R1.7 million Comrades Marathon winner remains a security guard

Two-time Comrades Marathon winner Tete Dijana says he won’t quit his job as a security guard after receiving R1.7 million.

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TETE DIJANA EARNED R1.7 MILLION MONEY

City Press reports that Northwest-based Comrades Marathon winner Tete Dijana recently received R1.7 million prize money after winning this year’s race.

According to the publication:

• He earned R500 000 for his win
• Another R500 000 for beating the best time
• R200 000 as the first South African man over the finish line
• R500 000 from the North West government

Dijana, who grew up poor and has been a security guard at North West University’s Mahikeng campus for nine years, says he won’t quit his job this year.

“I used to quarrel a lot with the students; as you know, young people can be a handful. But, after winning my first Comrades, now it’s all about mutual respect,” said a chuckling Dijana.

“Even the lecturers and the professors at the university now know who I am.”

ALSO READ : Comrades Marathon result: Tete Dijana defends title, smashes record

HIS PLANS AFTER WINNING COMRADES MARATHON

Dijana adds that he wants to add a world championship and Olympic medal to his growing list of achievements.

He hopes to join three-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka and Melikhaya Frans and others who are still to qualify for the World Athletics Championships marathon in August in Budapest, Hungary.

“I am hoping to be in the South African squad for the world championships. I am resting for a month, then I will start to train around July 12.”

His plan B includes choosing between the Cape Town Marathon in October and the Soweto Marathon in November this year.

“The 50km race at the world championships is my priority. Based on my Nedbank Runified 50km and the Comrades, I am confident I can make the marathon team. I am just waiting to hear my phone ring.”

The runner adds that it was highly likely he would miss the 2024 Comrades Marathon as the Paris Games would be just two months after the ‘up’ run.

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