S2|E16 - Unleashing "The Unknown Dutchman": How Piet Wiersma stunned the South African Running World with his iconic Novice Comrades Podium Finish

On the 11th of June 2023 the annual Comrades Marathon, South Africa's oldest ultra-endurance event, was stunned by a performance for the ages by an unknown Dutch runner - Piet Wiersma.The 25-year-old racing his Novice Comrades, as an unsponsored athlete, completed the 88km race in a staggering time of 5 hours and 14 minutes (over 4 minutes faster than the previous record) in what was an iconic battle for the win between himself, raining 'down-run' champion and race day favourite, Tete Dijana, and previous winner Edward Mothibi. The Unknown Dutchman finished in an agonising second place as he watched winner, Tete, cross the finish line a mere 3 seconds ahead. One of the closest finishes ever recorded at the Comrades Marathon.How did he do this? Where did he come from? Was this a flash in the pan or are we looking at a future winner in the making? These were all questions that made their rounds in South African running circles. In this episode we had the pleasure of gaining insights from "the Unknown Dutchman" himself which left us feeling equally astonished and excited for what's to come from this young athlete.Piet's journey is filled with remarkable twists and turns. Discover how he transitioned from track and field athletics to long-distance running, finding success in ultra-distance trail running before redirecting his focus to road races amid the pandemic. Uncover the powerful mindset that guided him through the gruelling 100k World Championships in 2022 (finishing 3rd), where psychological tactics, limited support, and strategic discussions played crucial roles.We chat deeply about his ultra-distance training, his 100km World Record attempt, which he ran just months before Comrades, and how he only started his hill training a month out of the race - crazy right?Hear about the decisive Comrades Moments, including missed bottles, bold downhill moves, team tactics and the essential adaptations he had to make to his race-day nutrition. In closing we dive into the pressures of elite racing, the value of teamwork and his dream to come back to win the Comrades Marathon.As Piet's remarkable journey continues to inspire and captivate both runners and enthusiasts alike, you don't want to miss this incredible conversation with a true running trailblazer!"

Om Podcasten

Making a Runner is an inspiring and informative podcast that delves into the world of running. Hosted by Nic Acampora and David Fick, the show features in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and enthusiasts from various running disciplines. Each episode uncovers the personal journeys, training techniques, and mental strategies of top runners and industry professionals, sharing valuable insights for listeners at every level of their running journey. From beginners looking to take their first steps into running to seasoned athletes aiming to achieve their personal bests, Making a Runner offers practical tips, motivation, and guidance to enhance running performance and overall well-being. The podcast looks to cover a wide range of topics, including race preparation, nutrition, recovery, mental resilience, injury prevention, and the latest trends in the running world. With a warm and engaging approach plus some lekker South African 'Gees', the hosts create a supportive space for runners to explore the challenges and triumphs of their sport, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Making a Runner seeks to empower and inspire runners of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities, celebrating the joy of running and the limitless potential that lies within each individual. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or lacing up your shoes for the first time, this podcast is your go-to resource for unlocking the athlete within and making your running dreams a reality. This is how runners are made....