Goerge Kusche buoyed by Biogen half-marathon win ahead of new season

Kusche kicked off his racing calendar with an emphatic performance, stopping the clock at 1:05:32 to claim the 21.1km title. 

The Nedbank Running Club athlete told SABC Sport that opening his 2026 campaign with a win has set a positive tone for the season, and he is eager to see how far he can push himself this year.

"I just want to make a bang, I want to do the best that I can. I am excited about 2026, I think it's a great time to be a runner. For me, I wanna train hard and I wanna go into each race with confidence,” Kusche said. 

“I think the Comrades this year or next year will be the 100th edition and I wanna be part of that. I think it's one of those events that unites everyone. You can expect me to do my best at the Comrades."

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The data scientist by profession was pleased with his showing at the Biogen Half-Marathon, describing the race as tough but enjoyable. 

With the Comrades Marathon up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg scheduled for 14 June, the 26-year-old says his focus is already firmly on the ultra-marathon, which will mark only his second appearance at the iconic race.

He feels the hilly course tested him well and confirmed that his preparations are heading in the right direction.

"Yeah, a very well organised race and it's a hilly route, so it was a good race for me. I like hilly routes. I literally just wanted to keep it simple and maybe just stick behind the leading pack and then I felt good when I started to race, then I went forward and never looked back,” he added.