–Piet Wiersma Wins Comrades Marathon as Gerda Steyn Shatters Own Record
Dutch athlete Piet Wiersma took the spotlight at the 2024 Comrades Marathon, clinching victory in a remarkable time of 5 hours, 25 minutes, and 00 seconds.
Wiersma’s intensive two-month training stint in Kenya paid off, propelling him to a near-record-breaking performance, falling short of Leonid Shvetsov’s 2008 record by a mere 21 seconds.
His swift pace secured him the second-fastest time ever recorded in the men’s up run.
Reflecting on his triumph, Wiersma described the early stages of the race as a breeze, akin to a routine jog.
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However, upon reaching Umhlanga, he shifted into high gear, effortlessly conquering the challenging terrain with a strength borne from his rigorous training regimen.
Meanwhile, in the women’s category, South African sensation Gerda Steyn made history by smashing her own record, securing her third Comrades Marathon title with an impressive time of 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 46 seconds.
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Among the contenders, Alexandra Morozova of Russia claimed the second spot, while Courtney Olsen from the USA staged a stunning comeback, surging from the rear to clinch third place.
The battle for fourth place was equally intense, with Carla Molinaro narrowly edging out Nobukhosi Tshuma in a thrilling finish.