Reigning Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana is determined to avoid unnecessary pressure while defending his title.
Reigning Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana is determined to avoid unnecessary pressure while defending his title.
The renowned race, now in its 96th year and 48th down run, is scheduled for 11 June, stretching from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Currently training at a camp in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, the 35-year-old athlete, who achieved victory in last year’s race with an impressive time of 5 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds, prioritizes contributing to a strong team performance with his Nedbank Running Club over securing another individual win.
Acknowledging the collaborative nature of the race, Dijana emphasizes the importance of his teammates, stating, “They’ll have a lot of work to do because I’m not alone; I’m with the guys. Alone, I won’t make it. This will reduce the pressure on me, as I understand that timing and strategy are crucial. I aim to approach the race with the utmost sensitivity,” he said, as quoted by SABC Sport.
Heading down Fields Hill and it's over for the man who led this race with charisma and pain Onalenna Khonkhobe, hands over to his teammates defending champion Edward Mothibe and Tete Dijana!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) August 28, 2022
Who will win??#ComradesMarathon @SuperSportTV 📺 pic.twitter.com/Mkgqhg4HSU
Having joined the Nedbank Running Club in late 2022 and undergone one training camp with his new teammates, Dijana surpassed all expectations by claiming victory in his debut Comrades Marathon. As he prepares for this year’s race, he remains a strong contender for the top spot.
Reflecting on last year’s unexpected triumph, Dijana shares, “Initially, I was targeting a top 10 finish, so winning the Comrades Marathon was an unexpected bonus. However, this year, I am confident in my abilities and recognize my potential to secure victory.
“I have a clearer understanding of the challenges that lie ahead and how to confront them. Unlike last year’s camp, which was physically demanding and prone to injuries due to the rigorous training, this year’s preparations have been smoother, leaving me in a positive state of mind and injury-free.”
