Goerge Kusche on balancing work and running

Kusche, a qualified data scientist, believes runners should prepare for life beyond the road and track by securing stable careers alongside their athletics pursuits.

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The 27-year-old, who receives a monthly stipend from the Nedbank Running Club, admits that such support is never guaranteed.

Injuries or a dip in performance could see contracts terminated at any time, which is why he has chosen to continue working full-time.

“It’s not easy. I wake up very early in the morning to do my long runs, go to gym and work late nights catching up, and then train again in the early hours,” Kusche told SABC Sport.

“You need a balanced lifestyle, even when things are going well. Running will not financially sustain you forever. You still have to support your family without the stress of having to win a race just to put food on the table.”

Kusche, who has clocked a personal best of 2:20 in only two marathons – the Cape Town Marathon and the Soweto Marathon – finished fourth at the Soweto Marathon last month.

He also made his Comrades Marathon debut last year, securing a respectable 12th-place finish. “Some contracts are performance-based and it’s not easy to win races all the time. Having a professional career brings stability to your life,” he added, urging fellow runners not to rely solely on athletics but to seek other opportunities.

Looking ahead, Kusche has set his sights on a top 10 finish at next year’s Comrades Marathon in June and plans to compete in another major local marathon. His long-term goal is to specialise in ultra-marathon running.

With the festive season approaching, Kusche has also cautioned athletes about maintaining discipline, particularly when it comes to diet. He revealed that he has continued training through December despite carrying a minor niggle.

“We have to be mindful and not just eat anything, because it can set you back when serious training starts in January. Eating healthy and being consistent with your diet is very important,” he said.

Kusche counts Stephen Mokoka among his role models, along with former Comrades Marathon champions Nick Bester and Bruce Fordyce. He also harbours ambitions of competing on the global stage.

“My dream marathon abroad is the New York Marathon because it’s in a big city. I would also love to run the Berlin Marathon in Germany, Next year I will really run well and attract sponsors it will be my breakthrough year” he concluded.