The oldest Comrades Marathon finisher, Johannes Mosehla is a heartbroken man

Limpopo runner feels the organisers failed to honour him

- By Nakampe Lekwadu

On the streets, Marosi Johannes Mosehla, the 83-year-old who set a new record as the oldest man to complete the Comrades Marathon, is greeted and celebrated by many, but deep down his heart, the Limpopo-based old timer is a heartbroken and dejected man.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday World, Mosehla, who resides at Ga-Mogashoa village outside Jane Furse in Sekhukhune District's Makhuduthamaga Municipality, Limpopo, said he is disappointed by the organisers of the marathon for not honouring his efforts.

"In 2019, I ran and finished the race as the oldest man at the age of 77. I was so excited when I was called to ascend the podium after my feat, but only to be disappointed when my achievement was only recognised and applauded verbally without being given anything.

"I, however, consoled myself by the fact that the Comrades Marathon did not have any prize for the +70 years category then," said Mosehla.

Mosehla, a father of 15 (seven boys and eight girls) from three wives, two of whom are late, told Sunday World that his biggest disappointment in the race was in 2023 when he broke Wally Hayward's 34-year-old record after he finished the race at the age of 81. Hayward set the record after he completed the race in 1988 at the age of 80.

"Breaking Hayward's record was the biggest achievement of my life, and the memories of that day when I received resounding applause from the roaring crowds still echo in my mind.