“If you failed, you must stand up and fight again.” – Tete Dijana, 2025 Comrades Marathon Mens’ Champion
Tete Dijana’s triumph at the 2025 Comrades Marathon is the latest chapter in a story defined by resilience, redemption, and an unwavering fighting spirit. His words—”If you failed, you must stand up and fight again”—reflect both his personal journey and the demands of the world’s most storied ultramarathon.
From Glory to Setback
Dijana, hailing from Mahikeng, had already achieved greatness with back-to-back Comrades victories in 2022 and 2023. He was the reigning “down run” record-holder and a standard-bearer for South African ultrarunning. However, the 2024 race dealt him a humbling setback: after his historic achievements, he finished outside the top ranks, placing 14th, while Dutch rival Piet Wiersma claimed the title.
The Road to Redemption
For many, such a fall from the pinnacle could have marked the end of a winning chapter. But for Dijana, the disappointment of 2024 became a powerful motivator. Determined to reclaim his place among the legends, he committed himself to a renewed cycle of preparation—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He understood that failure is not a verdict, but an invitation to resilience.
Fighting Again: The 2025 Race
The 2025 Comrades Marathon, stretching nearly 90 kilometers from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, demanded everything from its contenders. Dijana faced formidable competition, not least from Wiersma, who was aiming to defend his crown. Running in the green of Nedbank Athletics Club, Dijana timed his race to perfection. With about 16 kilometers remaining, he surged into the lead. Every step forward was a testament to the power of persistence.
In the end, Dijana crossed the line in 5:25:28—a full hat-trick of Comrades victories and a dramatic five-second margin over Wiersma, echoing some of the most dramatic finishes in the race’s history. The result was not just a personal victory, but a celebration for the Mahikeng community that stood by him throughout his journey.
The Deeper Lesson
Dijana’s quote captures a truth forged on the roads of the Comrades: “If you failed, you must stand up and fight again.” It’s a mindset that elevates champions beyond their wins, inviting all who face setbacks—whether in sport, business, or life—to find courage in adversity. His journey resonates as a reminder: greatness is not born from unbroken success, but from the courage to rise, time and again, after falling.
Through his example, Tete Dijana embodies the spirit of tenacity—the relentless drive to stand up, to fight back, and to turn defeat into the foundation of future triumphs.
