’s race in 5:15:56, breaking the 18-year-old Up Run record, while Gerda Steyn claimed her fifth Comrades title with a new women’s record of 5:44:53. Their triumphs electrified the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, rewriting history and thrilling thousands of spectators along the route.”
The 2026 Comrades Marathon will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary chapters in South African athletics history. On Sunday, June 14, thousands of runners lined up in Durban for the 99th edition of the world’s most famous ultra-marathon, embarking on the grueling 85.7 km “Up Run” to Pietermaritzburg. By the end of the day, two South African athletes—George Kusche and Gerda Steyn—had not only claimed victory but also obliterated long-standing records, etching their names into the annals of sporting greatness.
George Kusche’s Historic Triumph
In the men’s race, George Kusche delivered a performance that stunned even seasoned Comrades followers. Crossing the finish line in 5:15:56, Kusche shattered the previous Up Run record of 5:24:49, set by Russian Leonid Shvetsov in 2008. His average pace of 3:40 per kilometer was unprecedented, underscoring the sheer dominance of his run. Kusche’s victory was not just about speed—it was about resilience, strategy, and the ability to thrive under immense pressure.
Behind him, Dutch runner Piet Wiersma, the defending champion, finished second in 5:19:36, while South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo claimed third in 5:21:31. Remarkably, the top five men all dipped under Shvetsov’s previous record, highlighting the exceptional conditions and competitive spirit of this year’s race.
Gerda Steyn: The Queen of Comrades
If Kusche’s victory was historic, Gerda Steyn’s performance was legendary. Already hailed as the “Queen of South African roads,” Steyn claimed her fifth Comrades Marathon title and third Up Run crown, finishing in 5:44:53. This time smashed her own previous record of 5:49:46, set in 2024, and reaffirmed her dominance in women’s ultra-distance running.
Steyn’s consistency and ability to peak on the biggest stage have made her a national icon. Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma finished second in 5:53:36, while South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl secured third in 6:02:30. Steyn’s victory was not just about winning—it was about inspiring a generation of athletes, particularly women, to believe in their capacity to conquer the toughest challenges.
Atmosphere and Community Spirit
The Comrades Marathon is more than a race; it is a cultural phenomenon. Communities along the route came alive with music, braais, and cheering crowds, turning the roads into a festival of endurance and celebration. For many runners, the goal was simply to finish, but for Kusche and Steyn, the day was about rewriting history. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators witnessing feats that will be spoken of for decades.
Financial Rewards and Legacy
Both Kusche and Steyn walked away with over R2 million each in prize money and bonuses, thanks to their record-breaking performances. Beyond the financial rewards, however, their victories carry immense symbolic weight. Kusche’s triumph signals the rise of a new South African star in men’s ultra-running, while Steyn’s continued dominance cements her status as one of the greatest athletes in the nation’s history.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Comrades Marathon was the 50th edition of the Up Run, adding historical significance to the day’s achievements. With the 100th overall edition looming in 2027, the stage is set for even greater drama. For now, though, South Africa celebrates two heroes whose performances have elevated the prestige of the Comrades Marathon and inspired countless runners worldwide.
