“My Effort Meant Nothing” : Oldest Comrades Marathon Finisher Speaks Out on Lack of Recognition

• Johannes Mosehla, aged 83, is the oldest man to complete the Comrades Marathon but feels overlooked by organisers
• Despite breaking a 34-year-old record, Mosehla’s achievements received only verbal applause, with no formal recognition or reward
• The Limpopo veteran plans to keep running the race until he’s 92, driven by passion despite limited support

At 83, Marosi Johannes Mosehla from Ga-Mogashoa village in Limpopo made headlines by becoming the oldest person to finish the Comrades Marathon. But despite his historic feat, Mosehla says he feels sidelined and disheartened by the event organisers.

In 2023, the veteran runner broke Wally Hayward’s long-standing record by finishing the race at 81. He bettered his own record this year, crossing the finish line in 11 hours, 47 minutes, and 27 seconds. However, Mosehla says both milestones were acknowledged only verbally, with no formal recognition or reward.

“It feels like my effort meant nothing,” he told Sunday World. “I got applause from the crowd, but nothing tangible from the organisers.”

A journey of determination

Mosehla’s path to the Comrades was anything but smooth. Born into a rural farming family, he only started school at 18, walking 24km daily to attend Makgane Primary School. Despite these challenges, he completed his matric in 2006 through adult education.

His running journey began in the 1960s, winning local races under the mentorship of a teacher he remembers as Makhafola. In the apartheid era, Mosehla ran Olympic-qualifying times, but was barred from competing internationally due to racial restrictions.

“In the 70s, I was running 5,000m in 13 minutes. But apartheid denied us the world stage,” he reflected.

Veteran athlete with a passion for community

Mosehla ran his first Comrades at 63 in 2003 and has completed five editions of the ultra-marathon. A member of the Polokwane Athletic Club since 1983, he has also won various marathons including the Phalaborwa Phosphate Marathon and the Forever Resort Marathon.

Once a bricklayer by profession, he worked until 2024 and now survives on a pension grant. The father of 15 dreams of mentoring young athletes in Limpopo, but says lack of government and corporate support has held him back.

“I’d love to help young runners, but no one’s come forward to assist.”

No plans to stop running

Mosehla, who once took a 10-year break from sport due to family struggles, says he will continue running the Comrades for as long as his body allows, possibly until 92.

More grievances regarding this year's race

Briefly News also previously reported that concerns over athlete safety at the Comrades Marathon are growing after 54-year-old Moira Harding from Cape Town was found unresponsive and hypothermic near the NSRI base in Durban, hours after going missing post-race. She is currently recovering in ICU.

Her sister, Fiona Baldwin, blamed the disorganised street finish , unlike the traditional stadium, for Moira’s confusion and disappearance. The use of an emergency ID bracelet helped authorities quickly notify her family.

Critics have called for a safety audit and better post-race protocols, but the Comrades Marathon Association has yet to address Harding’s case directly, though it has dismissed online rumours about fatalities during the 2025 race.

Gerda Steyn cashes in

Briefly News previously reported that South African ultra-distance icon Gerda Steyn made history at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, walking away with a staggering amount in prize money and bonuses.

Her commanding victory in 5:51:19 secured her a fourth title and the biggest payday of her career.

Source: Briefly News