Momentum can feel like a tailwind on the open road. For George Kusche, the past year has delivered precisely that sensation. His recent results have turned heads across South Africa’s road running scene, though the Nedbank Running Club athlete keeps his gaze fixed firmly on the process rather than predictions ahead of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town on 12 April.
The 27-year-old has stitched together a string of impressive performances that signal a runner moving through the gears. Kusche finished fourth at the African Bank Soweto Marathon in November in 2:20:48, then carved his name into the record books with a course record victory at the hilly Biogen 21km in Johannesburg in 1:05:32.
His surge continued in February when he shattered his marathon personal best by more than five minutes to claim the Balwin Run Series Peninsula Marathon in 2:15:02.
For Kusche, the progress feels like a steady climb rather than a sudden leap.
“I’ve been slowly getting better. I haven’t changed anything in my training, I’ve been doing what I’ve been doing and it’s compounding. So I’ve been feeling stronger,” he said.
His running story stretches back to his school days at Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria where he dominated middle distance events. Those performances opened a door to the United States where he competed for Northern Arizona University in the fiercely competitive NCAA system. Kusche returned to South Africa as a sub four minute miler with a 5000m personal best of 13:28.95.
The experience still shapes the way he approaches the sport today.
“I’m very grateful for my experience in the US. I enjoyed it a lot and had some good experiences with some great coaches and athletes. I’m coaching myself now, so it certainly helps me to look back at the training I did and try and recreate those circumstances.”
After returning home, Kusche stepped away from racing in 2023 before finding fresh rhythm on the roads in 2024. His first taste of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon came that year. He surged to the front early and led until halfway before finishing second in 1:05:31 after a thrilling sprint to the line with Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo.
The race left a lasting impression.
“I actually wasn’t a big road running fan because I’d never done it before, though as I’m getting into it I’m starting to enjoy it now,” said Kusche.
“Two Oceans is one of those races that everybody wants to run. It’s a big race and everybody has a family member or a friend competing in either the 21km or the 56km. When I ran it for the first time I was excited because I knew there would be a lot of people competing. It’s always fun when a lot of people compete. Two Oceans is one of the races you have to run.”
Although the Comrades Marathon remains his primary target for the season, Kusche approaches every race with the same philosophy.
“I want to do my best at Comrades. There’s no point in talking about the outcome. All I need to do is focus on the process. If I start talking about the outcome that’s when things start going wrong. So I keep my back against the wall and keep on working hard.”
Race organisers believe his presence strengthens an already competitive field.
“George Kusche’s entry adds real depth and excitement to this year’s field,” said Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt.
“His performances over the past 12 months have been exceptional and we are thrilled to welcome an athlete of his calibre to the start line of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon.”
Race general manager Wade Bromfield echoed the sentiment.
“George has firmly established himself as one of South Africa’s standout road runners. His recent results including a record breaking victory at the Biogen 21km and a dominant performance at the Balwin Run Series Peninsula Marathon underline his potential.
“We are excited to have him back at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon where his passion for the event and competitive spirit will undoubtedly make for an exciting race.”
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon festival unfolds in Cape Town from 9 to 12 April 2026 and features a combined prize purse of R2.6 million across the ultra and half marathon events.
