George Kusche – I am not doing this for the money

At the winners’ breakfast on Monday, Kusche received a standing ovation as he collected several bonus cheques, including R602 000 for smashing the 18-year-old Up-Run course record. 

The 28-year-old stopped the clock at 5:15:56, breaking the previous mark of 5:24:49 set by Russian runner Leonid Shvetsov.

The Nedbank Running Club star could still receive additional rewards from sponsors and other incentives, but he insists his love for the sport comes first. 

Kusche says he has not yet decided what he will do with the prize money.

"I haven't really thought about the financial aspect yet. If you're running for the money I think you're in the wrong sport."

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The Pretoria-based runner says the magnitude of his achievement is only now beginning to sink in after claiming his first Comrades Marathon title.

Kusche produced one of the greatest performances in the race’s history to win and break the long-standing course record.

"I think it's slowly starting to sink in. I woke up this morning and checked the date just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Kusche, who finished 12th on his Comrades debut last year, believes his full-time job has played an important role in his success as an athlete.

The data scientist says balancing work and elite running has given him stability and helped him prepare effectively for the Ultimate Human Race.