling to a 14th place finish in 5:42:50. Dijana says winning this races shows that he remains on track to be ready for the big day on 8 June.
"It was about testing myself to see where I am in terms of my fitness level. At the moment, I can't say much but deep down I'm ready to tackle this year's race very well. When it comes to training, I'm on the right track to achieve my personal goals for the year. This victory comes at the right time for me," he told #TheTopRunner.
Meanwhile the 42-year-old Manyedi, a new recruit to the Maxed Elite Running Club, says it feels good to open his 2025 marathon season with a good performance in new colours after he recently joined the Mr Price Sport backed club ending a successful long stay with Nedbank Running Club.
"The race was good and it's nice to run strong. I'm still undecided on what's going to happen next. I might do one or two races before the Comrades Marathon. There is a chance I can do Two Oceans Marathon but it is still undecided whether I'm going there for a training run or challenge for the victory," he said.
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