By PiE Sports
The 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon delivered unforgettable drama, record-breaking performances, and another proud chapter in South African sporting history as thousands of runners conquered the gruelling route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Widely regarded as the world’s greatest ultramarathon, the 2026 Comrades Marathon saw South African athletes dominate the headlines, with both the men’s and women’s races producing historic results.
George Kusche Claims Historic Victory
South African runner George Kusche stunned a world-class field to win the men’s race in a remarkable time of 5:16:06, setting a new record for the Comrades Up Run.
Kusche’s performance showcased incredible endurance, tactical discipline, and determination as he surged ahead in the latter stages of the race to secure one of the most memorable victories in recent Comrades history.
The triumph places Kusche among the elite names in South African distance running and marks a major milestone in his athletic career.
The men’s top three finishers were:
- George Kusche (South Africa) – 5:16:06
- Piet Wiersma (Netherlands) – 5:19:45
- Mbuti Mollo (South Africa) – 5:21:40
Gerda Steyn Continues Her Reign
If there was any doubt about who wears the crown of South African ultrarunning, Gerda Steyn provided another emphatic answer.
Steyn captured her fifth Comrades Marathon title with a sensational performance, crossing the finish line in 5:44:53 and setting a new women’s Up Run record in the process.
The achievement further cements her legacy as one of South Africa’s greatest endurance athletes and one of the most dominant competitors in Comrades Marathon history.
The women’s podium featured:
- Gerda Steyn (South Africa) – 5:44:53
- Nobukhosi Tshuma (Zimbabwe) – 5:53:36
- Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) – 6:02:30
A Celebration of Human Spirit
Beyond the elite athletes, the Comrades Marathon once again celebrated the resilience, sacrifice and determination of thousands of runners from across South Africa and around the world.
From seasoned veterans chasing personal bests to first-time participants fulfilling lifelong dreams, the event embodied the spirit that has made Comrades a global sporting institution for nearly a century.
This year’s race theme, “Ska Fela Moya” – meaning Don’t Give Up – resonated deeply as athletes battled fatigue, steep climbs and mental challenges on one of the toughest endurance courses in the world.
South Africa’s Sporting Pride Shines Again
The record-breaking performances by George Kusche and Gerda Steyn come at a time when South African sport continues to enjoy success across multiple disciplines on the global stage.
Their victories not only inspired runners but also reminded the nation of the power of perseverance, preparation and belief.
As the countdown begins to the centenary edition of the Comrades Marathon in 2027, the 2026 race will be remembered as the year two South Africans etched their names into history and inspired a nation through extraordinary achievement.
PiE Take: In a world increasingly driven by instant results, the Comrades Marathon remains a powerful reminder that greatness is built one step at a time. George Kusche and Gerda Steyn showed that with dedication, discipline and heart, South Africans can continue to compete with the very best in the world.
