83-Year-Old Johannes Mosehla Breaks His Own Record at Comrades Marathon
The 2025 edition of the Comrades Marathon will be remembered not just for the elite winners but for a feat of human endurance, resilience, and inspiration that captivated the nation.
Johannes Maros Mosehla, an 83-year-old athlete from Limpopo, etched his name into history on Sunday, becoming the oldest person ever to complete the Comrades Marathon, crossing the finish line in 11 hours, 47 minutes and 27 seconds — just over 12 minutes before the 12-hour cut-off time.
Mosehla, who had already made headlines in 2023 by finishing the Comrades at age 81 in an impressive time of 9 hours, 26 minutes, reclaimed the record from legendary runner Wally Hayward, who held the title for decades as the oldest finisher at age 80 in 1989.
After skipping the race in 2024, Mosehla returned this year determined to prove once again that age is no barrier to greatness.
“I’m feeling strong. I could run it again!” Mosehla said after finishing the grueling 89.9km “down run” from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Born in 1942, Mosehla only started participating in the Comrades Marathon in 2005 at the age of 63.
Sunday’s race marked his 11th Comrades finish, a milestone made even more remarkable given the physical and mental demands of the ultramarathon.
“You must not look for a number or age. It depends how my body is,” he told reporters.
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Mosehla trains consistently near his home in Polokwane, balancing life as a retired bricklayer with his rigorous fitness routine.
“Sometimes, I’m tired and I’ll only do 5 or 10 kilometers. But when I feel strong, I’ll do a 32-kilometer run. You can’t win without training,” he explained.
Mosehla grew up during apartheid, a time when black South Africans were banned from participating in major sporting events like the Comrades Marathon.
“I started running Comrades very late. When I first wanted to take part, black runners were not allowed in the early 1980s,” he said.
He called his victory a triumph not just for himself but for all South Africans who were once denied access and opportunity.
“Today, I am proud because I did it for the whole country.”
Mosehla was among the 22,670 runners who registered for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, a world-famous ultramarathon known for its unforgiving course and emotional significance.
This year’s route, known as the “down run,” stretched from Pietermaritzburg to the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Elite runners Tete Dijana (men’s winner) and Gerda Steyn (women’s winner) dominated the front pack, but all eyes were on the octogenarian defying the limits of age.
Spectators and fellow runners cheered Mosehla along the route as he battled through the kilometers with determination and grace.
In a race defined by its brutal physical demands and emotional intensity, Mosehla’s performance stood out as a beacon of what the human spirit can achieve.
Mosehla’s Race Stats:
| Category | Information |
| Full Name | Johannes Maros Mosehla |
| Age | 83 |
| Finish Time | 11:47:27 |
| Race Type | Down Run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) |
| Number of Finishes | 11 |
| First Comrades Entry | 2005 (at age 63) |
| Record Held | Oldest Comrades Marathon finisher |
Social media exploded with praise and awe for Mosehla’s achievement. Runners, celebrities, and political leaders lauded him as a national treasure. The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) also paid tribute to him.
“Mr. Mosehla represents everything the Comrades Marathon stands for endurance, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit,” CMA spokesperson said.