George Kusche not taking anything for granted as one of Two Oceans Half Marathon favourites
George Kusche, a former track specialist and sub-4-minute miler, has transitioned to road running, becoming a favourite for the Two Oceans Half Marathon after impressive performances, including a runner-up finish in 2024. Picture: Action Photo
Image: Action Photo
George Kusche’s journey to being one of South Africa’s top road-runners has far from a linear progression, but when he lines up for the Two Oceans Half Marathon on April 12, it will be as one of the favourites.
In 2024, Kusche led at the halfway stage until he was overtaken by eventual winner Thabang Mosiako.
Still, Kusche impressed with his runner-up position in 1:05:31 as he edged Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo in a sprint finish.
In fact, the 27-year-old’s journey began as a track specialist in school, as he was recruited by Northern Arizona University, where he competed on the highly competitive US College NCAA Circuit, returning as a sub-4-minute miler and the holder of a 13:28.95 5000m personal best.
Kusche’s Journey: From Self-Coaching to Road Running Success
“I've been slowly getting better. I haven't changed anything in my training; I've just been doing what I’ve been doing, and it's compounding. So I’ve been feeling stronger,” said Kusche.
“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.”
Kusche returned to South Africa in 2023, not racing again until 2024. When he started up again, it was with the intention to compete on the road, with his first big performance coming at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, where he clocked a 10km PB of 28:56.
A week later, he continued that rich vein of form at Two Oceans.
“I actually wasn’t a big road running fan just because I’d never done it before, but as I’m getting into it, I’m starting to enjoy it now. 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 that competes in either the 21km or the 56km.
"So when I ran it for the first time, I was excited for it because I knew there would be a lot of people competing, and it’s always fun when a lot of people compete. Two Oceans is one of the races you have to run.”