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Inside the mind of Comrades Champion George Kusche

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Inside the mind of Comrades Champion George Kusche
By Adnaan Mohamed

With two kilometres remaining, George Kusche glanced at the race clock for the first time all day.

The display showed roughly 5:08.

His body felt like a battered vehicle limping home after a cross-country expedition. His left calf had been threatening mutiny for more than 30 kilometres. Every stride sent warning signals through weary muscles. The road tilted and twisted ahead like a mischievous serpent refusing to surrender its final secrets.

Yet something curious happened.

The mathematics suddenly made sense.

“I remember thinking, if I run 10 minutes in these last two kilometres, I’m still going to run 5:18.”

For most runners, that would be astonishing pace after nearly 86 kilometres.

For Kusche, it was a moment of realisation.

History was waiting at the finish line.

The remarkable part is that he still wasn’t thinking about winning.

“I wasn’t thinking about winning. I was honestly afraid,” he told nine-time Comrades champion Bruce Fordyce.

“I thought to myself, I can’t think about anything else now. I need to focus on putting my foot in front of the other and running as fast as I can.”

That fear may have been his greatest ally.

Because while many runners arrive at Comrades armed with bravado and bold predictions, Kusche approached the race like a scientist approaching an unsolved equation.

Carefully.

Methodically.

Relentlessly.

And in doing so, he produced one of the greatest performances the race has ever witnessed.

THE UNDERDOG WHO WAS NEVER CHASING A TROPHY

When Kusche crossed the finish line at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, the clock stopped at 5:15:56.

The time demolished Russian Leonid Shvetsov’s 18-year-old Up Run record of 5:24:49 by almost nine minutes.

It also delivered the fastest average pace ever recorded in the history of the Comrades Marathon.

Yet the journey began not with victory but with disappointment disguised as success.

A year earlier, the former NCAA athlete had finished 12th in his Comrades debut.

Many runners would have celebrated.

Kusche analysed.

“On the day I knew that was the absolute best I could have done,” he said.

“But I know I made a lot of mistakes preparing for that Comrades because it was my first one. I was naive about what it takes to run Comrades.”

The race became a classroom.

The student paid attention.

PROJECT 2026
George Kusche at the 2026 Comrades Winners Breakfast Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Most athletes emerging from a strong debut create a target.

Kusche created a process.

“It was Project 2026, but not to win.”

That statement sounds almost absurd after what followed.

“It was Project 2026 to focus on the process as much as I can and make sure that on June 14, 2026, I show up as the absolute best version that I could be.”

“If that means a win, then I’m happy.”

The distinction matters.

The goal was not a trophy.

The goal was optimisation.

Every kilometre became a data point.

Every session became an experiment.

Every mistake became valuable information.

THE SCIENTIST IN THE RUNNING SHOES

Away from racing, Kusche works full-time as a Data Scientist at Pepkor Lifestyle.

The numbers are woven into his DNA.

Born in Malalane in Mpumalanga, educated at Laerskool Malelane and Affies in Pretoria, he earned a Master’s degree in Statistics and passed eight Actuarial Society of South Africa examinations on his first attempt.

He coaches himself.

That revelation surprised Fordyce.

In an era overflowing with coaches, consultants and performance gurus, Kusche remains his own architect.

“I coach myself.”

His approach combines science and instinct.

“I accumulated a lot of volume, but that came over a period of a year.”

“It’s a gradual increase in both volume and intensity and elevation gain.”

“I meticulously tracked various metrics over time and ensured that they increased and peaked at the right time.“

The scientist measured everything.

The athlete listened to his body.

The combination proved potent.

THE HILL THAT BUILT A CHAMPION

Every Tuesday, a hill in Pretoria became his laboratory.

He repeatedly climbed and descended Platheus Hill.

No dramatic sprinting.

No social media heroics.

No chest-thumping workouts.

“I simply jogged up and jogged down.”

“And I just let the elevation gain do the damage it had to do.”

Slowly, the hill surrendered.

“Without increasing my effort, I could see my pace increasing and my heart rate decreasing.”

Like water carving a canyon, the work accumulated quietly until the results became impossible to ignore.

THE OVERTRAINING MYTH

As race day approached, whispers began circulating.

Some observers believed Kusche was training too much.

Even Fordyce and former champion Nick Bester had concerns.

“We said George is terribly overtrained.”

Kusche knew the rumours.

“I know about the overtraining allegations.”

His answer reflected the analytical mindset that defines him.

“You can’t look at one number and say someone’s overtraining.”

“My workouts kept improving.”

His peak week reached an eye-watering 259 kilometres.

Yet he remembers feeling restrained.

“I felt like I could have done 300.”

“I felt guilty not running more.”

The engine was humming.

The data agreed.

THE SURGES THAT BROKE THE RACE

The winning move arrived long before he took the lead.

Running within a pack, Kusche sensed comfort spreading among his rivals.

Comfort is dangerous in championship racing.

So he attacked it.

“I didn’t want the pack to be comfortable.”

Climbing Inchanga, he repeatedly surged.

Not wildly.

Not recklessly.

Simply enough to raise the temperature.

“I felt really strong.”

“I just decided to go in front of the pack and gradually increase the pace.”

The surges acted like tiny cracks in a dam wall.

Invisible at first.

Devastating later.

“After about four of those surges, I decided it’s now time to go for gold.”

The race had changed.

The field simply had not realised it yet.

FEAR ON POLLY SHORTTS

For television viewers, Kusche looked magnificent.

Fordyce remembers watching him move through Harrison Flats and immediately predicting victory.

“George is going to win.”

The reality unfolding inside Kusche’s body was far less glamorous.

“My left calf was cramping.”

“My legs were sore.”

“I kind of felt tired.”

Then came Polly Shortts.

The notorious climb often acts like a final judge standing between contenders and champions.

Fortunately, Kusche had studied every metre.

“I knew exactly how long that hill would be.“

That knowledge became a psychological weapon.

“I knew it’s two kilometres.”

“I knew that if I could get to the top in the lead and feeling strong and maintain my pace, then the odds are good of winning.”

What happened next was pure courage.

“I didn’t feel good.”

“But I went up that hill giving it everything I had.”

The hill blinked first.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE COMRADES CHAMPION

Fordyce ended their conversation with a question few champions answer easily.

What does it actually feel like to be Comrades champion?

Kusche paused.

The answer was strikingly simple.

“It’s a confirmation that the work I’ve been putting in over the past year has paid off.”

Perhaps that response explains everything.

The record.

The preparation.

The humility.

The fear.

The patience.

For George Kusche, Comrades was never about chasing applause.

It was about discovering whether the equation was correct.

On a cold winter morning between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the answer arrived.

Loudly.

The data scientist had solved the biggest puzzle in South African road running.

And the solution may only be the beginning.

With the Down Run waiting in 2027 and Fordyce joking that the record should be “quite scared“, Kusche remains cautious.

“You need to be afraid of Comrades.”

“If you’re not afraid, you’re not going to perform at the highest level.”

Those words may sound strange coming from a champion.

Then again, George Kusche has never approached Comrades like everybody else.

That is precisely why his name now stands above everybody else’s.

Springbok coaches welcome wins but identify key areas for improvement

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Springbok coaches welcome wins but identify key areas for improvement
By Adnaan Mohamed

The scoreboards at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium painted a picture of dominance on Saturday, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA A coach Mzwandile Stick were far more interested in the details hidden beneath the numbers.

The Springboks opened their season with an emphatic 80-31 victory over the Barbarians, while SA A brushed aside Zimbabwe 40-0. Despite the convincing results, both coaches identified areas requiring urgent attention before the Nations Championship begins in two weeks.

Erasmus praised the Springboks’ attacking output but admitted their discipline and defensive consistency left room for improvement.

“Our discipline wasn’t great, and they (the Barbarians) scored tries in quick succession, so yellow cards were not ideal,” said Erasmus.

The Bok coach pointed to the realities of a squad reconnecting after several months apart.

“But we have to remind ourselves that it’s been six or seven months since we’ve played together, and some guys were new in the mix, while we also didn’t know when the DHL Stormers or Vodacom Bulls players would be available at some stage, which are all aspects we have to keep in mind.

“To score 80 points is nice, but the Barbarians were thrown together quite late, and had only three training sessions, which makes them difficult to analyse. They scored four or five great tries, so we need to eliminate those defensive lapses and be better as a unit when we play against England.”

One concern for Erasmus was the injury suffered by experienced lock Franco Mostert, who was forced from the field.

“I’m worried about his ankle. He’ll go for scans tomorrow, so hopefully it’s not too bad.”

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi echoed his coach’s assessment, saying the match provided valuable evidence of what is working and what still needs attention.

“I thought a lot of what we wanted to get through, we did, but also, when things didn’t work, and we went against the plan, we learned lessons there,” said Kolisi.

“I always have to watch the game again to get a good assessment about things, but I already know some of the mistakes we made and the areas we need to fix. There were opportunities where I thought we could have controlled things better.”

Earlier in the day, SA A delivered a disciplined defensive display against a determined Zimbabwe side preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Stick admitted the performance was not without frustration despite the clean-sheet victory.

“We knew it was going to be a big challenge because the majority of our players have never played together, so it was a new team, and Zimbabwe tried to challenge us by keeping ball in hand and playing direct rugby. I enjoyed the way they played.

“That said, for us, the goal was to see whether the players could execute what we’ve been working on over the past two weeks, and it was sometimes frustrating when the points weren’t coming.

“In the first half, we were unlucky, with two tries disallowed – once where a player went into touch, and another when a player was slightly in front of the kick. But from my side, the way the guys stayed in the fight, even when we were under pressure, was great, and we managed to keep a clean sheet.”

SA A captain Vincent Tshituka paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s intensity and ambition.

“We played against a desperate side, and we expected that. We knew the Zimbabwe players would be motivated and would want to prove a point against world-class opposition, and it showed.”

South Africa’s opening victories delivered plenty of encouragement. Erasmus and Stick know tougher examinations await, and both coaches left Gqeberha with a notebook full of positives and a to-do list that remains far from complete.

Images: X.com/Springboks

Africa leads Global Safe Sport Conversation in Cape Town

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Africa leads Global Safe Sport Conversation in Cape Town
By Adnaan Mohamed

The race to make sport safer is gathering pace, and in Cape Town the baton was firmly placed in African hands.

More than 400 delegates from around the world converged on the University of Cape Town for the Safe Sport Global Conference, where World Athletics and World Rugby joined forces to strengthen safeguarding systems and elevate athlete welfare across the continent and beyond.

Held from 25 to 27 May and opening on Africa Day, the conference brought together researchers, policymakers, administrators and safeguarding practitioners in a shared pursuit of a sporting environment where athletes can thrive free from abuse, exploitation and harm.

At the heart of the gathering was a message that resonated through lecture halls and panel discussions alike.

“Safer sport is not built by one discipline, one organisation or one country alone. It depends on shared responsibility, deeper understanding, and stronger systems,” said Associate Professor David Maralack, Head of Department at the School of Management Studies at UCT.

In many ways, the conference embodied that philosophy.

Like teammates linking arms in a defensive line or runners working together through a punishing headwind, World Athletics and World Rugby used the event to create new partnerships, share expertise and strengthen safeguarding networks throughout Africa.

Maralack also highlighted the significance of hosting the conference on African soil.

“Hosting the conference at UCT placed African scholarship and lived experience at the forefront of this important dialogue, challenging the historical dominance of perspectives shaped elsewhere.”

For years, safeguarding conversations have often been driven by frameworks developed in Europe and North America. In Cape Town, African experiences moved from the margins to the centre of the field.

The collaboration between athletics and rugby was far more than a symbolic handshake. It reflected a growing recognition that safeguarding challenges are shared across sports and that solutions are often stronger when organisations work side by side.

“The Safe Sport 2026 Conference came at an opportune time for World Rugby/Africa Rugby and World Athletics/African Athletics, as both sports are establishing safeguarding focal points across their African member unions and associations,” said Global Safe Sport Conference Coordinator Norman Brook.

“Both organisations participated in the conference and hosted related side events, including a joint session where rugby and athletics safeguarding officers explored ways to build regional and national support networks.”

The three-day programme examined how safeguarding commitments can be transformed from policy documents into everyday practice. Research presentations, workshops, stakeholder dialogues and keynote sessions tackled topics ranging from athlete welfare and leadership accountability to international cooperation and policy implementation.

World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit contributed expertise through discussions on continental safeguarding networks, trauma-informed case management and the relationship between integrity and athlete protection.

Away from the formal programme, 15 safeguarding leads from African athletics federations met to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and build relationships designed to strengthen athlete protection across the continent. Working alongside World Rugby representatives, delegates forged connections that organisers hope will outlast the conference itself.

Brook believes those relationships could prove invaluable long after delegates returned home.

“The safeguarding officer role can sometimes feel isolating, with few people available for advice,” he said.

“By working together, Rugby and Athletics have created a practical way to provide mutual, on-the-ground support across their networks.”

The importance of collaboration emerged as one of the event’s defining themes.

Neal Andersen, CEO of Safe Sport International, said that at its core “safe sport is the only sport that matters”.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe safeguarding officer Tawanda Mutero said the conference demonstrated growing global commitment to athlete safety.

“It emphasised listening to athletes and putting them first. Collaboration was highlighted as key to making sport safer for everyone.”

Athletics Namibia safeguarding officer Victoria Tilovanhu Katukula echoed those sentiments.

“The Safe Sport Conference provided a valuable opportunity for networking with professionals committed to creating safer sporting environments. My takeaway is that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and it is not done overnight.”

That message became the conference’s enduring refrain.

Safeguarding is not a sprint to be won in a single season. It is a marathon requiring patience, vigilance and collective effort. Strong policies matter, although culture, education and accountability ultimately determine whether athletes feel protected.

As delegates departed Cape Town, the conference concluded with a call to carry the Safe Sport legacy forward.

The final whistle may have sounded on three days of discussion. The work of protecting athletes, however, continues every day in training grounds, boardrooms, clubhouses and classrooms across the world.

If the conference achieved one thing, it was reinforcing a simple truth. Athlete safety is not the responsibility of a select few. It belongs to everyone who shares the field, the track and the future of sport.

Safeguarding is not a sprint to be won in a single season. It is a marathon requiring patience, vigilance and collective effort. Strong policies matter, although culture, education and accountability ultimately determine whether athletes feel protected.

As delegates departed Cape Town, the conference concluded with a call to carry the Safe Sport legacy forward.

The final whistle may have sounded on three days of discussion, although the real work has only begun.

If the conference achieved one thing, it was reinforcing a simple truth. Athlete safety is not the responsibility of a select few. It belongs to everyone who shares the field, the track and the future of sport.

Sub-27 Dream alive as Cheptegei leads World-Class Durban 10K field

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Sub-27 Dream alive as Cheptegei leads World-Class Durban 10K field
By Adnaan Mohamed

Joshua Cheptegei’s appearance at the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has attracted what organisers believe is the strongest men’s field ever assembled for a 10km road race on African soil.

The Ugandan superstar, an Olympic champion, multiple world champion and world record holder over 5 000m and 10 000m, will line up in Durban on 12 July against a field packed with international winners, national record holders and emerging stars eager to test themselves against one of the sport’s modern greats.

Leading the list of challengers is Kenya’s Felix Masai, whose 27:24 personal best makes him one of the fastest men in the race. The Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon champion expects Cheptegei’s presence to elevate the standard of competition.

Felix Masai (Kenya) has a 10km PB of 27:24. PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo

“He is one of the greatest distance runners of all time, and competing alongside him raises the level of the entire field,” said Masai.

“My race target is to give my best. I like competing in South Africa.”

Another athlete to watch is Kenyan Gilbert Kiprotich, who arrives in Durban with confidence after a strong performance at the Lisbon Half Marathon.

“I’m feeling well after the Lisbon Half Marathon. I took some time to recover before shifting my focus to preparing for racing in South Africa,” said Kiprotich.

“Looking back to the Half Marathon, where I recorded a 10km split of 27:01 and considering how the second half of the race unfolded, I believe I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00 in Durban.”

Kiprotich believes favourable conditions and strong pacing could produce something special.

Gilbert Kiprotich (Kenya) has a 10km PB of 27:43. PHOTO SUPPLIED

“We are hoping for favourable weather conditions and strong pacing on race day. I feel inspired by the opportunity to race against Joshua Cheptegei. He is a world-class athlete, and competing alongside him will provide valuable experience and contribute significantly to my development as a professional athlete.”

Lesotho national record holder Kamohelo Mofolo returns to the race where he set his country’s 10km mark in 2025 and believes the course remains one of the fastest on the continent.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is a flat, fast course with few turns, and if the conditions are right it allows for very quick times,” said Mofolo.

“Every race here feels like it has the potential to be something special, and I’m honoured to be part of such an impressive lineup.”

Mofolo added that racing against athletes of Cheptegei’s calibre presents a valuable opportunity.

“Racing against athletes like Joshua Cheptegei is a great opportunity because he is an amazing runner, and I’m excited to learn from the best while sharing the start line with him.”

South African hopes will rest largely on Kabelo Mulaudzi, whose development has been closely linked to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.

“I am grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created a platform for me to obtain an invitation to a big international race,” said Mulaudzi.

“I am extremely excited to be part of this event and it is always great to run in South Africa against the world’s best athletes.”

The South African believes competing alongside Cheptegei can bring out the best in the field.

“I have always enjoyed the challenge of racing against better athletes than myself and it is great to be lining up with Joshua. I hope that he will help bring out the best in me and all the other athletes competing in the race.”

Adding further depth is Cheptegei’s Ugandan training partner Emanuel Kibet, who boasts a personal best of 27:37 and is expected to play a significant role at the front of the race.

Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Series Founder Michael Meyer believes Cheptegei’s participation has transformed the event.

“Joshua Cheptegei’s participation has drawn a truly extraordinary depth of field to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, bringing together world champions, record holders, and some of the fastest road runners on the planet,” Meyer said.

“This level of quality not only elevates the competitive standard of road running in South Africa, but firmly cements the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K as the Greatest 10K on African Soil.”

Meyer added that the strength of the field could produce a historic result.

“In conditions like these, with such depth and intent at the front of the race, the possibility of a historic performance, even a breakthrough sub-27-minute 10km, becomes a real possibility.”

Visit Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K for more info.

Oldest (84) and Youngest (20) conquer 2026 Comrades

Adnaan MohamedColumns, Comrades Marathon, Features, NewsLeave a Comment on Oldest (84) and Youngest (20) conquer 2026 Comrades
By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Comrades Marathon delivered many memorable performances on the gruelling 85.777km journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, though few stories captured the spirit of the race quite like those of Johannes Mosehla and Bailey O’Leary.

Separated by 64 years in age, the pair finished the 99th edition of the Ultimate Human Race as its oldest and youngest official finishers.

Mosehla, 84, crossed the line in 11:12:26 on Sunday to break his own record as the oldest finisher in Comrades history. In doing so, the Polokwane Running Club member finished ahead of thousands of runners many decades his junior.

The veteran runner, who began his running journey in 1963, said the achievement was a source of pride and gratitude.

“To be the oldest finisher at Comrades is a great honour,” said Mosehla.

“This race continues to inspire me every year. Running has given me so much throughout my life. I hope my journey encourages people to stay active, stay disciplined and keep chasing their goals regardless of age.”

Mosehla credits his remarkable longevity to consistency, moderation and a healthy lifestyle.

“You must listen to your body, eat well, rest properly and enjoy what you are doing. Running should bring happiness. I still love training in the mountains and spending time outdoors.”

While Mosehla represented experience and endurance, O’Leary embodied youthful ambition.

The 20-year-old, who lives in the United Kingdom and whose parents are both originally from Durban, finished her Comrades debut in 10:42:51 to become the youngest female finisher in this year’s race.

Her first Comrades was made even more special by sharing the journey with her father, Jon O’Leary.

Proud dad Jon O’ Leary with his daughter Bailey O’ Leary at the Comrades Winners breakfast on Monday 15 June 2026. Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“I grew up supporting my dad and listening to stories about Comrades,” said Bailey.

“He inspired my love for the race and it was always my dream to run my first Comrades with him. He helped me a lot, especially in the first half, and crossing the finish line was incredibly special.”

For Jon, the day was about far more than another medal.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my life,” he said.

“Comrades means so much to our family. To see Bailey achieve her goal and share the experience with her from start to finish was unforgettable.”

As the Comrades Marathon prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027, both runners have already confirmed their intention to return.

Mosehla will aim to extend his remarkable record, while O’Leary hopes to secure a special back-to back medal awarded to novices for consecutive finishes.

Bailey O’ Leary in action on the 2026 Comrades Marathon Up Run Route Photo: Supplied

Their stories served as a powerful reminder that Comrades remains a race where generations meet, dreams endure and the finish line belongs to anyone willing to keep moving forward.

How Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ philosophy inspired George Kusche’s historic Comrades triumph

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on How Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ philosophy inspired George Kusche’s historic Comrades triumph
By Adnaan Mohamed

After shattering one of South African sport’s most enduring records and banking more than R2.3 million George Kusche revealed that Springbok mastermind Rassie Erasmus ‘Pressure is a privilege’ philosophy had a profound impact on him being crowned 2026 Comrades Marathon champion.

Kusche says one of the most influential ideas shaping his outlook is Erasmus’ belief that pressure is not something to fear, but a privilege earned by doing what you love while millions of others face far greater daily struggles.

For Kusche, that perspective proved as valuable as any training session in helping him navigate the weight of expectation before producing a breathtaking 5:15:56 from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, obliterating Leonid Shvetsov’s 18-year-old course record and writing himself into Comrades folklore.

“In terms of pressure, I’ve got huge respect for Piet and the way he shows up every year and hits it out of the park. It takes a lot of guts to do that and obviously Gerda does that as well,” Kusche said.

“I often think of Rassie Erasmus when he said this is not pressure, this is a privilege to do what you love and hopefully I can keep that mindset next year.”

Those words perhaps explain why Kusche looked so composed while executing one of the boldest race plans in recent Comrades history.

He surged to the front early, trusted months of meticulous preparation and refused to blink as the kilometres mounted. The calculated gamble dismantled a record that had survived for nearly two decades and left defending champion Piet Wiersma and surprise package Mbuti Mollo chasing shadows, despite both finishing beneath the previous record.

Ironically, the race that delivered one of the richest prize hauls in South African road running history reinforced Kusche’s belief that money should never be the driving force.

At Monday’s winners’ breakfast, the 28-year-old received a standing ovation while collecting a series of bonus cheques, including R602,000 for breaking the Up Run record. Together with the winner’s prize, average pace incentive, first South African bonus and other rewards, his earnings climbed beyond R2.3 million, with further sponsor incentives still possible.

Yet financial reward barely featured in his thoughts.

“I haven’t really thought about the financial aspect yet,” Kusche admitted.

“If you’re running for the money I think you’re in the wrong sport.”

Instead, his greatest satisfaction appeared to come from achieving something that only a year ago seemed improbable.

The Pretoria-based runner laughed that he woke up on Monday morning and checked the date to make sure he was not dreaming.

“I think it’s slowly starting to sink in.”

His journey has never followed a conventional route.

Born in Malalane, Kusche left South Africa as an 800m athlete before studying in the United States, eventually earning a Masters in Statistics after spells at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northern Arizona University.

When a professional running contract failed to materialise, he returned home, built a career as a data scientist and stepped away from competitive athletics.

Running, however, refused to loosen its grip.

With the backing of Nedbank Running Club manager and 1991 Comrades champion Nick Bester, Kusche rebuilt himself from scratch, applying the same analytical discipline to training that he uses in his professional life.

He still balances elite competition with full-time work, believing that stability away from the roads has strengthened rather than hindered his performances.

His fourth-place finish in the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, rapid marathon progression and 12th-place finish on his Comrades debut last year all hinted at enormous potential.

Sunday confirmed it.

There was no visible panic, no signs of a man burdened by expectation, only calm execution from the first stride to the last.

Perhaps that is the real legacy of Erasmus’ philosophy.

Pressure is not a crushing weight carried by champions.

It is a privilege earned through sacrifice, embraced with gratitude and rewarded through preparation.

George Kusche did not merely win the 2026 Comrades Marathon.

He embodied that idea every step of the way.

Featured Image: Adnaan Mohamed

Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades 2026: Kusche and Steyn rewrite history and win millions
By Adnaan Mohamed

PIETERMARITZBURG – George Kusche and Gerda Steyn delivered one of the most remarkable days in Comrades Marathon history on Sunday, smashing long-standing Up Run records and each walking away with more than R2.3 million in prize money and incentive bonuses.

On a shortened 85.777km route, the fastest in recorded Up Run history, expectations of rapid times proved well founded as both champions produced performances that rewrote the record books.

Kusche stormed to victory in 5:15:56, obliterating the previous men’s Up Run record of 5:24:49 set by Leonid Shvetsov in 2008. His average pace of 3:40.99 per kilometre also eclipsed Vladimir Kotov’s long-standing benchmark for the best average pace.

Dutch defending champion Piet Wiersma finished second in 5:19:36, with South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo taking third in 5:21:31 after leading for much of the race. Great Britain’s Alex Milne and Japan’s Haruki Okayama also dipped beneath the previous course record, underlining the extraordinary pace of the contest.

For Kusche, the victory only became real at the finish line.

George Kusche stormed to victory and obliterated the previous men’s Up Run record and set a new benchmark for the best average pace.

“I honestly didn’t believe I was going to win until I crossed the finish line. Comrades is extremely hard mentally, and there was no way I could know that they were not going to catch me, so I pushed as hard as I could and hoped that nobody would pass me.”

The South African, who finished 12th on debut a year ago, made his decisive move after Mollo began to struggle late in the race and never looked back.

“Comrades is a nerve-wrecking experience. This past week it was very hard to think about anything except the Comrades, and I’m very grateful that everything worked out as planned. It’s a bit of a gamble by going out early, but luckily it paid off this time around,” he said.

Steyn was equally dominant in the women’s race, clocking 5:44:53 to improve on the Up Run record she established in 2024. She also lowered her own best average pace mark while securing a fifth Comrades title, made up of three Up Run victories and two Down Run triumphs.

“It is an honour to come away with another Comrades Marathon win and a new course record. It’s what I have been dreaming of and working for since the start of the year,” Steyn said.

“I ran this Comrades as if it was my last race, but after crossing the finish line I already know it was far from my last. I can’t imagine my life without this race and I’m already looking forward to the 2027 centenary edition.”

Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma claimed second in 5:53:36 after overcoming significant personal sacrifices during her preparation, while South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl completed the podium in 6:02:30.

The record-breaking performances also produced record-breaking rewards.

Kusche and Steyn each earned R2.322 million through victory prize money, the Cell C top-up, first South African incentives, Up Run record bonuses and the Cell C average pace incentive.

Comrades Marathon Association general manager Alain Dalais described the event as an outstanding rehearsal for next year’s centenary edition.

“We are incredibly proud of the 2026 race and our two record-breaking winners. George Kusche lived up to the pre-race expectation by shattering the men’s Up Run record, while Gerda Steyn joined some of the most illustrious legends of this great race with five wins.

“It was a fantastic elite race with record-breaking performances and a truly fitting spectacle for the 50th edition of the Up Run.”

Results of the 2026 Comrades Marathon

Top 10 Men
1 George Kusche              Nedbank Running Club GN                         South Africa                            5:15:56
2 Piet Wiersma                 Nedbank Running Club International           Netherlands                              5:19:36
3 Mbuti Mollo                  Maxed Elite KZN                                          South Africa                             5:21:31
4 Alex Milne                    Nedbank Running Club International           Great Britain                             5:22:29
5 Haruki Okayama           Nedbank Running Club International           Japan                                      5:24:46
6 Charles Lawrence          adidas                                                           United States of America         5:27:08
7 Lloyd Bosman               Nedbank Running Club SWD                      South Africa                             5:28:53
8 Nikolai Volkov               Nedbank Running Club International          ANA                                         5:28:59
9 Vasilii Korytkin             Kemerovo Runners                                      ANA                                         5:29:29
10 Tebogo Pulusa             Dwarsrivier Mine Athletic Club                   South Africa                             5:29:40

Top 10 Women
1 Gerda Steyn                   Hollywood Athletic Club CGA                      South Africa 5:44:53
2 Nobukhosi Tshuma        Entsika                                                         Zimbabwe 5:53:36
3 Irvette van Zyl                Hollywood Athletic Club CGA                      South Africa 6:02:30
4 Shelmith Muruiki           Entsika                                                         Kenya 6:06:38
5 Naomi Robinson            Nedbank Running Club International Great Britain 6:07:55
6 Loveness Madziva         Nedbank Running Club Zimbabwe Zimbabwe 6:09:54
7 Courtney Olsen             Hollywood Athletic Club International          United States of America 6:11:20
8 Dikiledi Majara             Nedbank Running Club AFS                       Lesotho 6:12:29
9 Jenet Mbhele                 Umzimkhulu Striders                                    South Africa 6:13:08
10 Carla Molinaro             Hollywood Athletic Club International        Great Britain 6:14:04

Tete Dijana and Piet Wiersma in blockbuster Comrades showdown

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Tete Dijana and Piet Wiersma in blockbuster Comrades showdown
Adnaan Mohamed

Three proven Comrades Marathon champions. Three very different motivations. One famous road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The men’s elite race at Sunday’s Comrades Marathon has the ingredients of a modern classic, with defending Down Run champion Tete Dijana chasing history, 2024 Up Run winner Piet Wiersma hunting unfinished business and 2019 champion Edward Mothibi quietly building confidence inside a formidable Hollywood Athletics Club squad.

For Dijana, preparation has followed a familiar script.

The three-time Down Run champion says an injury-free training block and altitude camp in Dullstroom have laid a solid platform for another assault on the title, with the biggest adjustment coming in mindset rather than methodology.

“The preparation went well and injury free,” Dijana said.

“Our training stays more or less the same because the hills are always there, but mentally you have to approach it differently and put more emphasis on strength.”

Hollywood’s backing has also given him confidence throughout the campaign, although the defending champion is not buying into suggestions that there is no pressure.

“I’m defending. I have to deliver and make history for myself,” he said.

Alongside him is Mothibi, whose move to Hollywood has strengthened an already imposing purple challenge.

The 2019 winner says he has largely trusted the methods that brought success in previous years, with extra focus placed on improving speed to match a younger generation of contenders.

Hollywood AC’s Happy Bunch taking a break during training. Photo: Supplied

He believes some of his biggest rivals are the athletes he trains with every day.

“Tete is part of our Happy Bunch,” Mothibi said. “I know how fit those guys are because I train with them. Those are the competitors I understand best.”

Mothibi also praised Hollywood’s athlete-first approach, saying the club creates an environment free from unnecessary pressure while giving runners every opportunity to perform.

Standing in their way is Wiersma, whose remarkable rise has transformed him into one of the race’s biggest stars.

The Dutchman insists being labelled defending champion feels strange after winning the last Up Run rather than last year’s Down Run, though he believes this could be the strongest preparation of his career.

“I’ve done the best training of my life,” Wiersma said.

After overcoming illness earlier in the season and maintaining a carefully controlled routine, he arrives convinced he has given himself every possible chance.

His respect for Dijana and Mothibi remains evident despite the changing club colours.

“Before the race and after the race we’re friends,” he said.

“During the race we don’t show each other mercy, no matter what colours we’re wearing.”

Perhaps the strongest insight into Wiersma’s mindset comes from his description of unfinished business.

He has finished second by seconds, won while narrowly missing the course record and again fallen agonisingly short of victory.

Now he believes the depth of this year’s field could produce something special.

“With a field this strong, there’s a very high chance the course record will be broken,” he said.

For Wiersma, Comrades has changed his life, providing the platform to pursue professional running full time after shelving plans for a PhD.

Living and training in Kenya has also reshaped his perspective.

“The mindset there is incredible,” he said. “People wake up every day knowing they have to do everything right because it affects what happens months later.”

By sunrise on Sunday, predictions will count for little.

The road from Durban to Pietermaritzburg has a habit of humbling favourites and elevating dreamers.

If Dijana’s pursuit of history, Mothibi’s experience and Wiersma’s relentless ambition unfold as expected, the 2026 Comrades Marathon could produce another chapter worthy of its legendary status.

Queen Gerda ready to climb again as fifth title beckons

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, NewsLeave a Comment on Queen Gerda ready to climb again as fifth title beckons
By Adnaan Mohamed

The numbers attached to Gerda Steyn’s career are extraordinary, though the woman herself continues to speak with the calm certainty of someone more interested in preparation than praise.

Four Comrades Marathon victories. Seven Two Oceans Ultra Marathon titles. Countless records and unforgettable performances.

On Sunday, the Hollywood Athletics Club star will line up in Durban chasing a fifth Comrades crown, convinced that another carefully crafted build-up has left her exactly where she wants to be.

“I can’t believe we are here again. It feels like yesterday that we were lining up for the down run of 2025,” Steyn told Modern Athlete in an exclusive interview.

“I’m very excited to line up this year. The training has gone really well. The Up Run is my favourite direction. I’m really excited, so I can’t wait for Sunday.”

That preference is rooted in both emotion and experience.

Steyn says the climb to Pietermaritzburg rewards discipline, patience and intelligent pacing, qualities that have become trademarks of her racing style.

“I think the Up Run suits me as a type of athlete that I am. It is a lot to do with pacing yourself well, conserving your energy very well in the first half and running smart. You need a lot of strength to compete well in the Up Run.”

It also carries sentimental value.

“It was my first ever Comrades Marathon, so that’s how I fell in love with the race. To line up again this year is very special.”

As in previous campaigns, Steyn spent much of her preparation in the Alps following the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, using the relentless climbs and descents to sharpen her endurance.

“I’ve always done the exact same routine. I feel like it’s the right thing for me to do. I can focus 100% on running and you either go steep up or steep down, which really complements the training.”

She returned to South Africa earlier than usual and settled in Dullstroom, where familiar surroundings and sessions alongside Hollywood teammates provided a valuable psychological lift.

“We were fortunate enough to share the roads with Tete, Edward and Johannes and the rest of the Hollywood guys. They are such a positive group with a wonderful dynamic. It was a great way to finish the training and line up with excitement.”

With another slightly shortened Up Run route, speculation around a possible course record has gathered momentum.

Steyn refuses to be distracted.

“My first goal is really to defend my title. If that comes with a record and I feel good on the day and everything goes according to plan, I’m sure it is possible.”

Looking back at her preparation compared to 2024, she believes there is room for something special.

“I think there’s room for it. Everything has to go according to plan and I mustn’t focus on the record so much that I forget to focus.”

It is a mindset that has carried her to the summit of South African ultra-distance running before.

On Sunday, she will trust it again.

Virgin Active HYROX Jo’burg Makes History as Africa’s Largest Fitness Race

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Virgin Active HYROX Jo’burg Makes History as Africa’s Largest Fitness Race

The global fitness racing phenomenon reached historic heights as the Virgin Active HYROX Johannesburg event completely rewrote the record books over the weekend of 30 – 31 May 2026. Taking over the expansive halls of the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec, the event officially became the largest HYROX competition on the African continent to date, proving that the local appetite for fitness racing is growing at an unprecedented rate. 

As the official title partner, Virgin Active anchored an electric, high-octane weekend that brought together elite competitors, first-time racers, and a massive community of fitness enthusiasts. 

The weekend delivered staggering participation across the board, setting a soaring new benchmark for African fitness racing. Over 8,100 athletes stepped into the Roxzone to conquer the signature HYROX format (alternating eight 1km runs with eight grueling functional workout stations) to form the largest starting field in South African history. Among them were 595 competitors who took on the Pro divisions, battling both the ticking clock and Johannesburg’s notorious 1,750-meter altitude. 

This historic turnout also signaled a powerful shift in the sport’s demographics. Women made up an impressive 55% of the total field, while the highly competitive 30–34 age bracket emerged as the weekend’s largest contingent, accounting for more than 21% of all racers. Proving the event’s massive regional draw, this competitive spirit extended far beyond South African borders, pulling in prominent athlete squads and roaring support crews from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini. 

The incredible athletic performance was matched point-for-point by the supportive energy of the spectators. A record-shattering crowd of over 9,000 passionate spectators packed the Expo Centre, making it the largest spectator turnout the event has ever seen, turning the venue into a roaring cauldron of support. 

“Eight thousand one hundred athletes is the largest crowd we’ve ever seen at a HYROX event on this continent,” said Dean Kowarski, Group CEO of Virgin Active. “That’s a signal worth paying attention to. People want more than just a place to train, they want community, a challenge, and a wellness ecosystem that supports all of it. And we’re proud that Virgin Active is built for exactly this moment.” 

Simon Goldsbrough, HYROX South Africa Race Director, echoed this excitement: “Johannesburg completely raised the bar. The energy inside the Expo Centre across both days

was absolutely magic. To achieve a 55% female field and our highest athlete count to date shows that the ‘sport of the everyday athlete’ has found a massive, permanent home in South Africa. We are deeply grateful to our partners and the roaring crowd that carried these competitors across the finish line.” 

The historic scale and smooth execution of the race were made possible through the collaboration of major global and local lifestyle brands. Alongside title partner Virgin Active, an incredible roster of event partners brought world-class activation zones, recovery lounges, and nutritional support to the venue. 

With record participation, a female-led field, a massive cross-border turnout, and unparalleled crowd support, the May 2026 Virgin Active HYROX Johannesburg event solidifies fitness racing not just as a passing trend, but as one of the fastest-growing mainstays in African sports culture. 

About HYROX: 

HYROX is the Global Fitness Race for Every Body. Launched in 2017, HYROX has become the world’s largest indoor fitness race, hosted in over 30 countries. The standardised format allows athletes of all levels to compete against their own personal bests and a global leaderboard. 

About Virgin Active: 

Virgin Active is South Africa’s leading health and wellness club network. Through its multi-year partnership with HYROX, Virgin Active provides specialised training programmes, accredited trainers, and world-class recovery facilities to support the fitness journey of every South African athlete. 

For more information, race results, or to register for upcoming events, visit www.hyroxsa.com. Media Contact: 

Corlia Meyer 

[email protected]

Picture credit: HYROX South Africa – Fahwaaz Cornelius