Piet Wiersma makes history as the first non-South African to win the Comrades Marathon, finishing the grueling 85.91km race in 5:24:56. The Dutch runner’s triumph follows extensive training in Kenya and a determined comeback from last year’s second-place finish.
Piet Wiersma etched his name in the annals of the Comrades Marathon history by becoming the first non-South African to win the prestigious race. The 26-year-old Dutchman crossed the finish line in a remarkable 5:24:56, a testament to his resilience and dedication. This victory was especially sweet for Wiersma, who finished second in the 2023 race and vowed to return stronger this year.
Wiersma’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. Early in the race, he found the pace surprisingly slow, almost akin to a training run. However, his strategy paid off as he conserved energy, keeping pace with the lead group until he reached Umhlanga. “It really felt pedestrian, like I was running a training run, but then I knew it was too early to make my move,” Wiersma explained. “I knew that all the important guys were around me, so let me just save my energy and stay with the group. Once I reached Umhlanga, I knew that I could now push. I felt strong on the hills; it must be the hours of training I did in Kenya. So yeah, it was a good race.”
His rigorous training regimen in Kenya proved instrumental in his performance, providing him with the endurance and strength needed to conquer the race’s demanding hills. Wiersma’s win was celebrated by fans who had followed his journey closely, recognizing his potential and determination.
The 2024 Comrades Marathon saw more than 20,000 athletes take on the 85.91km ultramarathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The race began outside Durban City Hall early on Sunday morning, with the runners facing a challenging course that tested their physical and mental limits.
South African Dan Moselakwe claimed second place, while Ethiopian Degefa Lafebo finished third. On the women’s side, South African runner Gerda Steyn made headlines by setting a new course record, finishing the race in 5:49:46. Steyn’s victory adds to her successful year, where she continues to hold the records for both the Comrades uprun and downrun distances.
The 2024 race also featured a significant increase in prize money, with the total purse rising by R1,364,000 to a total of R4,092,000. This includes the R50,000 Hot Spot award for the first man and woman to pass through the Cell C Hot Spot in Cato Ridge, along with numerous other cash prizes.
Prize Money for Top Five Athletes:
- R825,000
- R412,500
- R297,000
- R148,500
- R115,500
This year’s Comrades Marathon slogan, “No Doubt – Nakanjani,” highlights the unwavering belief in the power, stature, and appeal of the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon. As the race concluded, it was clear that this belief was well-founded, with inspiring performances from both seasoned athletes and newcomers like Piet Wiersma, who now stands as a symbol of perseverance and triumph.
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