Brackenhurst gardener goes from humble beginnings to marathon glory

George Kanjuchi, a 28-year-old Malawian native, has come a long way since arriving in SA in 2016.

With a passion for running and the determination to succeed, Kanjuchi has transformed into a formidable athlete, achieving impressive results in several marathons.

His running journey began in 2018, but he didn’t start competing in marathons until 2022. His first marathon was the Sasolburg Marathon on March 26, 2022. He finished in an impressive 2:52:00.

The Jacaranda Marathon followed on November 11, 2023, and he completed the course in 2:49:00.

However, the Cape Town Marathon on October 20, 2024, marked a turning point in his running career. With a finish time of 2:39:00, Kanjuchi showed his growing endurance and speed.

“I’ve been working hard to improve my times, and it is great to see the results,” Kanjuchi said, reflecting on his progress.

Kanjuchi has also participated in several autumn marathons, including the Two Oceans Marathon.

His first Two Oceans was in 2023, when he finished in 4:02:00, narrowly missing the silver medal by two minutes to secure a bronze medal instead.

Undeterred, Kanjuchi returned to the Two Oceans Marathon in 2024, determined to improve his performance. His hard work paid off because he finished in 3:54:00, earning his first silver medal.

Most recently, Kanjuchi participated in the Sasol Marathon on February 15 in Mpumalanga, where he finished eighth and earned a silver medal.

With his sights set on continued success, Kanjuchi is gearing up for his third autumn marathon, soon to be held in Cape Town.

He’s even more determined to push himself to new heights and achieve his goals.

Kanjuchi joined the Peak Running Club in 2024 to take his running to the next level.

“I joined a running club to get a road racing license,” he explained.

This move likely contributed to his continued success and growth as a runner.

Despite his demanding training schedule, Kanjuchi prioritises family life. He is a devoted husband and father to a four-year-old son.

Kanjuchi works as a gardener to make ends meet, a profession he has been in since moving here.

For Kanjuchi, running is more than physical achievements; it is about spiritual growth.

He often writes down “His mercy is more for me” as a reminder of his faith and the second chance he believes God gave him.

“I believe God has given me a second chance to try something useful for my life, to leave the past behind through His grace,” Kanjuchi shared.

As he continues to push himself, there is no doubt that Kanjuchi will inspire others to lace up their running shoes and hit the road.