George Kusche and Gerda Steyn Crowned 2026 Comrades Marathon Champions

PIETERMARITZBURG – South African runners dominated the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday as George Kusche and Gerda Steyn produced historic performances to claim victory in the world-famous ultra-marathon.

In the men’s race, Kusche produced a career-defining performance to win in a blistering 5:15:56, setting a new Up Run record. The former track athlete timed his effort perfectly, gradually moving through the leading group before breaking away in the closing stages to secure a memorable win.
He defeated a strong field that included 2025 Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana, who finished in 5:23:48, as well as 2024 Up Run winner Piet Wiersma, who entered the race as the defending Up Run champion and went on to finish second in 5:19:36. South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo finished in third place in 5:21:31.

In the women’s race, Gerda Steyn further strengthened her legacy with a dominant performance, claiming her fifth Comrades Marathon title in a record-breaking 5:44:53. The multiple-time champion controlled the race from the front and never looked threatened as she powered to another historic victory. Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma finished second in 5:53:36, while South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl secured third in 6:02:30 after a consistent and determined run.

The 2026 edition marked the 50th official Up Run, covering approximately 86 kilometres from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, with more than 21,000 athletes taking part in one of the world’s most demanding endurance events.