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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

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.

adidas launches official Cape Town Marathon range as Major ambition gathers pace

Adnaan MohamedAdvertorial, NewsLeave a Comment on adidas launches official Cape Town Marathon range as Major ambition gathers pace
By Adnaan Mohamed

The countdown to the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has accelerated with adidas unveiling its official race merchandise collection ahead of the event’s latest push toward Abbott World Marathon Major status.

Inspired by Cape Town’s running culture and coastal identity, the range blends performance apparel with bold African-inspired design. The collection features Dusky Petrol and Lucid Aquamarine colourways, complemented by gold detailing symbolising the marathon’s growing global ambition.

The range includes technical race jackets, training T-shirts, caps, visors and the latest version of the adizero Boston 13 running shoe.

The Boston 13 features adidas’ Lightstrike Pro midsole and energy rod system, alongside a uniquely African print design created specifically for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

The collection is available online and at selected adidas stores nationwide.

“Every year the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes a stride forward with regards to its scale and stature. This race is unique as it is distinctly African symbol of community, culture, and world-class running,” said Tom Brown.

“This collection allows runners and supporters alike to celebrate this special moment as Cape Town continues its push toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.”

As part of the build-up to race weekend, adidas will also host a marathon activation at the historic Union Castle Building square at the V&A Waterfront from 16 to 24 May.

The pop-up hub will stock official marathon merchandise and serve as a gathering point for runners through a series of daily events and community activities.

Among the scheduled events are long runs, recovery sessions, taper runs and shakeout runs, alongside product customisation opportunities. A DHL Stormers signing session is also planned for 19 May.

Runners preparing for race weekend will also have access to pre-race hair and nail services, while finishers can return with their medals for free engraving after the event.

The activation is aimed at creating a race-week atmosphere for local and international runners visiting Cape Town ahead of one of Africa’s flagship road running events.

Kim Pain eyes rare 30th Two Oceans Ultra finish

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Kim Pain eyes rare 30th Two Oceans Ultra finish
By Adnaan Mohamed

When the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (TTOM) gets underway on 11 April 2026, Kim Pain will line up as the only woman in the field chasing a 30th finish.

At 59, the Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club stalwart is on the brink of earning “triple blue” status in the Blue Number Club, a milestone reached by very few women in the race’s history.

Only three female runners sit ahead of her on the all-time list: Lucille Damon and Sharon Bosch, both on 32 finishes, and Matilda le Roux, who completed her 30th ultra in 2024. Damon and Bosch are set to chase their 33rd finishes this year, while le Roux will not compete in 2026.

Pain’s association with the race stretches back 36 years. She made her debut in 1990 as a 23-year-old, finishing in 4:56:36. After returning in 1993, the race became a permanent fixture on her calendar. She earned her Blue Number in 2002 following her 10th finish.

“I don’t think I was ever chasing 30,” Pain said. “I always chose to run TTOM and enjoy a weekend away.”

Family has played a central role in her journey.

“My mom and dad, Alf and Wendy Pain, have always been my greatest supporters,” she said. “My dad especially has been my inspiration. We came down to Cape Town as a family in 1990, and that’s where my TTOM journey began.”

Among her standout memories is her 20th ultra in 2012, run in cold and wet conditions.

“It was so cold, wet and muddy at the finish. It was pouring with rain, and I was lucky to have my parents supporting on the side of the road,” she recalled.

Her 25th finish in 2017 proved significant. Pain crossed the line alongside ultra-running figures Barry Holland, Alan Robb, Bruce Fordyce and Gareth Griffiths.

Kim Pain and Gareth Griffiths from Jeppe AC at TTOM 2025 by Action Photo

“I was very taken aback when the organisers gave me a congratulatory letter and a small trophy,” Pain said. “I think it was a very cool gesture; it also meant that after finishing my 25th, I was exempt from paying entry fees. That only motivated me to get to my 30th.”

Her surname often draws comment on the road.

“Yes, that’s the standard comment I often get. You’ve got the right surname,” she laughed. “Often, when I’m running and I’ve got runners around me, they’ll come up to me and they’ll say, when did you start running? You must have started when you were very young because you have so many ultras behind your name.”

Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt believes Pain’s milestone attempt reflects the spirit of the event.

“Kim Pain embodies the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Her 30th appearance is a testament to decades of dedication and endurance, inspiring every runner on the start line,” he said.

General manager Wade Bromfield added: “Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is extraordinary. Kim’s journey reflects resilience, consistency, and the heart of this iconic race, reminding us of what decades of running can achieve.”

If she reaches the finish line in April, Pain will add her name to one of the most exclusive lists in South African ultra-distance running.