George Kusche and Gerda Steyn Rewrite Comrades History in Record-Breaking Fashion

George Kusche shattered an 18-year-old Up Run record, while Gerda Steyn broke her own course mark to secure a fifth Comrades Marathon title.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (15 June 2026) – George Kusche and Gerda Steyn ensured the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon would be remembered as one of the most remarkable in the race’s history, with both South Africans producing record-breaking performances on the road from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

For Kusche, the victory marked a stunning breakthrough. Just a year after making his Comrades debut, the 27-year-old announced himself among the race’s all-time greats by smashing the men’s Up Run record that had stood for nearly two decades.

Crossing the finish line in an astonishing 5:15:56, Kusche erased the previous mark of 5:24:49 set by Russian athlete Leonid Shvetsov in 2008. In doing so, he not only claimed the biggest victory of his career but also brought the prestigious Up Run record back into South African hands.

The victory was made even more impressive considering this was only his second Comrades Marathon. Last year, he turned heads with a debut performance that saw him finish 12th overall in 5:41:23. Twelve months later, he returned as a champion and record holder.

 

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While Kusche was making history in the men’s race, Gerda Steyn was busy strengthening her status as one of the greatest runners the Comrades Marathon has ever seen.

The “Queen of Comrades” claimed her fifth title in dominant fashion and, in the process, broke her own Up Run record.

Steyn crossed the finish line in 5:45:02, improving on the previous record of 5:49:46 that she set during the 2024 edition of the race. For much of the morning, Steyn looked comfortable and in control as she steadily built her lead.

 

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Together, Kusche and Steyn delivered a memorable day for South African distance running. Their victories perfectly captured the spirit of this year’s Comrades Marathon theme, Ska Fela Moya (never give up).

More than 22 000 runners took on the gruelling journey between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, each with their own goals and stories.

Sources: Comrades Marathon 

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by Karabo Peter

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