How winning the Comrades changed George Kushe’s life

Kushe smashed the Up Run record in June while still balancing running with his career as a data scientist. 

The 27-year-old, who is self-coached, says his famous victory has brought positive changes and made him consider turning running into a full-time career, working with a professional coach and joining a training group.

"It has shown me what is possible if you apply yourself to something that is hard for a very long time. It's obviously given me opportunities to possibly run the Comrades full-time, and I would not have thought so. It is such a positive event. I'm so grateful that I decided to compete in the Comrades, and I am excited for the future of the Comrades. I think it will grow in stature; it's significant. I think it even has the power to unite our country in a very positive way," said Kushe.

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Kushe has also become a popular name on the road-running circuit following his Comrades victory. 

The Nedbank Running Club star says he is now receiving invitations to compete in races across the country, from 10km events to half-marathons and marathons. 

But with work and family commitments, he has to carefully choose the races he enters.

Last week, Kushe added another record to his name when he won the Waterfall City Half-Marathon in a time of 01:05:12. 

He broke Nicolas Seoposegwe’s previous record of 01:06:09 by almost a minute in front of a sold-out field of 8,000 runners. 

Kushe says returning to racing after his Comrades triumph was not easy.

The Pretoria-based runner says the excitement of winning the Comrades has now settled, and his focus has shifted to his preparations for next year. 

Kushe has a few marathons lined up as he builds towards the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.