South Africa’s George Kusche won the men’s 2026 Comrades Marathon on Sunday, delivering a breakthrough performance to claim the title in a record time of 5:15:56.
Kusche, a Nedbank Running Club athlete, produced a well-paced run in the “up” race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, only taking the lead in the closing stages before pulling away to secure victory in the Comrades.
Dutchman Piet Wiersma finished second in 5:19:36, while South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo placed third in 5:21:31.
Mollo led at the halfway mark but began to struggle after about 68km, briefly walking before resuming as the late-race pace proved too strong.
In the women’s race, South Africa’s Gerda Steyn secured a record fifth Comrades title, winning in 5:44:53 in another dominant display.
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